should i get a third horse?

T

TallSue

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I currently keep two horses at home, one for me and one for daughter. I do most of the work but enjoy it. I am thinking about retiring my lad because of his health issues but still want to ride.
Is three horses too many?
Will it be too much work?
Your advice/experience/ thoughts welcome.
 
If you keep them at home then I'd say go for it as long as you can afford to feed a third and provide veterinary care if necessary. You could always keep them out to reduce the workload for you?
 
As long as you have enough space, time and money for them go for it. 3 can be a tricky number though so be prepared to get a fourth to restore hamony if they don't settle!
 
Is it true, two's company, three's a crowd. Am i likely To have a problem.
Realistically i don't think i could afford 4 and hubby would really take some persuading!!
 
I've got 3, find its ideal. When I ride on my own (often} there are still 2 to leave in field. At the weekend when husband rides with me the old boy is happy to be left in the stable to munch hay, uninterrupted by the 2 pushy mares.
Not much extra work as he gets very little exercise, so just a quick groom \ rug change & cuddle. They all live out so no stables to muck out each day, but if your doing 2, then a 3rd doesn't add that much time.
 
I run a livery yard and I don't have staff. I have kept as many as 8 horses (two of my own and 6 full livery), and it was hard work but doable without letting standards slip. However, I needed to reduce my workload a bit because of bad shoulders and reduced it to 5. That is a good number. I currently have 4 due to someone selling their horse and another is sending hers to the blood bank soon so I will have 3! I think though I will probably take on a couple more liveries if the right people come along. Three horses would be a breeze for me.
 
It's a slippery slope! After going from 2 to 3, then going for more was easy and at one stage we got to 8! We are now at 6 which I look after myself and do a full time job (only 2 currently ridden and I get help with that)
So 3? Easy, but only as long as you can leave who you need to when you ride?
Good luck!
 
I'm in the same situation. I have my older (broken) Dales and my friends cob at home and want another before I get really ancient ! I've looked at a couple and ruled one out straight away but am trying a Fell (always wanted one) for the 3rd time next week :) and all being well I will be making a purchase.
Good luck !
 
I had 3 for ages; one in full work (when not on the sick list), my EPSM horse who had a sharer (sharer did virtually nothing except riding) & my oldie. All at home. It was no trouble at all. Caught 2 in to feed & left the oldie in the field with hers. She was quite happy to be left, and equally happy to be a travel companion as mine won't travel alone.

T x
 
I have 3 at home and they get on fine. The elderly Welsh pony is happy to be left alone as long as he has something to eat. They live out so not too much work.
 
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