Should I sell my horse?

Lizzeexox

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Hello, so I recently bought a 2 year old welsh D, she is fabulous and is coming on lovely growing and having fun in the field.

I’m wondering if I should sell her now before it’s time to break her in a couple of years? I originally had another which sadly died and since I’ve recently felt like it’s a complete chore going to the yard. I’m also not the wealthiest person in the world and I often wonder if I’m insane spending all my money on my horse and land I rent and never treat myself.
I know that sounds kind of selfish but I do feel I’m finding it hard work juggling everything and I have to pay a girl to go when I work too which is expensive.
I also don’t want to regret selling her because I think she could be fabulous. Anyone else had this issue? HELP
 

windand rain

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Thing is you may well regret it if you see her out and about doing the things you enjoy Having a horse with a clean slate and seeing your work rewarded is the most uplifting thing I have done and have almost always feel saddened if their new owners don't use them to their potential. Mind you most are still with me so I guess I am not the right person to advise. If you really do not want to do the work she could be better off with someone who loves it.
 

notsoluckyhorseshoes

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Perhaps if you're unsure, maybe you can loan them out a project with the possibility of the loaner buying? I'm not sure how well it'd go since it is loaning an unbacked horse and they back it themselves or such.
 

[153312]

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If you're not sure, can she go on young stock livery somewhere out in a field with a herd for a year or two until you've made up your mind? If you've had another recently die it does make sense for your enthusiasm for it all to have subsided somewhat, you're grieving and it would be a shame to do something you later come to regret. But young stock livery wouldn't hurt either of you and would give you some breathing space, plus you wouldn't have to be paying for someone else to tend to her when you are working. And an unbacked 3-4 year old would still be sellable, or you could send her away for breaking and then sell if that's what you choose to do.
Best of luck, whatever you decide: it's a horrible dilemma to have when on the one hand it's a hobby and meant to be something you enjoy, but on the other you need to balance the needs of the animal
 

Caol Ila

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I was in that position earlier this year, where I had an unbacked 2-year old and my old horse went downhill a lot faster than I had anticipated. I nursed my old girl with everything I had until there was nothing more I could do for her, got the youngster on 24/7 herd turn-out, and after I had to make the tough call about my old horse and PTS, I bought another one of ridable age. The very cool baby PRE can grow up without pressure (other than the pressure created by her own poor life choices back in 2020), and I have a horse I can do lots of stuff with. It was the nuts decision, but still feels like the right one.
 

Lois Lame

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I bought a mare off a young lady some years ago who had lost her beloved youngster when teaching her to tie up. The lady's motivation had disappeared, and she couldn't understand it. I told her it was completely understandable.

Good luck with whatever you decide. It's a bit of a tough road for you at the moment. Do what feels right.
:)

The lady in question got her oomph back at a later date. I gave the mare back to her after having her for about 3 or 4 years, to retire with her. She was delighted.
 

SatansLittleHelper

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To be fair it's a rubbish time of year to own horses so an unrideable would definitely feel like a chore. I agree with those eho say to chuck her out on youngstock livery and see how you feel after 6-12 months. That said, there is no shame in selling if you feel that's the best long term plan x
 

Lizzeexox

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Thanks everyone il have a little think. Youngstock livery is sadly a no because it’s so expensive round here plus she had an accident earlier in the year which I don’t think would be suitable to turn her this winter with a herd. She is in a field where they get hay so it’s not overly hard I’ve just lost motivation ?
 

nagblagger

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Could you get someone to check on her a couple of days a week so you get 'days off' ? Losing a horse, plus winter weather, is not the right time to make a decision unless you are 100% you will not regret it later. ask yourself how will you feel when she is loaded in a trailer driving out of your yard to their new home..
If we are all honest i think we all lose motivation, at some point, in horse ownership. I certainly have.
 

CMcC

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I bought a Welsh C (turned into a D!) at rising 3 with the intention of selling before backing (I bought him to keep another youngster company). Didn’t quite get round to selling him, had him backed. He is now 9 and is a fantastic ridden pony. If you think she has potential hang in there. Lots of good tips above to make the next couple of years easier.
 
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