The realisation that you’re not going to have another horse, and have to sell all the stuff…

[Spotherisk]

Nearly three years since Tinner was put down, and I just have retirees here at home. I’ve not seen a horse for sale that I’ve wanted to try, which tells me that I’m not desperate to have another! The riding days are (probably) over, the tack and stuff is just sitting around. I recently realised that it would be even sadder to sell all my stuff when the retirees are also gone, and so today is ‘clean up and clear out and put up for sale day’…

No real reason for this post, but so many of us have been through it and it’s so sad. I’m looking at Harley’s first decent saddle and remembering it being fitted to Tinner too, Tinner’s ‘for life’ Jaguar bridle, Harley’s Jefferies hunter bridle for showing, so many old memories. ?

 

[Highmileagecob]

You have my sympathy. I have reluctantly decided to sell my tack, as 28y.o. cob is no longer ridden, and there definitely won't be another when he's gone. It just seems very final doesn't it?

 

[splashgirl45]

I can understand how you feel , I have had to give up due to a fall resulting in a bleed on the brain and as I am on blood thinners it’s too risky .. I’ve got rid of the smaller stuff but still have my saddles to go and I think when they go it will be really hard..

 

[tda]

Same here, I've not given up as such, but mainly oap's and youngsters here now, just one rarely ridden pony, so I don't need all the stuff I've amassed over the years
Started sorting it out a while ago for a friend to sell at a table top sale but then all the leatherwork needs cleaning so it all went back on the shelf . Feel like I'm getting rid of my life
5 pairs of stirrup irons anyone ??

 

[Birker2020]

I'm so sorry for you all, I genuinely am. I might not have had a lot of luck with Lari but at least I can do it all over again.

I hope your items are cherished by someone. It is sad and final.

In the plus side, without trying to mimimise your pain, you will be able to afford nice holidays, clothes and eating out every now and then and won't be so stressed with the issues horses throw at us.

Find a hobby you think you might enjoy, if you go on Groupon you can find some fabby deals, spa days, climbing lessons, Skiing, skating, gourmet cookery courses, flying kestrels, amusement park discounts, two for one on meals or hotel stays.

 

[Spotherisk]

I knew I wasn’t alone, and yes selling my Ideal Grandee is tough, I had various kind of fits saddles for years but the Grandee was for both me and Harley like putting on your favourite old slippers. Group sniffle anyone? :-(

 

[Spotherisk]

Same here, I've not given up as such, but mainly oap's and youngsters here now, just one rarely ridden pony, so I don't need all the stuff I've amassed over the years
Started sorting it out a while ago for a friend to sell at a table top sale but then all the leatherwork needs cleaning so it all went back on the shelf . Feel like I'm getting rid of my life
5 pairs of stirrup irons anyone ??

I did make £250 at an equestrian car boot not long ago, and that was the basic stuff, today I’m going through the good stuff…

 

[Spotherisk]

I'm so sorry for you all, I genuinely am. I might not have had a lot of luck with Lari but at least I can do it all over again.

I hope your items are cherished by someone. It is sad and final.

In the plus side, without trying to mimimise your pain, you will be able to afford nice holidays, clothes and eating out every now and then and won't be so stressed with the issues horses throw at us.

Find a hobby you think you might enjoy, if you go on Groupon you can find some fabby deals, spa days, climbing lessons, Skiing, skating, gourmet cookery courses, flying kestrels, amusement park discounts, two for one on meals or hotel stays.

Dog agility. Dog loads into the car with no fuss, I’ve never had to lead him home from a show, or 12 miles to his new home… ?

 

[Spotherisk]

I can understand how you feel , I have had to give up due to a fall resulting in a bleed on the brain and as I am on blood thinners it’s too risky .. I’ve got rid of the smaller stuff but still have my saddles to go and I think when they go it will be really hard..

My saddle is the hardest of the lot, I feel your pain.

 

[Spotherisk]

You have my sympathy. I have reluctantly decided to sell my tack, as 28y.o. cob is no longer ridden, and there definitely won't be another when he's gone. It just seems very final doesn't it?

Yes, very. A bit what do I do with my life now?

 

[Birker2020]

Yes, very. A bit what do I do with my life now?

The world is your oyster.

 

[splashgirl45]

Both of my saddles are on my saddle horse in the bedroom, I thought if they were making the room a mess it would encourage me to get rid , but they are still there, my friend has said if I take photos she will put them on Facebook , and I haven’t done that yet

I combatted the not riding by getting another dog, so having 3 keeps my mind off the horses a bit, but I’m now watching the racing so can’t keep away

 

[Spotherisk]

The world is your oyster.

If only it was that simple!

 

[ycbm]

I have a stack of saddles in the garage which have to go because I'm never going to be in the position of having more than one ridden horse again. It feels very much like the end of an era.

Anyone need a WOW?
.

 

[Ratface]

Both of my saddles are on my saddle horse in the bedroom, I thought if they were making the room a mess it would encourage me to get rid , but they are still there, my friend has said if I take photos she will put them on Facebook , and I haven’t done that yet

I combatted the not riding by getting another dog, so having 3 keeps my mind off the horses a bit, but I’m now watching the racing so can’t keep away

Enjoy your lovely dogs. Second-guess the outcome of whatever racing you're watching. Brood over the winner's breed lines (my favourite occupation!)
Let time pass.
Grief is the price we pay for love.

 

[splashgirl45]

I’ve got Barnsby and Albion so decent saddles and it will be a wrench to see them go if I ever get the courage

 

[Goldenstar]

I had an a ridiculous number of of lovely saddles I have parted with lots I have about fifteen left .

 

[Spotherisk]

I’m now feeling quite good about only having two saddles to sell!

 

[Crazy_cat_lady]

Bit different as I have up due to loss of interest and due to finances, but I sold all my stuff

However I have kept some sentimental bits e.g several saddle pads, and a box of stuff. The saddle pads are in one of those zip bags and sit on the box on my wardrobe. The chances of me ever using them again are 0, but I didn't feel I wanted to get rid of them. I have my favourite rug of his under my bed after it was professionally washed. His Stubben bridle is hanging on my door.

So don't feel you have to get rid of Absolutely everything if there's some sentimental bits you want to keep! Even if you never use them again, you can still keep them if you wanted to

 

[Dasher66]

I’m a few years further on than you. I’d sell the leather tack now because it is so upsetting to get it out after a couple of years and see how much it has deteriorated. Even though it was well cleaned and conditioned before putting away.
it was much easier to sell the cheap stuff, it seems no one wants to pay good money for the better items and it’s surprising how quickly it goes out of date.

 

[Baywonder]

My old boy's saddle and bridles aren't going anywhere. In fact, apart from his rugs, I still have everything.

I can't bear to part with any of it. ?

 

[Sparky Lily]

I still have all of Harvey’s stuff, though he died 10 years ago, and what fitted a 16.2 ISH is not much use to any of my 4 Shetland ponies. One of the saddles was made-to-measure, so would probably need altering to fit another horse. I just have not been able to part with anything yet.

 

[Mrs. Jingle]

I actually bit the bullet and sold on almost all my tack and saddles and rugs, just a few hanging about on Facebook selling page now. But, ever the optimist, I have kept my most favourite saddle that is almost new and 'should' be able to be adjusted for the sort of horse I might get again at some point. Also three bridles that I had custom made back when I sold tack as a business - two full size and one XFull though so might have to be a cob with a big head if I do buy again! Also I had treated myself to a very expensive pair of stirrup irons I never got the chance to even try - keeping those for now.

When I eventually sell the remaining items it will be the day I finally give in and admit to myself there will never be another riding horse for me. That will be a very sad and miserable day for me, so I really do feel for you @ Spottherisk.

 

[Caol Ila]

I have a stack of saddles in the garage which have to go because I'm never going to be in the position of having more than one ridden horse again. It feels very much like the end of an era.

Anyone need a WOW?
.

Possibly? Did you use it on the PRE you had for a little while?

 

[splashgirl45]

It’s very sad for me mrs j. Horses had been in my life for over 60 years and you’ve just reminded me I’ve got a pair of Albion non stretch stirrup leathers which I only used for 6 months , I must find them and try and sell them with my Albion saddle

 

[rabatsa]

I am another who will never be riding again. I have rehomed two saddles but there are still another four in the tack cupboard. I have not let any bridles go, I think that there might be 10 of those.

I am not giving up equines yet and may get a driving pony at some stage, if my current lodger needs a new home I may be tempted to purchase her.

 

[YoLaTango]

Gosh this is a heart pulling thread. Is there a way of making a really beloved saddle into something? Perhaps taking some of the leather and making into a necklace? Prob a stupid idea…

Or maybe if you could find someone kind to sell/give it to in return for the promise of pictures and updates on how it’s being used.I am a softy and if I bought something like this, I’d adore giving updates. I’m currently wondering whether someone once loved my beat up gfs saddle….

 

[Burnttoast]

Taking my last bits and pieces down to WHW for the 2ndhand tack shop tomorrow, as I can't be bothered to try to sell. Meanwhile the retired boy lives the life of riley with his mate. I wonder about a little herd of minis when they go just to have some equines around the place but it depends on my health improving.

 

[Ditchjumper2]

I am in exactly the same position! Old boy pts recently and other boy on permanent loan. My trusty lorry also died so it seems like that is it. Following 2 bad accidents and loss of husband I feel at my age that is it. 40 years of stuff mainly traditional hunting tack rather than fashionable stuff. I also do dog agility and now do more but it is not the same. Although have started to collect Equafleece s haha.I haven't tried to sell stuff yet but am sure I will soon then that will be that. So sad.

 

[MuddyMonster]

Gosh this is a heart pulling thread. Is there a way of making a really beloved saddle into something? Perhaps taking some of the leather and making into a necklace? Prob a stupid idea…

Or maybe if you could find someone kind to sell/give it to in return for the promise of pictures and updates on how it’s being used.I am a softy and if I bought something like this, I’d adore giving updates. I’m currently wondering whether someone once loved my beat up gfs saddle….

I'm sure I've seen a company that turns old saddles into bags.

Let me see if I can find the company, as it might help someone.