Those that went from ome to two horses.

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Louby

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I have the opportunity to buy a horse Ive always admired, I never wanted 2 horses, mainly cost but really dont want to miss out on this horse. My horse is in his teens now, has an ongoing issue that wasnt looking good the other week but it seems to have settled down for now. Of course I want my boy to be fine and if he was in good health I doubt Id be considering this other horse but I cant help thinking Im going to let this opportunity go and then something awful will happen and I will regret letting the other horse go. On the other hand, my boys history is he seems to get the worse things ever happen to him and comes through them, touching wood now as he is my priority.
I really dont know what to do. I have the time and we can afford another horse but its not ideal really as Im happy with one horse and only need one horse and the expense puts me off.
My horse gets the best of everything, I know I could easily reduce costs by changing a few minor things, rugs, I have lots, will fit, saddle well who knows but I dont think Id have to buy anything other than that, insurance, well hes excluded for a few things so may just insure the new horse as Ive often wondered why Im still insured, shoes, farrier has already suggested my boy going barefoot or fronts only as his feet are so good. It is still two livery bills and I wouldnt want my husband to resent this. Hes happy for me to go ahead but Im trying to be sensible about this.
Have you found everythings doubled cost and time wise?
 
i have two horses- long story, but it did happen by accident! i didn't have one and go looking for a second. they compliment each other as they are both very different: one is a gelding, ex-racer, very well behaved, 15 yo, but with arthritus now, and although after injections in his hock he is ok, he is only a happy hacker. second is a mare, 11 years old now i think, can be opinionated and tricky, but rewarding when she makes progress or has a good day or trip out....so basically i see your point to getting a second younger horse. i will hack my boy and lead my girl off him to get them exercised, and keep her a bit fitter.
time wise- if both are being kept fit than it can be double the riding time (unless you can ride and lead like i do. also sometimes a friend rides my gelding so we hack out together ), but time wise i would say less than double as you multitask- like turning them out at the same time and you tend to get quicker at mucking out when you have 2 or more to do. but yes it does take more time.
cost- nothing it buy-one-get-one-free in horse world- everything doubles, especially if you are on livery
 
I think all your regular costs will double being on livery (with the exception of perhaps being able to get a discount on feed/ forage by bulk buying). The set up costs (tack rugs etc) are nothing compared to what your monthly costs will add up to over a year, though at least those are spread out :). Time wise however no I don't think it takes double particularly when you settle into a routine. Riding takes double time, but the chores don't :). If you have the money I'd try and consider if you will have more regrets if you don't go for it and miss the opportunity, than if you go for it and have a bit less time free & don't have the money for other things! I wouldn't take the horse on however if I was concerned I may end up resenting him/her, not fair on the horse & not fair on you.
 
Bit different here, as we don't do livery, but I have four. One is old and one is young (future planning) and I find I do have time and money to ride and compete two, but different disciplines so that helps. The advantage is, that if one is out with injury (which she currently is), I can still be riding. However two to ride is my limit, and I think that is the key - knowing what you can cope with.
 
Thanks for replying. This horse is rising 4, I know it isnt going to be easy but hes everything I could dream of and a perfect step up from my boy who has taught me loads. I bought him at the same age and we have learnt so much together and the new horse has IMO what it takes to go that bit further. Gosh. Tbh we were fearing the worse last week with my boy and it seemed like fate that the new horse was offered to me. Owner is prepared to keep this horse as long as I like if I decide I want him, he isnt currently advertised but I need to make a decision either way this week as I have promised I wont mess them about .
 
I went from one to two, and it all fitted in quite well. I noticed it more when we went back from 2 to one, and I have time to spare, and more money too!!!!
 
Day to day I dont notice it but its times like farrier, teeth and wormers that i really notice the doubled costs and nights where they have both been stabled where i notice the extra time
 
I recently went up from one to two.

My addition has coincided with our fields being closed off, so we're currently on 24hr stabling costs in terms of bedding and hay.
Obviously the basics have all doubled (livery, insurance, vets) which is alright, but noticeable. The biggest impact at the moment is the haylage; with 2 in all week, and with us spending a lot of time at the yard (our choice), we've been going through that a mile and minute. However, if they were both out at the moment, I reckon we wouldn't actually be using too much more than we are.

Time isn't much of an increase, either. If anything, I've become more efficient at doing the jobs!
 
Thanks again. Time wise I notice it takes me as long to do one as my friend does to almost do 3. My mucking out seems to consist of chat on way to muck Heap, and on way back too :), stop on way to water for quick chat again etc etc. If Im pushed for time its all done in a flash. Its down to the costs then really and theres not much I can really change about that.
 
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