To get another horse or not...?

[warmbloodcrazy]

Hi all,

I am facing that age old dilemma of getting another younger horse now my boy is getting a little older. He will be 17 this year and although i still plan to have lots more fun on him until the day i can't i am already a little limited as to what i can do. So the question is do i get myself a youngster to bring on along side him.. i will find it tight financially but i really do want to be competing for a while yet, im not happy as just a happy hacker and although my horse is still competing, i'd love to go up a gear in the future and affiliate etc as i am only 27 myself. Do i wait a little longer until my older horse can't compete anymore or do i get another horse now? just wanted to know peoples views and the decisions they have made in this situation as its one we all have to face sooner or later...

Many thanks in advance!

 

[debsflo]

I have a 21 yr old and would love to still be competing but she is a happy hack now and i aim to keep her sound and happy. I have had an extra horse as my daughter rode but realised especially in winter,riding and caring for 2 is hard work. I have mine at home so dont have livery but they are in at night all year round so still costs a fair bit and 2 pairs of shoes,bedding,haylage and insurance soon stacks up. I have decided i want to focus on my elderley mare and to be able to keep her well without worry about costs or fitting her in so will not be buying until she either dies or has to be fully retired. Daughter and i have however shared a horse for the last year so have been able to school and compete still.

 

[horsesatemymoney]

How tight is tight financially? If you're going to find it tight to keep two, how likely is it that you could compete the new one on top? What about looking for a share?

 

[OWLIE185]

It will be at least twice the expense and twice the work. Do you have enough time to excercise both of them? Also elderly horses normally will require more veterinarry attention and are not insurable so you will always need a big pool of money available just in case.

 

[warmbloodcrazy]

I mean tight financially as in no more shopping sprees on myself and a hold on saving to move out! Lol its doable and i also have alot of support from my other half aswell as my Mum who has her own horse (he too has EMS/lami issues) so she may well share the new horse with me eventually.. i am thinking i could obviously sell the new one on in a couple of years should i find i then want more money free again. I just really want to be able to compete etc as i am only 27. My horse that i have had for 11 years has a stifle issue and has good days and then other days he just wants to mooch around. I love him to absolute pieces and will still keep him for as long as he's happy, my other half rides him on occasion too but a sharer will be an option down the line should i need one. I love hacking him etc but i love my jumping and competing and in a few years i'll be growing up and having a family and my own place and having all the responsibility so why not do it now.. I of course am fully aware of the cost and time aspect, just wanted to know what others have done in this situation. Its so hard when your horse gets older i wish he was 6 again.. i've been so emotional recently realising that he is getting older and toying with not getting another one..giving up the competing etc or getting another one.. We love these animals to pieces, hes a member of my family..

Thank again for all your post, they really are appreciated.