To sell or not?

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stormclouds

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I think I’ve come to the decision that I need to sell my pony, but would like some impartial thoughts on all of this (especially from those who’ve sold and taken a break, and come back to horses later).

I’m moving jobs to something far more stress, it’s unflexible (my current job lets me nip in and out for farrier etc.), has much longer hours and a high chance of working away from home a few times a week/staying in hotels etc. However, it will mean more money/stability/better career path in the long run. For this reason, horse is being moved onto full livery. There’s no way I’ll have time to do him before work, and won’t be able to leave before it gets dark to bring in over winter. Plus I live in a city centre and just getting to yards takes at least half an hour, and means I won’t be able to fit in yard before work while taking yard opening hours into account.

Due to moving jobs, we’re also moving house, and as a result, will be paying quite a lot more per month, as well as spending a large chunk of my emergency fund on the deposit (renting, not buying).

Purely on time and money factors, it’s going to be a struggle, especially if anything goes wrong with horse/cat/car.

Aside from time and money, I just don’t think I enjoy it anymore. I’m constantly making excuses for why I’m not riding, and when I do ride I do the bare minimum. OH keeps on pointing out that this is probably because I’m not happy on my yard (YO is a bully), and that it might change when he’s on full livery and I’m at a different yard. However, I just don’t think my heart’s in it.

For the first time ever, giving up all my time and money just doesn’t seem worth it.

I’m not worried about selling pony – he’s a cracking lad and I think he’ll find a lovely home. I've thought about a sharer/loaner but I think that would stress me out even more! (even though I shared for a long, long time and I hope I was ok!)

Sorry this is so long, just need to get my thoughts out (don’t really have any horsey friends where I live now, and OH just doesn’t really get it).
 
I think, honestly, you know that selling is the best idea. While you could have all the money in the world, and all the time, if you're no longer really, really loving it, horses are too much stress.
I gave up when I did my undergraduate degree - I couldn't afford it, and quite honestly I was bored by this point. I'd been riding since I was three, with no real breaks, had ponies on loan from the age of 9 until I was almost 19, and my heart definitely wasn't in it anymore. I sat on my friend's horse a few times during my three years of university, but wasn't that bothered. Graduated, came back home, and I was desperate to start riding again; I'm just starting the second year of my part-time masters while riding 5 times a week, and am in the process of applying for medical school, and am praying that I get into Southampton as I can live at home and still ride the ponies (if/when I have time!).
You might find that you've moved on from horses, or you might find that in a couple of years you want to get back into it. Circumstances change, jobs change, you don't know what will happen in the future, but it seems clear to you that, for now, selling is a good idea.


Hope everything works out for you :)
 
Is it possible that your OH is right when he says you might be happier when the pony has moved? If so then maybe wait for a month when at your new yard to see if you get a new lease of life. Sharers can actually work well if you find the right ones (I looked for ages and now have found one who is simply amazing).

Otherwise you can save an awful lot per month when you take out the costs of a horse, all things considered, so you should be in a position to go back when you are ready. If you really miss the horse and the riding you could look for a share yourself, if money and time allows.

Sounds like you are making a sensible decision and that the horse will be fine. You will of course find out if it's true that your heart isn't in it long term, and you will know to go back to horses if you miss it too much. They will always be there waiting for you, when you are ready. Good luck.
 
Thanks all. Glad to hear I'm making sense, and I think deep down I know it's the right decision, even though it will be really odd not having a horse in my life. He was never going to be a forever horse (unless I got a huge payrise!) as although he is very sweet and a complete confidence giver, I'm quite leggy on him and would like something with a bit more fizz if/when I get back into it again.

Abacus - yeah I'm going to give it a go at the new yard, but even thinking of their lovely XC course and miles of hacking isn't making me excited about riding :(
 
I think it sounds like it's the right decision for you at this time. Definitely see how you get on at the new yard first, but I think if your priorities are changing it's best to get out while you still are passionate enough to be patient enough to sell to the right person. Plus whenever you're home come and ride my girls! x
 
Sophire said:
I think it sounds like it's the right decision for you at this time. Definitely see how you get on at the new yard first, but I think if your priorities are changing it's best to get out while you still are passionate enough to be patient enough to sell to the right person. Plus whenever you're home come and ride my girls! x
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Ah thanks lovely :) obviously not the best time to sell but like you say, better to start the process now then when I'm really pulling my hair out. And yes def need to meet the newbie! X
 
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