To sell or to keep

[Abacus]

Musing really but any thoughts would be welcome.
The background is: I have a lovely 8 year old horse, who although he needs some work schooling, has the most super jump and I think his flatwork will be fab, it has already come a long way. He rides big for a compact 16.1 and gives a lovely feel over a fence. He’s a really good chap to have around. Sweet, friendly and well mannered. Easy to do anything with. He wasn’t cheap - I bought him in Feb.

I also recently bought a 15.1 for my son who is also gorgeous. I’m doing about half the riding, to keep him going nicely and because my son doesn’t have time around school to ride nearly every day, so I hop on maybe 3 times a week. He schools very nicely and has a great jump although he does feel a bit small compared with those I’m used to. I’m 5’5, weigh a bit under 9 stone, so I’m not too big for him, it’s just my own perception. I’m already getting more used to his size and smaller movement.
I struggle to find time to keep both going around a full time job (thankfully I work from home) but do enjoy both of them in different ways. I will find it hard to compete then both and sometimes wonder if I’ll ever manage to get both eventing, or even one, while I have both of them to ride every day. There isn’t time for all the arena practise, xc schooling etc. My sensible side says I should keep the small one and sell the big one, and we can share him - I have my old boy (24) for if we want to hack together. But I also would miss the feeling the bigger horse gives me. I also know my son grows so fast that in 2 years he’ll probably want the big one, or we’d need to sell his to buy him the next size up. So if I keep both, when the time comes we can swap.
Then there’s cost of living etc to factor in. Hmmmm. I know we are so lucky to have 2 really lovely horses but it’s also a lot of work…

 

[Flyermc]

would sharers work or loan the big one out for a year or so and see how you feel then?

 

[Squeak]

Will your son manage to ride a bit more over the summer? If he's able to do more over the holiday it might make it so that you're able to drop back on their work a bit over the winter and term time and then up it over the holidays.

Also you might get a bit stuck if Son riders everyday of the holiday and you're suddenly left with nothing to ride!

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

You've put a lot of work in and it seems a shame to be thinking about selling tbh......... wonder if a Sharer would work for you. You'd need to be very picky, naturally, and unfortunately you'll get every novice that's done two lessons at the local RS rock-up and tell you they're ready to ride round Badminton, but there ARE a lot of good keen young riders out there who might welcome the opportunity?? You could ask around at your local pony club??

Just a thought.

 

[JumpTheMoon1]

School holidays about now - get your son in the saddle and doing some work.You should stop and think before creating problems - you knew what your work situation was etc.

 

[SEL]

School holidays about now - get your son in the saddle and doing some work.You should stop and think before creating problems - you knew what your work situation was etc.

First post and hardly a pleasant one.

OP ask around to see if there's a decent mature rider around who'd like a few hours during the week. I've known a few people with a strong riding background but without the funds to have their own who've helped keep horses fit.

 

[Abacus]

School holidays about now - get your son in the saddle and doing some work.You should stop and think before creating problems - you knew what your work situation was etc.

I did know that, but also thought I was buying a quiet 15.1 that wouldn’t need much extra riding. He is that, but he’s actually so nice that he’s worth making the effort to keep on improving, and he’s more fun to ride than I expected. Added to which I am divorced so son lives with me half the time, so there are always 3 or 4 days per week he isn’t around. Thank you for your thoughts.

Thanks to those suggesting a sharer. I’m somewhat reluctant because as we know they are a mixed bag and I’ll be lucky to find one good enough but you’re right - it is worth trying.

 

[spacefaer]

I'm very lucky in that there's a girl who has no time or interest in owning a horse, due to other commitments, but she's an extremely capable rider, so she pops over at mutually convenient times and hacks out with me - we go xc schooling together, fun rides etc. It's a very casual arrangement - nothing so formal as a sharer, as she rides whatever suits but it's great as i have the company and she gets to ride with no commitment.

She came highly recommended by word of mouth - maybe you could find someone similar?

 

[pistolpete]

Get a sharer! I’d snap your hand off a lively potential eventer. I’m currently paying over £100 a month for my two day a week share. Cost isn’t the main issue then at least.

 

[Abacus]

I'm very lucky in that there's a girl who has no time or interest in owning a horse, due to other commitments, but she's an extremely capable rider, so she pops over at mutually convenient times and hacks out with me - we go xc schooling together, fun rides etc. It's a very casual arrangement - nothing so formal as a sharer, as she rides whatever suits but it's great as i have the company and she gets to ride with no commitment.

She came highly recommended by word of mouth - maybe you could find someone similar?

Get a sharer! I’d snap your hand off a lively potential eventer. I’m currently paying over £100 a month for my two day a week share. Cost isn’t the main issue then at least.

Wow, so they are out there! If you know anyone in South Oxfordshire...

Thank you, I will ask around.

 

[Northern Hare]

I'd say hang on in there and try to keep them both - it sounds as though you've got two lovely horses there and a son who is going to be shooting up in height over the next few years. With the horse market as it is, I'm sure they'd sell really well, but do you want to have to go back and buy another bigger horse in a year or two's time. I suspect you'd be kicking yourself. ?

 

[Ratface]

What Norther Hare said!

 

[The Xmas Furry]

School holidays about now - get your son in the saddle and doing some work.You should stop and think before creating problems - you knew what your work situation was etc.

Have you joined the forum to spill bile on each of your posts, or is this DR in yet another guise?

 

[Orangehorse]

When I had very small children and no horse I used to go and hack out at a local hunter livery yard, the owner knew I had previously hunted and evented and even judged me at dressage! So I was glad to go and ride, and the yard owner was glad of the help. So there are people around who would be suitable.

 

[TPO]

How keen is your son? Not a parent but can vaguely remember being that age and its when a lot of my horsey friends lost interest and wanted more time for friends. 15/16 also seems to be the age when school work and exam prep/exams ramp up so some conscientious types prioritise that over horse time too.

If your sons interest is maybe waning then perhaps look at selling the 15 hander in the not too distant future. It reads like you definitely prefer the bigger horse and that you are expecting your son to grow a bit yet. How does he get on with the bigger horse just now?

 

[Abacus]

My son is 12 but tall - 5’7 now, possibly more - and at the moment he is very keen and really adores the little horse - his interest has increased since buying him. He’s not really competitive but loves lessons and jumping. I’m totally aware that he may lose interest in time which is fine and we’ll sell the smaller one if that happens. At the moment the big one is too big moving and forward for him to feel very comfortable. It’s probably about 2 years away that he’d be ready to move up.

 

[ponynutz]

School holidays about now - get your son in the saddle and doing some work.You should stop and think before creating problems - you knew what your work situation was etc.

Bit harsh, we all get into these situations and sometimes things seem easier than they turn out or situations change.

Abacus... I'd say keep both if possible, especially if your son will want to move up eventually. Agreed a sharer might work for the winter months but in summer it should be more than fine. If he's only 12 surely he can ride most days after school, I certainly did at that age?

 

[ponynutz]

How keen is your son? Not a parent but can vaguely remember being that age and its when a lot of my horsey friends lost interest and wanted more time for friends. 15/16 also seems to be the age when school work and exam prep/exams ramp up so some conscientious types prioritise that over horse time too.

Agreed with this also - although I'm still horsey, teenage age is when commitments start to impede on your horsey time and unless you're really dedicated or want to work with horses quite often people give up or become happy hackers.

 

[splashgirl45]

why do new posters say such nasty things, is it school holidays now?


i would keep both if you can and find someone to ride with you a couple of days in the week. they are out there, maybe a retired person who cant afford their own any more, you could also ask at your local riding club to see if someone would be interested...

 

[chaps89]

Sharers are definitley out there.
I have had one share (dressage schoolmaster, also hacks and does working equitation) for 7(?) years who I rode alongside my own horse, then last year when my own was turned away (and subsequently pts) I took on another one (pc pony re-schooling project)
I have lessons on both, chance to compete (if I want - I don’t!), the second one I take out jump schooling or to sponsored rides. I don’t with the first one but that’s fine too.
No money changes hands, the owners are just appreciative of the help and I’m appreciative of having nice horses to ride at a time where I can’t afford another of my own.
Might take a while to find the right person but you won’t lose anything by looking

 

[BatHorse]

I think the school holidays have started in Scotland.

Keep both if you can, and look for a sharer. I've just had to give up my share horse as I've moved Cheshire to Oxfordshire, I like to think I was a good sharer. I did his stable jobs and rode a few times a week and made a small contribution. There are plenty of people out there like me who don't have the time or funds for their own but could commit to a few days a week. Bonus if you wanted someone to hack out with when you're sons not riding!

 

[Abacus]

I think the school holidays have started in Scotland.

Keep both if you can, and look for a sharer. I've just had to give up my share horse as I've moved Cheshire to Oxfordshire, I like to think I was a good sharer. I did his stable jobs and rode a few times a week and made a small contribution. There are plenty of people out there like me who don't have the time or funds for their own but could commit to a few days a week. Bonus if you wanted someone to hack out with when you're sons not riding!

Bathorse if you’re local and looking for a new share, do let me know!

 

[TPO]

I'd hedge my bets that TFF has it right and its just Dun Roamins latest carnation

 

[BatHorse]

Bathorse if you’re local and looking for a new share, do let me know!

I'm going to look in a month or so once I've settled in, only arrived Monday

 

[Lady Tinseltime]

If you like him that much keep him.

 

[Patterdale]

Keep him but don’t ride them both every day, ride one on one day and one the next. Not only will it be enough work, but you’ll be helping train them to not need ridden every day!

I don’t think you should ever sell a horse you like if you don’t really have to.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

It sounds as if you would regret selling either of them within a couple of years, so I vote 'keep'

 

[Abacus]

I'm going to look in a month or so once I've settled in, only arrived Monday

I’ll pm you. Obvs you might not be local enough or whatever but worth a chat sometime when you’re ready.

 

[Fjord]

I like what Patterdale said. Plus maybe get a sharer for one or two rides a week, if you wanted to keep a close eye then you could ride out together perhaps?

 

[HashRouge]

It sounds as if you would regret selling either of them within a couple of years, so I vote 'keep'

This!
I would either try to find a sharer for one/ both of them, or reconsider how much exercise they need/ how you exercise them. I think Patterdale has it right when she says you don't need to ride them both every day, and could get away with riding each one every other day. You could also consider things like ride and lead when hacking, if they would behave well enough for this, so that you can give both a leg stretch together when needed. How often does your son actually ride his horse? If he is managing 2-3 times a week, I don't see any need for you to ride him more than once and only because you want to