Tough decision to make..

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niagaraduval

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After 3 years of constant battle, I can't decide whether to sell my horse or not.
Now, when I got him I knew he wasn't what I was looking for, but I fell for him straight away, being the opposite of what I wanted, a week later he arrived.
We've had our ups and downs like every horse owner, and I have honestly had enough, I can say I don't enjoy riding any more, and find it an expensive sport.
I have seen a smaller horse for sale (a mare
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- never ever had a mare!) Who just fits the bill, and is for sale at the same price I would sell Niagara for.
I would have to be very quick off the mark hoping I sell Niagara as soon as possible If I really did want to go for this mare, I have been thinking about her for 2 days now, and I can't make up my mind whether to sell Niagara and get something I want or just keep him, I am very attached to him after 3 years, hours of work and effort, and things are not really improving..
Niagara is 16,2hh and this mare is 15hh, so quite a bit smaller, she is the same age (8 years old) and has such a pretty face (although she is not as beautiful as Niagara)
Please can someone help me make the right decision I have spoken to so many people but I just can't make a definite decision
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if you are not enjoying it at the moment I think that pretty much answers itself doesnt it?!

Id much rather enjoy riding and want to do it, than be attached to a horse and not get the relationship together that I wanted................

Id personally sell (but realise that this mare may go before you can get her!!!! but realise there are others out there that may be equally as good)
 
Sounds harsh but life is too short (and having horses is too expensive) to not be enjoying them! So I think you should sell Niagara (it’s not like you haven’t tried) and buy something that is really ‘you’!
I did and I don’t regret it for a single second! Went from a 16hh TBx to a 15hh Cob.
 
I spent 2 years keeping a horse that was not suitable for me and even loaned him out for a year as I felt sorry for him. I sold him in the end and it was the best thing I ever did. He went to a suitable home that he was happy in and I now have a horse I completely enjoy.
Life is too short and horses are too expensive not to enjoy them. Buy one that suits, find your horse a new home and you wont look back.
Good luck
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I Think you should sell him. If you are not enjoying urself with him this could build up to resentment. if you sell and get the mare you want so you can start to enjoy your hobby again and your presant horse ma find the same pleasure with a new owner
 
It is always a difficult decision to sell your horse but they are also way to expensive to keep if you are not enjoying them. If the horse isn't suiting the purpose you want it for then perhaps its time to find one that does. Owning and riding horses should be fun and rewarding and you certainly don't feel that way at the moment. Just be aware that this mare might go faster than you can sell your own, but there are plenty of horses out there and you will def find something suitable! Good Luck!
 
my vote is if it don't fit it don't fit,

not only may the horse be wrong for you, you may be wrong for it, get a horse you can blend with.

it is brave to say i have made a bad choice and need to make changes, its a cowards way to never admit it and keep on battling.

good luck next time.
 
It's heartbreaking to have to make a decision like this - I agree with Mrs_wishkabibble tho - I (at 15) had a 16.3hh WB who was really too much for me, but I loved him and just didn't get anything back from him but more hard work. he never really bonded with anyone (horse or human) with us. I got sick of riding in all weathers to keep him sane, and still getting ditched everytime a bird tweeted, or a leaf flapped in his general direction.

in the end I sold him, (partly cos I was going to uni, and partly cos I wasn't enjoying riding) and the couple that bought him still have him, still event him (he'll be 16 now i think) and have a brilliant bond with him (tho he still doesn't like other horses). they still keep in touch, and i still see him out and about. he's happy, they're happy and I'm happy.

If i hadn't sold him, I wouldn't have bought my horse now, who is a horse in a lifetime.

take the risk of selling him and finding something you can have fun with. you never know what'll come along next.
 
Totally agree with what has been said about life being too short and horses being too expensive to carry on as you are.
I would sell your horse and go for the mare if she fits the bill
 
i was intersted in this post as im in a simiar situation....I never look forward to riding my horse however when i do ride i feel great that ive done it and enjoyed it. He isnt the easiest horse despite the fact id say im fairly experenced. He is capable of everthing i want him to be and more but i need to get him to trust me. He needs a rider that fills him with confidence and sometimes that isnt me SO ive given myself a deadline to the end of the summer to be riding him positivley and if im not then he will be sold.
Keep us updated on what you decide
x
 
Poor you. I have never had to sell a horse, but all I can say for sure is that if you any negative feelings towards him, then he knows this and will also not be happy.

It is a toughy but Ithink you will both be happier.

I only ever 'put up' with my boy, I thought he was difficult, until he went on loan, and then came back with all his problems, it is only now that I really truley love him, he knows this, as he is much more responsive to me, and I am able to do things that in 13 years have never been able to do with him
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Bite the bullett, make sure you find a great home, get the mare, and ENJOY
 
Sell definately! I have just brought my smallest, hairiest, most chunky and first mare and haven't looked back for a second. I really don't know why I didn't do it years ago, tradgic as it sounds i've remembered why I like riding again!! Best of luck with it...
 
Another vote for selling Niagara. I bought my mare from some-one who had had her for 11 months and just didn't have the confidence to ride her effectively. The mare fits in well here and her former owner now has a confidence giving gelding. We keep in touch and everybody's happy.
However I would just add a note of caution; it sounds to me as though you might just be repeating your mistake if you buy this particular mare. You 'fell in love' with an unsuitable horse first time round and now you sound to have done the same with this mare. (I know she might be exactly what you want but how do you know?) Have you actually seen her? Have you ridden her? Please keep an open mind about any horse until you have seen and tried it (preferably several times) and you are sure that it is suitable.
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btw bean is an awesome name for a horse!
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Haha I didn't name her, the person who had her before me changed it, I always feel like a right idiot when speaking to vets on the phone etc
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Apparently it's because she's a "Little being" or something- wtf?!!
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she's as awesome as her name though
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Thanks for replying,

I haven't seen this mare yet, I have left a message on their answer machine asking if I can come and try her out, obviously we never know without seeing her, from her ad she is just what I have been looking for for a long time!

Coffee_been - I am willing to buy in England - I have even thought of that option!
 
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