Ungrateful, self indulgent post alert.

I had the same quibbles at your age, I came out of it for 3/4 years and then got back into it early ish 20's. I don't regret the break for a moment. I'm now going to come out of it again for a while and I know I wont regret this break either. Sometimes, you know what's right for you and you just need to put sensible things in place to allow you the break you need :)
 
I went through the same thing when I was about 17 and still rode on and off until I was 22 but Didn't have my own horse and then didn't properly come back to it until I was 27. I'm glad because my 20's were just amazing, I had no ties and had some great experiences and a lot of those wouldn't have been possible if I'd had a horse, or it would have made life very difficult! Having said that by the time I came back to riding my confidence wasn't what it once was and I made some mistakes buying a couple of unsuitable horses.

If its feasible to put them out on loan then do that but if not, honestly I would look to sell. Go and enjoy your 20's, make the most of it and come back to horses when you feel ready and have accomplished what you want in life :)
 
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I agree with others that you should follow your dreams. I'd say work out how you can manage the horses whilst doing what you want. Don't burn your boats: if you adore your horses, imagine selling them and think about how that makes you feel. There are ways and means to cope without selling. Do you have an equine college where you could loan them out, maybe?
 
take time out and away if you need to, and then come back later. nothing worse than feeling you have to not want to do it. I have been through a similar phase more than once. I held on to my horse and in hindsight i should have sold him, not waited until I felt like riding again.
 
Charlie...Where are you based?

I live in the Isle of Man, which is also not ideal..any of you lot over here? :p
It would be a dream if one of you could loan one and keep me updated! :D
Wishful thinking I know though.


I have contacted a girl that used to share a horse at our yard, but found him too much, to see if she is interested in sharing my mare. She is coming up to try her this weekend so I'll keep you all posted :D
Never would have acted on it if you hadn't all made me feel better!!

Feeling less like a horrible owner :)
 
I had a seven year gap when I discovered booze and boys when I went to uni! Don't feel bad about it, it's natural at your age

I sold my horses when I went off to do my BHSAI at 18. I worked with horses after that until I was 22, then decided I was earning nothing and wanted to do a degree. After my degree I went straight into a job and lived in London etc, so never really thought of horses etc much. At 35 I moved home and got a horse, met my other half, bought a house, got three more horses and built our own yard!

I don't regret the non-horsey years at all. My horses went to lovely homes and had great lives, and I could afford to buy myself exactly what I wanted later in life when I was earning more..

Its not a bad thing to have a rest/change....

ps, having loaned a few horses out over the years, I think that bought horses do better and have a more settled life than a loaned one...
 
I've not read all the replies but could you possibly turn them away for 12 months and go travelling or whatever it is your heart desires.

Life is short and the horse will not die out any time soon. I had a huge break and it has made me appreciate them even more now. Make the most of your opportunities and your freedom when you have it!.

I adore my children and do not begrudge them a minute of my time but have already started dreaming of going travelling for a year when they are at uni/ work - yes I will be 45 and I can't see me backpacking but life's to be lived so bloody go for it! :D
 
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