What do you wish someone had told you?

[scats]

There’s more to life than horses.

I sometimes feel I’ve wasted my younger years with horses. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve done some amazing things because of horses, but the reality is that it’s a huge emotional and physical tie for a whole lot of hassle, heartbreak and very little reward.
Once these girls go, I’m going to see the world a bit.

 

[SO1]

Agree and that applies to any horse of any age. I bought my pony as a 5 year old and had to PTS on Friday after 15 years. It doesn't matter how old or how many years you have them you still want more time at the end and the sadness of loosing a friend you have spent nearly every day with for the last 15 years is hard to bare.

Be aware that you'll be taking on a friend and not a machine...... and also that you need to be prepared for one day having to make a difficult decision and say a final goodbye. I'd say this to anyone buying a horse over the age of 15....... if you're not prepared to make "the decision" when the time comes then don't buy it. Period. None of the "companion" or "loan" ad's which only means that someone else has to make the damn decision: determine that YOU will do the right thing when it is necessary. And no it isn't easy and yes it will be like cutting a piece of your heart out.

 

[luckyoldme]

The one that arrives home the first day might be a very scary version of the one you have a few months later.

 

[Goldenstar]

There’s more to life than horses.

So true , learning to walk the tight rope between the above advice and follow your dreams is the way to stay happy .

 

[milliepops]

or you can simply crush any other dreams and go along with the equine madness

 

[Palindrome]

Don't buy breed or color, get the horse that already does the job and has the right temperament (budget allowing).

 

[Cob Life]

I sometimes feel I’ve wasted my younger years with horses. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve done some amazing things because of horses, but the reality is that it’s a huge emotional and physical tie for a whole lot of hassle, heartbreak and very little reward.
Once these girls go, I’m going to see the world a bit.

I do feel glad that I’ve seen a bit of life before I’m looking at buying a horse, and I’ve seen enough to know I don’t like travelling!

 

[WBGG]

You'll never have a lie-in again,ever...

 

[honetpot]

That most of what I was taught to do the proper way, belongs in the past when horses worked for a living and people were paid to care for them, they are livestock like any other, and as long as you do the basics, they will survive.

 

[blitznbobs]

Go for it it’s the best decision you’ll ever make…

 

[Fools Motto]

Allow more time and follow your dreams

 

[saddlesore]

That they can brighten your darkest days.

I’m surprised at the amount of negativity on this post.

 

[Horseysheepy]

Whatever anybody told me to put me off it wouldn't have made a difference, all I ever wanted to do was ride horses.

 

[southerncomfort]

That it's not the end of the world if things go wrong.

Horses are very forgiving and don't stand in a field thinking about what a complete loser you are because things didn't go to plan.

 

[Carrottom]

It is OK to let go of the rope.

 

[Barton Bounty]

That they can brighten your darkest days.

I’m surprised at the amount of negativity on this post.

Me too… my boy is my sunshine

my hubby calls him the poop chute ?? but it is just in jest ??

 

[catembi]

You're going to need a bigger income than that. Nope, more. No, more than that. Nope, that's still not enough...

 

[meleeka]

Time goes so quickly and before you know it they are old. Do everything you want to while you still can.

 

[DSB]

Become either a vet or a farrier, that way you can save on some costs.

Or marry one

 

[Squeak]

You'll never have a lie-in again,ever...

24/7 turnout and you can ? It’s a game changer for owners as well as horses!

 

[Squeak]

That they can brighten your darkest days.

I’m surprised at the amount of negativity on this post.

Me too, I’ve had some of my best memories and biggest achievements with a horse. They’ve also been wonderful friends and given me so much pleasure.

 

[Sealine]

I've been helping a friend buy her first horse. Before we went to pick him up on Saturday I said to her 'You'll never have another lie in or have any money ever again'. If you'd seen her beaming smile after riding him yesterday for the first time I don't think she cares.

 

[Birker2020]

Never take for granted the time you have but savour every second because you don't know what tomorrow will bring.

 

[Glitter's fun]

Look at the network of people around you & develop that first. That sounds cynical now I've written it down (!) but I mean join the riding club even though you don't have a horse yet (they'll think you're great because you'll have both hands free to man the Tombola while they're saddling up), have a good instructor that you trust & can confide in, line up a yard with friendly atmosphere & people who do what you want to do.

When I bought my first horse I was working shifts & unsociable hours so I never seemed to be riding when anyone else was. I'd have avoided a lot of pitfalls and heartaches if I'd been less alone.

 

[Glitter's fun]

Also a first time owner needs to know there can be two horses in one skin depending what food & work its getting. Sounds obvious to me now but if you're used to riding school horses that are worked hard & fed "low octane" it comes as a shock.

 

[nikkimariet]

It really doesn’t matter what someone else thinks

 

[tristar]

Don't buy breed or color, get the horse that already does the job and has the right temperament (budget allowing).

buy a horse that is bred to do the job and you may be more than half way there, then ride the horse how it needs to be ridden

 

[smolmaus]

It really doesn’t matter what someone else thinks

Similar, you will have 4 different answers to any yes/no question. 12 answers if its about feed or supplements.

 

[HollyWoozle]

To wean them off rugs if possible.

 

[sbloom]

Maybe I'm glad no-one told me being a saddle fitter is one of the hardest jobs around!