What would you do? Sell?

[oofadoofa]

I have been thinking about this for a few weeks now and would like to know what everyone else thinks.

I have a 6 year old warmblood which I have owned for about 8 months now. He's great and has done everything I have asked of him so far, dressage, hunter trials, a little BSJA and a couple of ODEs. He's well bred, really brave and nothing seems to faze him. However, he does need a lot of riding and a lot to keep his mind occupied due to his age. I also think that in some ways I haven't got much further/progressed with him since I've owned him, although when I look back I suppose I have. Anyway, I suppose what I'm wondering is whether to sell him and get something a bit older with a bit more experience that I can compete at a higher level on now or should I carry on as I am as I am sure I will get there in the end with mine, it may just take a year or two. I suppose I've just been getting a little frustrated as the last two horses I've sold have also been six year olds who I've had to sell for one reason or another and I don't seem to be getting any higher up the grades!

Sorry, if this isn't making much sense - Friday afternoon brain!

 

[SAL66]

Do you still enjoy him, if so I would persevere and keep with him, if you want to go out immediately and compete at the higher end, then maybe he's not the one.

I think it would all depend if you are prepared to wait with him and then go on together.

Not much help really though is it.

 

[BigRed]

I guess a professional rider would know very quickly if a horse is going to be a superstar, but for a normal amateur rider 8 months isn't long to make a relationship and see some improvements in a 6 year old horse.

You say he has done everything you ask, yet it's not enough - are you hoping to see him excel in one particular discipline ?

I would probably give him at least a year and if he isn't what you want, try to sell him.

 

[oofadoofa]

I suppose what I'm trying to say is that it's not the horse, it's me being a bit frustrated! I seem to have had a 6 year old for the last 3 summers now!!! I keep thinking to myself that I should be progressing and doing something at a higher level now, but typing this out I am realising to myself WHY I'm not getting anywhere!!!

 

[Flibble]

OOh you lucky thing I would love a 6 year old I could trust.

 

[Natch]

I suppose it depends on what you want - for me, getting a young horse would be about how he and I can progress together - whatever level we start off at If you'd rather be that somewhere now, then yes, do get a more experienced horse who has been there and done it!

But then again if you keep this one, he'll be SEVEN next year!!