What would you do?

glamourpuss

Well-Known Member
Joined
18 January 2006
Messages
2,836
Visit site
I am having this baby in [gulp] 14 weeks.

I currently have my lad who evented easily at BE Novice level 6 years ago but after having my son he has never really produced the goods again it was really upsetting but I think we just lost confidence in each other and made a sticky situation worse.
However he is an absolute joy to own and have around, he is an angel with my 4 year old son, he hacks alone in company turns his hoof to dressage, SJ, endurance (anything really) and he is a dream to shoe, clip and just own in general. I would never part with him. He is now 14 but he is fit and tough and seems to have plenty of good years in him yet!

After I have had this baby I was planning on getting another horse. I really want to get back into eventing and I don't know whether my current lad will do it again. But I am struggling with getting my head around what to do.
the options are
1) Buy a youngish horse (something started and doing low level unaff stuff) to bring on BUT this risks me having to spend lots of time on this horse and not being able to do anything with my current boy.
2) Buy something that is more proven (maybe eventing BE Novice level) so that I could compete seriously on that and then still enjoy going out and about on my current boy BUT this is a very expensive option and if I can't manage timewise then I'm risking wasting a good (and pricey) horse
3) Don't bother getting a new horse just yet. I know what I've got, I know he is safe and sane. Give my boy another chance at the BE next year. Have as many lessons/clinics as money and time will allow and see where that gets us.

HHO its over to you
grin.gif
 
I would say definitely 3 for now. Wait till you and the new baby are settled into a routine and you see how much time you have. Personally I think 2 horses and 2 children under 5 is a big ask for most people - I know there are always exceptions. Plus at 14 your boy is not an OAP and too young to pension off.

Also are you sure it is not you that has lost confidence it can happen after having children - or I imagine having a lengthy break for any reason. I have just started competed after a 9 year break in which I had my children. My youngest is 2.5 though. I got a new horse in May and I am embarassed by how far back my confidence had gone initially. I used to jump 1.20/1.30 JO confidently at the moment 1m looks big! But we are growing in confidence together now. My old boy is 22 now though so has had to retire from competing though he was still ridden up to this spring just not competed.

Good Luck!
 
3. I agree with above, if you got a youngster you might ruin him for want of spending time with your new baby. And yup, I couldn't afford 2. Best of luck and congrats on the kid! X
 
Top