What Would You Do?

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Tia

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Would you keep a horse that you were unhappy with?

Would you keep a horse if you felt it was unhappy with you?

If the horse doesn't click with you, would you sell it or would you persevere for as long as it took to try to make it click with you?

I have run 4 herds here, most of my horses are wonderful, well all are. They don't have any vices and there is no silliness in any of them. In fact most of them are an absolute pleasure and pure delight to have around. And then there are a couple of them that I don't really click with or have any great feelings about; generally they are the ones that I have ended up with rather than going to choose and buy for myself; and these are the ones that will eventually be sold on.

However the seller-ons that I have gone out and chosen are all horses that get under my skin and I really really like them and get on fantastically well with them. I won't change my mind about selling them as I see this in a positive light as I know then that if I like them, most people will like them.

I have fairly high standards and expectations of my horses and if they didn't live up to those expectations then they would be found kind new homes once I have them in a saleable condition. The ones who attain and hold those high standards are emminently saleable and I can relax as I know that their future will prove secure.

Now for me, I have about 15 horses to pick and choose from so there is always one that suits my mood and what I want to do that day. If I were only to have 1 horse then I know I would want the absolute best that I could have and I wouldn't persevere with any horse who was not willing to give me that 100%.

How about you guys?
 
I have been down the road of struggling on with a horse that is just not suited. Never again.

Too much time and too much money to not be happy with your horse. I'll give it a good go yes, but know when to say enough is enough.
 
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Would you keep a horse that you were unhappy with?

Depending on why i was unhappy with it? (Ie. if its because it kept getting injured yes id keep it) If it was more of a 'personailty clash' then possilby not.

Would you keep a horse if you felt it was unhappy with you?

-Again probably not, i dont think you can get the best out of a situation where both parties arent relaxed and happy.

If the horse doesn't click with you, would you sell it or would you persevere for as long as it took to try to make it click with you?

-Hmm, difficult- id persevre for a while and then after id really given it my all i'd either loan or sell depending on the situation.
 
Hmm difficult question as for me there are lots of ifs and buts.

For me the whole charm of having horses in my life is to fathom them out and find a way that works for them. I have only ever had one horse where our personalities clashed and I ended up all but giving her away just to get her out of my hair. (Vile creature yet her new owner adored her)!

I am someone that will persevere with a horse that I like. If the personalities clash, what is the point?

I don't aspire to do anything in particular.

I have always chosen my own horses so it is not like I have had any dumped on me that I can't be doing with. The vile thing was my sisters horse that she got bored of.
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Would you keep a horse that you were unhappy with?

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It depends on the situation. So quite hard to say really. But if the horse is happy and is well behaved and healthy and the only problem was that I didn't like it for some reason then I would keep it until something more suitable came up (for either me or the horse).

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Would you keep a horse if you felt it was unhappy with you?

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I don't think so as it is unfair on the horse. I would sell on and look for something else if I were in a situation to do so.

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If the horse doesn't click with you, would you sell it or would you persevere for as long as it took to try to make it click with you?

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I would keep it for several weeks/months to see if we both warm to each other and if it becomes clear that neither of us will get on then I would possible look into selling on (again if I were in a situation to do so)
 
I definitely would sell, but i would sell most horses if there was a profit!

My family don't have masses of money and so have always bought youngsters (4,5,6) kept for a couple of years and then sold on for more money and bought younger horses again, and so on.. I'm going to keep my horse I have now for the time being I think, He is fab for me, my mum looks after him and she adores him and he is really easy for her. I just don't think I'd find another like him easily.

If i had a horse I didn't like, I'd stick with it to a point where it was saleable to someone nice, but if you don't get on you don't get on. I've been pretty lucky in that I've got on with all my horses (apart from 1 i bought that turned out to be evil but the woman took him back - pheeewww!!) but if I didn't, they might as well go to someone who does get on with them!
 
My horse looks adorable but I have had a number of problems with him over the years. I purchased him as a 4 year old, he proved to be very bold in all respects and good to ride....I hacked him everywhere, even on busy roads, as a 4 yr old. Like I say very bold. Also I showed him very successfully as he is fairly well put together. He loves to jump and does a decent dressage test.

However, on the ground was a different story. He used to be very aggressive in the stable, used to jump out of all number of paddocks, rear in hand and just prove tricky.
In addition, as a 5yr old he was found to have a spavin and subsequent back strain. He had a couple of periods of 9-12 months off work with this.

I suppose you could say that despite all the issues I have never been unhappy with him. I always loved him and had a very good strong bond with him. I never considered giving up. We have worked through the physical issues, he is sound and in work and has been for some years. He is great to handle/lead now and does not jump out of paddocks. Age has calmed him plus being on a yard where he is fairly and consistently handled. I think having the same owner for 7 yrs and having a very strong bond with me has helped.

I am committed to him and that is that....

However, if I had a horse that I could not manage/felt I was not good enough for or one that seemed unhappy with me I would have the sense to look for a more suitable home. I think that is only fair to the horse. I believe it is important to realise when you just don't click with a horse. (Being mindful that on occasions it can take time to click with a horse). I also think that if I was unhappy with a horse I probably would give out all the wrong messages. If I didn't like a horse I would have the sense to again, find a better owner.
 
if i didn't click with the horse or it didn't click with me, then i wouldn't keep it. i'd want something to have fun with and those horses i've ridden that i just haven't gelled with i've never enjoyed riding to the same extent as the 1's i have gelled with.
i would persevere if i felt the relationship just needed time.
must say i can usually tell pretty quick if i'd gell with a horse or not, so hopefully i'd never be in this situation.
 
isnt this just a new post started after all the amusing hoo hah on "does every horse have its price" or some similar title? im thinking red rag to a bull.....
 
I kept a horse for a long time that I was unhappy with. When I bought him he was perfect for me as he was my first horse, a good allrounder cob and so I had lots of fun with him competing at low levels and generally learning about horses. But after a few years I out-progressed him, in that I wanted to do things he wasn't capable of doing, like jump bigger, do more advanced dressage, do better in shows etc. He was a lazy type and you always had to chase him to get him to do anything and this was very frustrating for the both of us. But I loved him dearly so I stuck with him for a long time, despite my instructors nagging me to get a new horse and having to work far harder than anyone else in order to achieve things due to him being lazy, short strided, lacking scope etc. I wanted to ride every day often more than once and my old cob just wasn't enjoying it. Eventually even hacking him out felt like a chore (by then I had also started riding lots of 'proper' horses and was realizing mine was never going to take me where I wanted to go). So I decided enough was enough and sold my beloved boy. I thought it would break my heart but it was actually easier than I'd expected, he is now at a lovely home with a family who love him dearly and don't push him like I used to, they are happy with him being what he is, a safe old cob not the competitive energised mount I wanted. I can visit him whenever I want and have several times (I cry everytime!) But I know he is happy and so I am happy too, I still miss him a lot but I know it was the right thing to do. I now have another horse who does enjoy working and does have ability so hopefully he will help me take my riding to the level I want to get to. I would like to be able to keep him forever but if it doesn't work out between us then who knows what will happen, the last thing I would want would be to push him and make him unhappy, but for now he is perfect for me so I hope I never have to face the dilemma I had with my original horse again.
 
Mmmmm, im not really sure.
I like all horses, no matter what they are, what they look like, what they do/dont do. Im not sure that 'clicking' is an issue.
I do like a challenge though, so tend to like complete dodgepots more.
Dont think that makes sense!
 
I adore my ponies and spend hours with them just touching, cuddling them and kissing them! However, two of them have their problems; mine is difficult to lead, just bolts off whenever he fancies, but, will do anything for food. He's also scared of tractors, not good when you live in a village full of them. Thats about all , so pretty good really I can cope with that.
Daughters NF pony is a psycho to ride, fast, too strong, wants to race everywhere the minute his feet touches a blade of grass. However he is an angel to lead, in the stable and is not scared of anything. She adores him and can ride him brilliantly. (touch wood, never fallen off him in 6 years)
I don't think I could bear to part with them!
 
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lzt - check out "Does every horse have a price?" thread, dont give up on it either, its highly enlightening.

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Umm, have already read that thread
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I don't see the link?
 
Yes I would keep it and work through or round the problems.

I have no problem saying that because I never sell anything!!!
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Hence my field of retirees!
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I had a very dangerous filly a few years ago who gave me both back feet and then tried to stamp on me!!! Not good. But I knew in my heart of hearts there was a good horse underneath, I just was struggling to find it! A year later I fought for 10 weeks to save her life. She was two. Despite what I had gone through, I was devastated when I lost her. However i also feel, in hindsight, it was possibly a godsend as whilst I always felt she had what it took to go places I also felt she was capable of killing someone on the way.
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I did consider selling my chestnut as a broodmare last year when she was really being difficult. Now I know why I will work around it purely because she is a fabulous person and probably the sweetest horse Ive ever had.

I would love to do what you do Tia but I know I would just collect and never sell!!!!
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My herd would just keep expanding!
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I'm lucky too in that I have 3 riders to choose from. All safe and sane but all very different. TBH, when I bought my horses I bought them to keep however they turned out. My kids lead rein pony is still with me and always will be. I have a shettie that as much use as a fart in a windtunnel but he stays too. I have been around tons of horses in my time and never come across one that I have truely disliked enough to not want to be around or felt that I couldn't give that horse what it needs. Lets face it, all most animals want is their basic needs and that not difficult is it?.. I guess the difference with me is that I'm not interested in looks, ability and the like. I'm a happy hacker and any animal should be capable of that in the right hands...
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I have a shettie that as much use as a fart in a windtunnel but he stays too

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*sniggers*
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Yes my ex-stallion with the broken neck is another of those! But I have no intention of him going anywhere. I wurve him.
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It does make complete sense - at least to me! As this is what used to give me the "buzz". I'm much older now and that sort of horse just does not appeal to me anymore. I like sane babies.
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I would love to do what you do Tia but I know I would just collect and never sell!!!!
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My herd would just keep expanding!
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I'm the same.. I'd have all the old, decrepid, psycotic, or ugly ones.lol
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I'm in this sort of situation really. I have my own horse who i get on really well with and have really clicked with. I have ridden my sisters horse (she has gone to uni) who is completely different to my own. As my ned is getting a bit old, has cushings and a bit of arthiritus i really need to be lightening the load of him a bit. My sister is all for sharing her horse for competing but i really feel i can't click with her. She isn't naughty or dangerous but she can be very strong and she rides very big. I've had a bad time jumping with her (she started stopping sj due to her back which i know is not her fault but as a result has made me nervous sj her- i now really don't enjoy sj)
She is not a snaffle mouth meaning its increasingly difficult to progress with things i really enjoy especially eventing. It's a really difficult and heart wrenching situation as i really do love her as she is so affectionate. I've really tried to apply myself with her and i feel i have given it my best shot but i can tell my heart is not in it and i'm just going downhill. Each time i ride i try to be optimistic about things but yet when i try something like jumping her, she gets too strong for me and just ends up scaring me I've been discussing it with my mum and she respects how i feel about the whole situation. Hopefully i should be able to get a good few years out of charlie yet and when he comes to the end of his competitive career we shall face that whe we come to it
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It depends. There's no such thing as the perfect horse - god knows mine has plenty of quirks. They are all things I'm prepared to live with as the things he does well make up for them.
However, I ride for fun and I can only afford to keep one horse so if I didn't enjoy riding it or it didn't do the job I wanted I would have to sell.
 
Oh well, I could sort of be seen as a collector as right of the bat I can name 7 of my horses that will not be going anywhere in the forseeable future. The others I see as doing my bit for the prevention of them ending up in horse rescue centres in Canada.
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No I wouldn't keep a horse I was unhappy with or if I felt it wasn't happy with me. (Excepetion to the rule: the palomino monster who absolutely detests me and will try and kill me at any opportunity. i gave him to friend so he is still with us but I have no dealings with him)

Have had to let go a cob who wasn't happy here, very switched off and eyes clouded over..... now he is enjoying himself with one owner and driving.. much happier.
There have been a couple of ponies who I was not happy with and have sold on. Not because we didn't 'click' but they were just not going to be happy in their job.

For the sanity of the horse (if it is so bored it sleepwalks and stumbles) it is the kindest thing to do, and in this job their happiness and comofrt is paramount.
Also for my sanity, there is nothing worse than feeling resentment towards a working horse!
 
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Would you keep a horse that you were unhappy with?

Would you keep a horse if you felt it was unhappy with you?

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No I wouldn't - this was the case with my first horse - she was unsuitable for me and I didn't know how to handle the situation and so I think she was not particularly happy with me. She was sold and I think she went to a more suitable home.

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If the horse doesn't click with you, would you sell it or would you persevere for as long as it took to try to make it click with you?

[/ QUOTE ] That is a more difficult one - I once had a little cob and at first we didn't seem to click and he didn't go well for me, but eventually we got it together and he ended up being the best little horse ever and we had tons of fun and loads of success together. He was the sort of horse who needed some time to trust and have full confidence in you.

The trouble is that you can't really look into the future and see whether the perserverance is going to pay off or not! I do feel at my age that I don't want to ride anything dangerous, but I can put up with some other foibles if the horse ticks most of my other boxes.
 
I wouldn't keep a horse that I wasn't happy with or that I didn't think was happy with me.

I have persevered with a horse in the past that had a lot of talent, but he didn't have the right attitude. In the end riding him became a chore and so frustrating as some days he'd go well and others he just couldn't be bothered and no method of persuasion would get him to do anything.

I think persevering is ok as long as you know when enough is enough. Although I compete I do it for fun. Riding is and always will be a hobby. When it got to the point where riding this horse was something I had to do and not something I wanted to do, I knew that it was time part ways. I think it's different for a proffesional but as I only have two horses I can be fussy and make sure that we click.
 
I spent years riding other people's 'bampots' for cash (not enough cash!) and have to say that most horses are nice when you get to know them....
I think all horses have their good points, and like to know the rules...then everyone is happy
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My own three I wouldn't get rid of - they're all completely different but I really appreciate the good (and work on or ignore the bad as appropriate).
But I like horses for themselves, really, not as competition machines...and I like working them out.
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i probably wouldnt keep a horse if we didnt get on, since these days i dont compete i just want a bit of fun, and if i had a horse who i didnt get on with/get on with me it wouldnt be so much fun.
if i was competing and the horse was talented id just get on with it
 
I tried for 3 years to get my old horse to do what I wanted. I invested a lot of time money and emotion into him and got very little back.
Never again, I now have decent genuine horses and can't for the life of me understand why I struggled for 3 years.
I'd probably give a horse 6-12 months and then move it on if it wasn't for me.
 
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