Would you buy a second horse?

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Sugar_and_Spice

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Would you have a second horse, if your first pony was too small and it was compromising the amount/type of riding you could do? Or would you stick with one pony and the restricted riding?

Is having two horses/ponies twice the work and twice the expense, or are there ways to minimize that?
 
Having 2 is double everything, shoeing, wormers, insurance, teeth, vaccinations, etc etc etc I'd safely say its near double the time/work involved too. I'd say the only things you can realistically save time on is bringing them in/putting them out together at the same time, but that only works if they are in the same field, get along and arrive at the gate at the same time!

Something else consider for the longer term is how you will approach them both being retired, it might happen at the same time or very close to one another if you are very unlucky. This happened to me and I can't afford a 3rd riding one now, so I have 2 field ornaments until one of them goes over the rainbow bridge.
 
If you have the time and money, why not? Although dont rule out shares, im part sharing (riding only) as my filly is only 2 so it's keeping me going.
 
I am lucky enough to have two. The things to consider are:

Time - probably the most important factor! I am lucky as am quite small so have a 14.2hh and at 15hh, both of which my son can also ride, so have help to keep them exercised. I also only work part time which helps in the winter mnths as obviously there is double the chores.

Money - The bills are generally doubled, with shoes being the killer! However I can also now buy in bulk which can save, eg can now use larger bale haylage. Re shoes I take the back ones off out of hunting season which makes a big difference. We have the luxury of good grass so do not feed any hard feed over the summer mnths and they are out 24/7 from March - Oct. At this time of year I buy in bedding etc so spread the costs out.

Age - as above poster mentioned! I have a 14yr old and a 5yr old - I am hoping that my son will want to ride until at least the older one retires, then will only have the younger one in ridden work when he has lost interest/leaves home. The older one will then become a companion.

I love having 2, especially if one is out of action, as have the other one to fall back on! It can be quite hard when they are both demanding attention, but as they are both nice chaps, seem to understand I have to divide my time.

Another thing you could consider is loaning the pony from where it is kept so you can oversee it, or getting a sharer to split the work/costs?

Good luck with whatever you decide x
 
Consider loaning the pony if you don't want to sell.

Life is short, buy the horse! Now's a good time if your circumstances permit, there are some bargains about, the market is dreadful!
 
I went to 2 last november and agree with others double money etc and takes more time. What i find hardest is riding both, my older boy is hacked most days as arthritic so does minimum schooling and is much better with regular light work. Yonger one is on box rest so slightly easier this winter so far. She is only on loan so if gets too bad have the option of sending her back. I wouldt have bought another as would have hated to have to try and sell the younger one if circumstances change. The older boy is with me for life so would never sell.
 
I bought a second horse, but only because my other horse had to retire. I didn't actually find it was double the effort, costs yes to a certain extent. But I also only had to exercise one... Would I do it again, yes, would I have two horses that both needed exercising... Only if I could afford full livery...
 
I did- I'd outgrown Misty so got Harry, but for the first year ish I was riding both still.

I would say that somehow, bizarrely, it turned out to be more than twice the amount of time for looking after two.

I was also lucky and able to keep them at home.
 
I'm down to 2 - and its absolute bliss, arriving at the yard on a cold black winters night - to know I only have 2 to do.
Having had up to 16 at 1 point & usually around 8 to 12, you may understand why 2 fuzzies to care for, makes me really smile :)

TXF, several empty stables, but full heart :)
 
Hell yes!

I am about to buy a third actually - I am surprised that anyone could think one is enough :)

I also have a mare in foal, and because she can't be ridden, she doesn't count, does she...
 
I do have 2, they live out so don't find they take up too much time. One is my first pony and is now 18, the other is 7, I don't need to and am on the lookout for a sharer for my little one, but not too bothered, he comes out on exercise on the lead rein and is no trouble to exercise like that, or to be left in the field.
 
I have 5 , 3 competing and 2 semi retired but still ride out at weekends. It is possible to work things out and still keep them fit.

Mine live out 24/7 . I have plenty of grass and they are good doers so are fed little.

I think we all pamper our horses too much.
 
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