|
|
Regular
Posts: 89
| I did not by choice but I think it was a blessing in disguise. I didn't sell my horse but basically just turned them out. But even before I had quit riding as much or really not at all. I haven't barrel raced in gosh over a decade. Right before I had to quit I did buy a 4yr old to start back but then life happens still have her. Hubby mostly took care fo them yes it was still an expense. But I wasn't consumed with them. Just feed, trims, and vet plus 2 of the 3 were so old I was afraid to sell them because of where they might end up. But it was nice to have one I could literally crawl up on and just walk around the pasture sometimes once every few months or maybe once a year. God, I love that horse because she did take care of me.
But the time all did allow me to discover new things and re-discover old things. I think sometimes you just got figure out where you're at in life and sometimes horses just don't fit in your plans at the moment. One thing I have learned is to enjoy the "moments". Go try new things, go try old things. Different things bring us peace at different times in our lives. Who would ever think I would read and edit books for indie authors... not me but reconnecting with an old friend started that. And never thought I would get my cameras back out and find something everyday positive to take a picture of and how much I missed working in a dark room and watching the pictures coming to life. Yes, I take it old school from time to time :)
But now that I'm able to ride and my 10 yr old horse crazy daughter has come back from horse camp lol I know I send her to horse camp when I got 3 sitting in a field ... I've kind of caught the bug again still trying to find her something to ride she's all legs and her pony is 27... I have a feeling we'll be going again just got to get my butt in gear, along with my mare been fighting soundness issues with her but we'll get it figured out.
Take a break never know what you might find and the horses and stuff will be there if you decide to come back to it.  | |
| | |
  Living on the edge of common sense
Posts: 24138
  
Location: Carpenter, WY | We have sold down but not sold everything. It's just too expensive to get back in if you want to. Still have tons of tack, 3 good mares, frozen semen, trailers and truck :)
| |
| | |
Regular
Posts: 79
| thank you for posting what you did...I've not sold anything but am definitely in a break due mostly because I don't have any horses to ride. But, I've taken up running over the past two years and it has taught me some valuable lessons about discipline,etc. for when I return to horses...my two I have are 32 and 36 and totally retired. For a while I didn't miss being in the saddle but over time, I realized the desire is still there ... I'll be more ready when I return due to the break | |
| | |
 Peecans
 
| I sold my finished horse and young prospect and most all my barrel racing specific tack, Saddles included about 6 years ago.
I am currently working really hard to barrel race again. I do really miss my finished horse because I could just get on and go, I don't like seasoning, but had I kept him I would have never bought my 3 year old Superstakes filly that I LOVE, I never would have put a pattern on my horse in the avatar, for nothing special ... Shes going to be a jam up barrel horse.
I miss that door I closed some days because it was easy ..... But I do not regret it, It gave me the chance to come back with better, stronger faster horses. Its hard but so very worth it. And it let the good guy find a family of little girls that will love him until the very end, he's won them so much in the youth and that's amazing to sit back and watch too.
| |
| | |
 The best bad guy on the internet
Posts: 3519
Location: Arizona | lazytdickens - 2018-06-29 8:04 AM
I did!! I'm 49 and have been very few days of my life that I didn't own a horse, or two. I haven't barrel raced in a few years, due to time and lack of motivation. BUT, I still fed 2x a day, cleaned stall, changed water, turned fans on/off, winter blanket on/off, paid vet bills, paid farrier, struggled to find enough hay for the winter, paid insurance on truck and trailer, bought tack off fb from time to time, rode once or twice a week, or month, couldn't go fishing for the weekend because I had to feed, couldn't go on vacation because they were my responsibility and I hated to shove it off on someone else, cranked truck once or twice a month to keep it alive, and I'm sure I'm leaving a few things off. Last September I sold it all. and I mean all of it. I may have a hoof pick or two, a few brushes and a halter left in the barn. My barn is sitting in the corner of my back yard so I see it every single day. I figured it would be depressing but its not. This winter we will park the boat and the jet ski in it so it will still serve a purpose. I had been thinking about it for several years. It had turned into a job that didn't give much back. I came home form work one day, got out of the car and listened to all the critters that were ready to eat. Barn cat meowing, patio cat meowing, inside cat sitting in breakfast room window, meowing, horse walking fence row and talking every step and I knew husband was hungry too. I walked in and told him that I was selling it all. I think he choked on his tea and then he laughed and said "yea right" . Within 3 weeks, it was all gone. I have zero urge to ride. My only regret is that I didn't do it a few years ago. I will never own another one. I had thought about it enough that I knew without a doubt I was making the right decision. It's been so nice not having to worry about a horse during this heatwave.
I have real money in my savings and a sporty new car that gets 33 mpg. Life is good.
Interesting, as I am approaching 49 soon as well. I have been thinking about this too. How did you fill your time when you didn't have horses to take care of? Did you pick up new hobbies? I literally have had horses my whole entire life. I am not sure what I would do without them. Would I be bored, would I regret selling them? Can I actually do something else with my time?? It sure is a pain trying to plan a vacation when you have animals that need tending too..ugh! | |
| | |
Veteran
Posts: 103
| Thanks everyone for the replies so far.
I'm just worn out from taking care of everything and need a break. Glad to hear I'm not alone.
One of my horses is a workaholic and really wants to be used more than I want to ride right now. The other is lazy and just happy to exist.
Maybe just keep the lower maintenance one to have fun on when I feel like it? | |
| | |
Assistant to the Braun..
Posts: 1249
Location: Texas | Last June I did. What I did not sell I turned out. I had become so obsessed that I was making mistakes that I would not normally do and it was costing me and my family, not only financially but emotionally and physically. I stepped back from all of the junk that I had created within my life and started cleaning crap out. I sold so much of the tack that I had collected for over 30 years, then I went through all of the equipment that I had and started selling off what I was not or had not used in forever. I went through anything that I could find horse related and sold whatever I was not, had not or would not use any longer. I then sat down with my husband and talked about our farm and what he wanted to do since he had stopped riding the year before I started the clean out and he told me he was tired of taking care of the farm but he would continue for me. I did not want him to do that and not be happy so we cleaned our place up, sold the horses along with his and kept two of mine. Our place sold 7 days from the time we put it officially on the market and we closed in Oct 2017. We moved 1/4 miles away from my big town to a house with 3 acres and made a small place for my two horses. I only kept what I needed for those two horses if I decided to ride again which was a two horse trailer, saddle, a couple of my favorite bridles, a couple sets of boots, one set of therapy items, and a few other small items that I would need and moved on from my previous life. We down sized from 6 horses, two trailers (a LQ and bumper pull), 6 saddles, two trucks, a farm with barns, hay operation, tractors/farm equipment, unlimited tack, therapy equipment/items for 6 horses, anything and everything that was needed for 6-8 horses plus some, to a smaller place, a smaller truck, a 2 horse trailer, two saddles, one tractor, no excessive horse or tack items. Basically enough for two horses and not anything more and a freedom that I have not known for over 30 years. I wish I could say I missed it but I have ran 1 time since June 2017 and I have ridden my horses maybe 10 times since June 2017, and each day that goes by the desire goes with it. I absolutely don't miss it, I don't feel sad when I see barrel race advertisements, results or videos of my friends which to me speaks volumes that I am at peace for once about my decision to take a break. I have even kicked around selling out completely but to be honest the horses I have now and have had for so long just don't cause me any real grief and they are pretty happy being pasture pets. A huge plus is that I am financially comfortable for once in my life because I have gotten rid of such an expensive part of it and it took taking this break for me to see how much money it takes for this particular hobby.
I say all of this to say its okay to take a break, move on or just do something different. I was so amazed that I could actually enjoy something besides barrels or roping and this year my husband an I joined a bowling league, went on our first actual vacation that did not involve a horse in 28 years and I have actually met people that are not horse related that I am having fun doing stuff with. So for me it was time and maybe I will want to ride again for fun or maybe I won't but I know that what ever I decide I am completely okay with and that is what you have to find.
So take a break, enjoy doing something different and find out if its something that you want to do again. You don't have to sell everything to take a break you just have to put it aside for a while to see what You want to do.
Good luck!! | |
| | |
Elite Veteran
Posts: 614
Location: Usually on my horse | I just did and as much as I thought I would miss it, I don't. I haven't even been on a horse since last September and really have no desire.
Sadly, what I realize now is that I missed is a lot of important things with my family and friends for the last 18 years. Although I had barrel racing family and friends, I feel bad that I put more importance on that and them then my blood family.
I also feel that I accomplished all I could in barrel racing so it was time to move on.
I still have my original barrel horse who is now 24 and he and his two old girlfriends will be with me until they cross the rainbow bridge.
Although I cried for a couple days when I sold my good mare, but she is in a great home and loved very much.
It was much easier to quit than I thought it would be and I am not looking back.
I feel a sense of relief that I have unloaded something that was becoming less and less enjoyable for me, not to mention the financial part of it.
I had a blast with it for many, many years..... Just isn't what I want to do anymore.
| |
| | |
 Lady Di
Posts: 21556
Location: Oklahoma | Yes. In April of 2017 we made an offer on a house on the lake. I was 65 and had bought, sold, trained and competed on barrel horses for over 40 years (pretty successfully, I might add). We owned 65 acres and I finally had it pretty close to how I wanted it; arena,lights, freestyle exerciser, cut our own hay, etc. I had already retired from teaching and was doing the horse life full time. My husband could retire in September 2017. He is not a horse person. He'd always wanted to move to the lake, and has supported me in my horse dream for almost 30 years. I had one daughter who was living and working 2 hours away, and it seemed like any time she could come visit, I had a barrel race, or someone coming to try a horse and couldn't visit with her. I had gotten hurt several times in the last couple of years on horses, and my confidence was shot. Buyers were wearing me out, coming back after buying a horse years or months before and wanting to blame me for problems they were having, and the ones looking were driving me crazy with endless demands on horses that were priced very reasonably for what they were worth. I was burned out, and tired of feeling guilty about putting the horses before my family. I had found the perfect house that had everything we'd been looking for, so I told my husband that I was ready to sell out and move to the lake. From April to May, I moved 4 horses and 2 trailers, the exerciser and over $9K of used tack. We hired an auction company and they sold the rest of our stuff, along with my brand new diesel dually I'd only bought months before (it had 15K miles on it)and our place on June 10. On June 16, we moved into our lake house. I felt like I had a huge burden lifted off my shoulders. I love the lake and I love my house and my neighbors, but unfortunately, a barrel racer is what I am. By January, I was going crazy just cleaning house, cooking, and visiting my neighbors. I missed my friends, I missed traveling and most of all, I missed riding and competing. On January 10, I bought a 10 yr old gelding that was patterned and very well broke and safe. He needed work, but I knew that. I rode him maybe once a month after that, and not I am entering on him. My confidence is low and I don't dedicate a lot of time to riding and tuning, so we run 2 to 3 seconds off, but we're getting better together. I am not in the horse business any more, and I'm not having to ride horses I'm unfamiliar with or worry about getting them ready to sell or dealing with prospective buyers. I ride when I want and when I don't want to, I don't. Luckily, a friend of mine offered to keep him for me, as I no longer have any land, and she goes with me a lot. I went to an NBHA on Sunday and placed in the money in the 4D, so I'm happy. I just couldn't give it up entirely; it's in my blood and what makes me, me. However, it doesn't consume my life anymore. I have a half ton pickup and a 2 horse slant, and my husband is now retired and we spend a lot of time doing what he wants to do and I have time to spend with my daughter when she visits. It's a great life, and I'm glad it worked out the way it did. | |
| | |
 Quarter Horse HIstorian
Posts: 2878
Location: Aubrey, Texas | Welcome back, Diane! | |
| | |
 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | dianeguinn - 2018-07-03 1:29 PM
Yes. In April of 2017 we made an offer on a house on the lake. I was 65 and had bought, sold, trained and competed on barrel horses for over 40 years (pretty successfully, I might add). We owned 65 acres and I finally had it pretty close to how I wanted it; arena,lights, freestyle exerciser, cut our own hay, etc. I had already retired from teaching and was doing the horse life full time. My husband could retire in September 2017. He is not a horse person. He'd always wanted to move to the lake, and has supported me in my horse dream for almost 30 years. I had one daughter who was living and working 2 hours away, and it seemed like any time she could come visit, I had a barrel race, or someone coming to try a horse and couldn't visit with her. I had gotten hurt several times in the last couple of years on horses, and my confidence was shot. Buyers were wearing me out, coming back after buying a horse years or months before and wanting to blame me for problems they were having, and the ones looking were driving me crazy with endless demands on horses that were priced very reasonably for what they were worth. I was burned out, and tired of feeling guilty about putting the horses before my family. I had found the perfect house that had everything we'd been looking for, so I told my husband that I was ready to sell out and move to the lake. From April to May, I moved 4 horses and 2 trailers, the exerciser and over $9K of used tack. We hired an auction company and they sold the rest of our stuff, along with my brand new diesel dually I'd only bought months before (it had 15K miles on it)and our place on June 10. On June 16, we moved into our lake house. I felt like I had a huge burden lifted off my shoulders. I love the lake and I love my house and my neighbors, but unfortunately, a barrel racer is what I am. By January, I was going crazy just cleaning house, cooking, and visiting my neighbors. I missed my friends, I missed traveling and most of all, I missed riding and competing. On January 10, I bought a 10 yr old gelding that was patterned and very well broke and safe. He needed work, but I knew that. I rode him maybe once a month after that, and not I am entering on him. My confidence is low and I don't dedicate a lot of time to riding and tuning, so we run 2 to 3 seconds off, but we're getting better together. I am not in the horse business any more, and I'm not having to ride horses I'm unfamiliar with or worry about getting them ready to sell or dealing with prospective buyers. I ride when I want and when I don't want to, I don't. Luckily, a friend of mine offered to keep him for me, as I no longer have any land, and she goes with me a lot. I went to an NBHA on Sunday and placed in the money in the 4D, so I'm happy. I just couldn't give it up entirely; it's in my blood and what makes me, me. However, it doesn't consume my life anymore. I have a half ton pickup and a 2 horse slant, and my husband is now retired and we spend a lot of time doing what he wants to do and I have time to spend with my daughter when she visits. It's a great life, and I'm glad it worked out the way it did.
I'm so glad you checked back in---I was wondering how lake life without horses was going!!! Glad you found a happy medium. | |
| | |
Porta Potty Pants
Posts: 2600
| Here's my story ... quit everything a couple of times and am at the point of wanting out but afraid to get out. Quit to go to law school. Restarted. Quit when I went through an ugly divorce. Restarted. Now my son is in high school playing football and that takes up a lot of his time. He doesn't care to go with me. My husband isn't into rodeo, is supportive but doesn't want to go with me. So riding is a totally me thing. With that said, it's no fun anymore. I'd rather spend the time with my husband and son. Now that my son is a sophomore, I know my time with him is very limited as he'll be off to college very soon and is of the age where spending time with friends is important. I also have a busy job and run my business. Racing is expensive and I have to board, so that's expensive too. To be competitive, you have to be able to invest the time. That being said, I turned my horse out for the summer as its just to hot here. He has navicular but can still compete in the 2d/3d. The last time he saw the barrels was September 2017. He won me a 2d buckle series. On a cognitive level, I know I'm done running barrels. On an emotional level, I'm afraid to not own a horse because it will confirm that I'm done running barrels. I keep thinking when my son starts to drive or graduates, I might have more time and desire but I need to pull the trigger and find my horse a nice home. Thing is he's quirky, 17 and won't be changing. Finding the right home is the challenge. I'm afraid that someone will buy him thinking "I can fix that" when I KNOW they can't since he is who he is. Anyone have any insight? | |
| | |
"Heck's Coming With Me"
Posts: 10794
Location: Kansas | Sadly, when you enter the senior citizen years you genuinely worry that even a minor horse accident could put you in a wheelchair. Nothing changes the fact that your bones are more brittle and you're not as agile. When you watch older barrel racers as compared to the youngsters, you can see a world of difference in the way they sit a horse even though they may have once been a world champion. You just have to watch out for yourself. I chose to eliminate the possibility of crutches. It was easy. They built a casino four miles away. 
Edited by Frodo 2018-07-04 6:02 PM
| |
| | |
 Mature beyond Years
Posts: 10780
Location: North of the 49th Parallel | I didn't sell everything but I did breed my mare and prompty moved 13 hours away a couple years ago. Lost the foal last year, tried legging her up and barrel racing just didn't have the same appeal to me. Got in a hgue wreck with her at our second barrel race back and blew out my good knee so I just figured it was a sign that I shouldn't be barrel racing right now. Bred her, boarding her at a breeding facility and paying stupid amounts in board but I know she's being taken care of. I'll eventually get a 2 yo and do that for awhile but I'm okay not riding right now. If I get the urge back, I can always climb on a friends horse. | |
| | |
Expert
Posts: 1446
Location: California | Griz - 2018-06-28 9:17 AM
I sold all the horses, didn't sell the truck, trailer (TRIED but couldn't) or tack, a year later, have a horse again. I wouldn't sell all the "stuff" it's TOO expensive to replace unless you are SURE.
I agree completely with this!! It’s okay to take a break! We all do it. But I highly recommend not selling all of your stuff. Try selling the horses first and taking a break. Costs way too much to buy all of the odd end things again. | |
| |
| |
Folks on-line