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 I Prefer a Beard
Posts: 1944
   
| I need some advice have any of you sold your horses and then later at a better time in your life started riding again. I'm really considering selling both my geldings and just keeping my old retired mare. Between my job, two very busy children and a non-supportive spouse riding and barrel racing just is not a priority anymore. Both my geldings are broke and ready to be started on the pattern but I simply don't have the time to get them going. It just seems pointless to feed and care for horses that rarely get used anymore. I know one of my geldings will be sold for sure but I'm on the fence about the other one. He is out of my retired mare and is the first and probably only horse I will ever raise from a baby. I had such big plans for him and it seems like a waste to have him sit. He is five now and I either need to get him patterned or let him go to someone who will. He has spent time with a reining horse trainer when he was three and again when he was four last year. He has nice breeding but I'm just not sure what to do. If I sell both of them I will keep my trailer and saddle and hope in a few years when my kids are older (like high school and college) I can get me another horse. Right now they are involved in every sport possible and lots of other activities at school. Being a mom is the most important thing to me and I simply won't miss out on my kids activities but some days I just really want to go for a ride. Im sorry to whine but I'm just really torn on what to do and any advice would be great. |
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 Tried and True
Posts: 21185
Location: Where I am happiest | I would start by selling the one and then see where you are. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1236
Location: NE Oklahoma |  I'm going through the same thoughts right now. I just haven't been getting to ride because of work and haven't been able to run due to not having a lot of extra disposable money. I put my nice gelding up for sale and hopefully he will sell easily. I plan on buying something young when I have time again in a few years. |
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 Expert
Posts: 3165
| Sell the one gelding, keep the one that means the most to you.
and if you have the finances, send him off to a trainer to be patterned... you might find you have more time in a few months, and it might bring the fun back into it if you have a horse ready to haul.
I've been getting pressured to sell one, or both of my horses for a higher caliber horse...but keep finding that the sentimental value of each horse is greater to me, than a paycheck in a higher division. I know if i sold either of them I'd regret it. |
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 Expert
Posts: 5293
| I went from 3 to 1 just recently. Best decision I ever made. Now I can focus on him, he is performing better and life is good. Not to mention the hay stack lasts a lot longer! |
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| I have these same thoughts every day, as I am in the exact same situation as you. As much as I want my horses to be a priority, I have two adorable children that will only be little for a short time.
I don't have any advice, just wanted to let you know you are not alone. |
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I Really Love Jeans
Posts: 3173
Location: North Dakota | I sold down to just one horse and it feels good to not have a huge feed bill! But if I were you I would keep the mare and the gelding out of her. Ride your gelding and let the mare remain retired in the pasture. I went years without riding when my children were younger and I regret it because when I started back I can't ride like I could in the past at all!!! Your children will grow up and move on but now is your time also! |
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