Advice needed, decisions about possibly selling my personal horse

[mirrorofagirl]

So about 6 years ago I got back into horses after a 10 year absence.  I purchased a wonderful OTTB named Neo. I've had him ever since, and he really helped me regain confidence in my abilities as a rider & ammie trainer.  He went from being a wild man to now packing kids around safely and is just the sweetest horse I own.  Fast forward, and we have

Comments

[animalboything]

Well, I think listening to your heart on it being best for him might be your answer if you're certain the horses your friend wants could apply to your boy. Are they aware that he trailers poorly, that he likes having consistent riders? That he doesn't like the show atmosphere? If they know that, and really are looking for a pet and horse to love on, then I think that might be an appropriate home especially considering you have a big family, and pretty big herd from what you're saying. It also sounds like you have a really lovely show horse who you could spend a little more time on.

I'm happy that it's not a financial situation for you; you're very lucky in that sense.

[mirrorofagirl]

I've been very clear of his issues. He's 15 this year. They live right down the road from the public trail riding area and there is a horse trail that leads to it from their home, so he won't have to trailer to the trails. They understand of the two they are interested in the second could be hauled to local shows if the girls want to do that, but that Neo is a homebody and just wants to be a pet/riding companion around the farm. They also know that he really prefers just one rider, but that he will tolerate others hopping up from time to time if its needed. I also can hop over there and get on him and work with him if he needs it, it gives me a great excuse NOT to sit with my inlaws when we go visit lol! I even offered the girls free lessons and a trail period at their farm. We'd also haul him up there since we know how to get him loaded properly

[animalboything]

Absolutely makes sense, but I think that you're making the right decision. Best of luck, whichever you choose.

[closedcurtains]

WOW I am going through the exact same thing right now almost word for word.. down to the fact that the people looking to buy him have just built a beautiful farm, etc etc.

I think at the end of the day you have to do what's best for him, because that's what's best for you. It's been a hard decision to make. (I sold him last year actually, but to a very close friend who's kept him around the corner so it still feels like he's mine since I still go visit/trail ride him all the time. The friend's life has since fallen apart so that's how this new buyer entered the equation.. and this one lives about 5 hours away.) But I think that this way, when I think about him I'll know he's being spoiled and loved and ridden and is going to stay at this farm for the rest of his life.

[_kollision]

"I think at the end of the day you have to do what's best for him, because that's what's best for you."

I don't think anyone else could have said it better. =)

[creseis_acicula]

A friend of mine just made a similar decision to give away a horse that she had for *years* and is everyone's best friend at the barn, but he needed a different situation for his own well-being. It was a very tough decision to make because this horse was more of a pet than an employee or working horse, but in the end, she was happy because he ended up at a very good home that would spoil him rotten and give him the attention he deserved.

[arglikeapirate]

That's such a hard question! I had a similar situation a few years ago; my hanoverian/tb was getting pretty old and couldn't really handle the work I was asking him to do, and I was interested in starting to be more competitive-- and I was moving acorss country for college. He was my first horse, but there wasn't really anyone else to start riding him as a play horse, so we made the decision to take him to a farm a few hours away where he does camps and teaches small kids to ride all summer and trail rides all winter. It ended up being a good situation for him and me, because it allowed me to start riding other horses and really advancing my riding

[candysgirl]

Can you offer him to them on a lease/free lease basis for X amount of time with the offer to buy him at the end of it if you/they/he agree its a good fit for him? Explain that he means a lot to you, but you think he'd be a good fit for them and you want to make absolutely sure that he/they are happy with his new living arrangements

[mirrorofagirl]

Absolutely. I would NEVER allow him to go to an auction or even to someone I didn't know in some capacity. I seriously love this beast, and I'm in tears every time I think about letting him go. I just want him happy, and he's such an affectionate spoil-me sort of horse, I feel rotten not having time to dote on him like I did when we just had a couple of horses. I want these young girls to have a good experience with horses, and I know he's about as reliable as you can possibly get for what they want/need.

[candysgirl]

Its hard, but sometimes you may not be the *best* fit for a horse even if you do love them dearly. Not that you are a bad fit per say, but if this horse loves being doted on, what better home is there than with a couple little girls who will fawn over him and spoil him rotten

[squidypoo]

I think the above advice is really good. And I really do understand what you mean. I was in tears reading your entry thinking about Steph and Mac. That's not a good look when I'm at work! :P