Leaving the horse behind

[kudosirony]

Currently, I'm looking into finishing my undergrad/pursuing my masters but because of my interested field I'll most likely be going away. This can range from a few hours from my home in Ohio to either coast, but I'm really shooting for a few schools of Massachusetts

Comments

[wastedrock]

Honestly, you COULD move her, but I don't think it'd be worth the hassle, especially since she gets stellar care. It was hard to leave Jake, but the ONLY way I could do it was because I knew he was getting well taken care of. Her passing without you is a valid fear, but most of the time they give some signs, so I think you would be able to at least get a flight home or something. I don't think that's the reason to NOT go away to school, certainly.
It's hard, but it's doable.

[spazzy444]

I left my mare who was 20 behind for 2 years, then moved her to college with me when she was 22.
She stood in a pasture and ate, had good care and I had friends who still rode at the barn to give me updates. The barn owner would also give me updates when I called.

I was so busy with school I didn't have time to miss her too much honestly, I knew she was getting good care, and I got updates when I needed them. I also went home to visit my parents and could see her then.

My horse broke her leg while I was gone. I came up there as soon as I could, but really the barn owner managed her for me. She was on stall rest for months so it didn't much matter if I was there and the barn owner was able to keep her calm...there were barn brats who were willing to give her treats and brush her too.

[a_aurantia]

My horse was sold out from under me while I was at grad school. True, I'd had him on the market, but I didn't know he was even being sold the day he was sold, except that I just so happened to call my dad at the same time they were out at the barn with a potential buyer (who ended up buying him.) Who knows when they'd have told me if I hadn't happened to call that day?

They sold him for a measly $350. I wasn't consulted, and I only had my parents' word that the buyer was a good guy.

NEVER AGAIN.

I'm still not completely over it, I still very much miss my horse, and I still really, REALLY wish I could somehow get him back. It's been 4 years or so. I don't even know if my horse is still alive. Last I heard he was sold over a year ago to someone else.

I hope whatever happens with you/your horse, it's a better outcome than I was granted. I can only hope Casino is somewhere where he's being spoiled.

[thehomicidehoe]

I'll be in your situation next year (Hoping to go to the UK to finish my degree), and I'm planning to lease out my boy, he's still pretty young (10), but I do worry about a freak accident happening and him dying and me not being there!, or someone riding him badly and ruining all my hard work, I plan on having a very detailed contract drawn up that will cover all parties involved.

Maybe with your girl leasing isn't really an option because she's not up for full riding, but maybe you could find someone (A friend or barn rat kid) who will look after her and that you can trust to love her and give her the best care, and then when your away you know that someone is there with her best interests at heart and you can call them at anytime to check in.

[creseis_acicula]

Probably a good idea to leave her in good hands... I have been learning about how difficult it can be to find a good barn with people running it and owning it who aren't mental and neglectful in some way. I am guessing you will be able to visit a couple of times a year and after your master's degree you may need to move again, anyways. If it turns out let's say you go to MA and then get a job there that is really stable and you love it and find a good barn that isn't crazy expensive, maybe then you can move her?