Finally decided to sell my horse

[Rafter 7 Paint Horses]

I for one, am very proud of you, to be able to see that this is not a good fit for you.
She needs an owner that she can become a trusted friend to, and you need a horse that can be a trusted friend to you.

I have such a horse, and she is semi-retired now at 24 years old.
I have been looking for a new horse for awhile now, but haven't found "the right one" yet.
And I say yet, because she is out there, we just haven't crossed paths yet.

Jean

 

[Chicks_N_Horses]

It is always hard for me to part with any horse I have. I have had to sell several really nice horses that I really wanted to keep but didn't have time for.

Hope you find a perfect horse for you and a great home for her

 

[patandchickens]

As he put it though, trying to gain confidence from her is like trying to learn to cook from Gordon Ramsay.

ROTFL

Yes, I know it's never easy deciding to sell an animal onwards, but I think you need to give yourself a big pat on the back. It is not a contest, she is not 'winning', you have not done anything whatsoever wrong... it's just not a good match.

If you went to the store for a sofa and when you got it home found out that it wouldn't fit through the door; or bought some hardware for something you were building and then realized it was the wrong size; or (like I did the other day) bought what the bin said was a fitted bedsheet only to discover at home, after opening the package, that it was actually a FLAT sheet that someone'd mis-filed on the shelf... you would just go right ahead and return the incorrect unsuitable item. This is really no different, to my mind.

There really are a buncha good horses out there, and I am sure you will find one. When it's the right one, a person generally knows

Very best of luck, have fun,

Pat​

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

I know how hard it is to part with an animal, but I am very proud of you for making this decision. This is a HUGE step towards finding a horsey partner that will make you happy.

It took me about three years to find a horse I enjoy riding. It was purely chance that we ended up with her and even though she is only five, I feel so safe riding her. I've decided that I should just sit around and wait for the perfect animal to find me, as that is usually what seems to happen!

Take your time and go look at lots and lots of horses. There are a ton out there right now looking for a home. Who knows? You may get lucky and find a freebie like my family did. An older horse would probably work very well for you. Our oldest gelding was about 15 when we bought him and he's about 25ish now. I wouldn't trade him for the world. He is the most level headed, easy going, bomb proof horse. You could put anyone on him and the worst he does is trip. He's starting to show his age now, but I know there are other "Sonny's" out there. Sometimes you just have to search! And don't throw out the ugly horses either...Sonny was the ugliest thing in the field. We bought him solely for the reason that he was a palomino and we felt bad for him. He was all alone in the field. He's definitely not a halter horse by any means, but a good riding horse may not be the most georgous thing.

I hate horse shopping, but just be sure to keep your eyes and ears open and take your time. At least for now you have your two year old to work with to keep you occupied. I know you will find something to make you happy! That's what horse riding should be about...pleasure!

Good luck and feel free to talk with me. I've been in your position a couple of times and it never gets any easier. Its definitely easier having others to talk to though!

 

[michickenwrangler]

I just went through the same thing, although I lost my job and that's why I had to sell Sera. I had to sell one horse and I've owned Izzie for 11 yrs and Sera for 7 so it was hard to decide. The people that have Sera just love her (bought her for their daughter) and the two of them get along great.

I was a sobbing, crying mess when they came to pick her up, but they are very happy with her and she's out on 6 acres of pasture with a girl to come love on her every day.

On the plus side, I have more time to spend with the other horse. Trying to do dressage with one and endurance with the other was just too hard and now I have more time to condition and focus on one horse.