Well I did it...but I'm still not sure I can do it.

[Haviris]

I listed one of my horses for sale. I can't afford the upkeep on two horses anymore, and really don't need two anyway, but I'm struggling really hard w/ it. Am I the only one that has such a hard time letting go? I've owned Magic since just before he turned two, it feels like I'm giving up a part of my family. I've been trying to post the ad for the last several days, but haven't been able to actually do it til now.

He's actually been rode more lately then ever before, a few family members and a neighbor have been riding w/ me some. I would gladly give him to a family member, and even let them keep him here if they'd take over the responsibility of his care, if it would mean he could stay in the family!

Of course just because I posted the ad doesn't mean I'll find a buyer, I've probably got him priced abit high for the current market, but he's worth it and I know he'll be hard to replace when I realize what a huge mistake I've made.

Next I have to deside what to do w/ my mule. My nephew rides her, and claims her, I really don't want to take her away from him, I'd like to just give her to him, but I doubt his parents will be willing to take responsibilities, nurturing the horse (or mule as the case may be) bug is very high on their list.

 

[pardenx3]

You are not the only one who feels that way. I have always hated it myself beacause the do become part of the family, but sometimes times are hard and you have to do what you have to do. We have two Belgian geldings, and I hope to God we NEVER have to go that way with them. Best of luck to you, and you just have to what you feel you have to do.

 

[chick4chicks]

I am sorry you have to make this decision. I will Pray that the situation will work out for the best for you and the horse and mule.

 

[MomtoSyd&Emma]

 

[babyblue]

dh and I were having issue keeping two horses. he doesnt ride, I am now 7 months pregnant and I had a 20yo qh and 5yo paint mare. aside from money issues I just couldnt ride and keep up with two horses. my one sisters dd rides the old horse, but that sister ends up working with the 9yo kid and the old horse and did not have time for the young mare in addition. my other sister moved out of state.

ended up selling her to a set of parents that had ridden their whole lives and had a 12yo dd that had been taking lessons for a while. the 12yo is now showing her and she has a great home. I cried for days, but now know she is not just getting fed and turned out, but used and excercised and is much happier. and my old horse is thrilled to be the only horse again and get (to his mind) all the food and attention to himself.

 

[Skyesrocket]

It really is hard. We had to place our two several years ago. Between money and arthritis and winter coming I just couldn't do it any more. The one passed on two winters ago, he was into his 30's. But.....
They both went to a good friends stable and the younger of the two has been at fair twice and has been used for teaching kids barrels. The friend lives close and I would visit them often.
Last night we were at a bon fire over there and our friends asked if we wanted Desi back for the summer! We have a good size pasture that we have to keep cutting because the mini and goats can't eat it all. Desi isn't being used there right now so he is in a smaller paddock. They said he might as well be in our pasture for the summer and then the granddaughter and hubby can ride him whenever they want. Come winter he will go back to them.
So I hope things work out for you as well as it did for us.

 

[Haviris]

Well I may have found a solution! My new brother in law has been riding w/ me lately, he's a beginner, but rides fairly well and really seems to like the horses (ever since the first ride he hasn't stopped bugging me to ride), anyway mentioned that I was selling Magic, that it would be great if a family member wanted him and I'd let him stay here as long as they paid for his upkeep, b-i-l jumped at it! His wife (my sister) didn't seem to sure (and she is an experienced horseman, I wanted her approval before I agreed to let him have him), but finally told him if he really wanted him he could have him.

I'm excited about this! But also abit nervous, I'll consider it a trial for now because I want to be sure he isn't going to lose interest. So I'm romoving the ad, and very hopeful that this works out!

Figured I should share a few pics, I was playing around w/ these, I'd taken several and had been trying to pick some for his ad(s), and these are some I had put together,
(the bottom two pics in these was to show his halter/bridle combo that is customized w/ his name across the noseband (it would have come w/ him)),

And in these, the last pic, the guy on him is the brother in law! (and yes I know his stirrups are way to short, we borrowed this saddle that had been sitting, gathering dust for several years and they were stuck in place)

 

[wvgal61]

nice!

 

[kfchickenlady]

awesome horses, no wonder you had a hard time deciding to let go, I sold my Haflinger gelding 2 years ago dirt cheap to a friend who is giving him a forever and knowledgeable home, it was worth the monetary loss, no regrets or wondering what happened to him. Good luck to you, hope it works out for your horse.

 

[Haviris]

Thank you, I hope this works out.

Now I have to worry about the mule, I made the mistake of mentioning to my nephew that I was considering giving her to him. His mom said no, but I haven't had a chance to talk to her (I'd planned to do that first). W/ her it's not so much letting her go, I love her, but it's not the same as me and Magic, I just don't want to take her away from him! (she's the white one in the last two pics, and that's him on her).