| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| nissibay |
Posted - 14 Jan 2010 : 6:18:49 PM
Hi, as some of you may know ive been looking for a filly for a while havent found "THE ONE" just yet, but i know this will be the year!!! i have a few little flutters and niggles i would like to share to maybe get some advice and thoughts.
i have only been a memeber of A/l about a year, although i used to browse through the odd time over the years. but since being a member i have been glued to all your wonderful threads even though some have been sad too. i havent had a horse for about 8 years so its been good coming on here whilst looking for a filly, seeing all your experiences and questions and i have learnt lots more just by reading all your experiences (so thankyou all) its hard not to concentrate on the sadder stories and dwell on them and worry about it happening to my new horse. i know that this is only a tiny minority of all the people with horses but when i hear about the sad and scary accidents that happen it makes me wonder should i put my heart through what might happen. ive had an arab before, she got kicked about a month after i bought her and the next three or so years i spent trying to get her sound. i was only a teenager at the time and couldnt afford the vet bills so i found a home that could give her what i at the time couldnt love and money, i could only offer the love which wouldnt pay for her vet bills... i trauled the net and found a lovely lady. who had her. i have had to deal with the quilt for all these years of having to give up on her due to bloody money.i am still in contact with my old arab, it does make it easier to know she is ok. but now im older wiser and have finacial security (well as much as anyone can have that is!!) its been a tough decsion but i just knew i couldnt live the rest of my life without a horse. stupidly used to get a tear in my eye when id pass a field of horses. i do worry the same thing will happen again, when i read the story of Brave Buffy for example it sends a shudder down my spine. thanx for reading. hope you can share with me your thoughts if you have any. tried not to ramble |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Kash |
Posted - 15 Jan 2010 : 9:29:11 PM
Go for it! I can't imagine the heart ache I will have to experience one day but that would never ever make me wish for anything else.
I would also agree with the others - even if things are plain sailing you'll find something to worry about... Should I have put that rug on her? Does she have enough hay? Why is she doing that? I'm such a stresser but a happy one, at that!
Good luck,
Lauren
PS
Oh, and I for one am expecting many photos when you get her home! |
| nissibay |
Posted - 15 Jan 2010 : 12:32:08 PM
Oh and thankx for the personal messages too really lovely xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
| nissibay |
Posted - 15 Jan 2010 : 12:30:54 PM
Big thanx for all you thoughtful messages, i thought i was in for a lashing when the 1st peron wrote "dont get a horse then" but the rest of you really have helped a huge deal!!!!!!!! i did already think what you have all said, i suppose i just wanted to hear it from lots of knowlegable like minded people
ILL GO AND ILL GET and you will see all our 1st steps together on here even more excited now |
| precious |
Posted - 15 Jan 2010 : 12:22:49 PM
Horses do bring so much worry and sadness when its there turn to go to rainbow bridge.
BUT
I would never be without my horses, the amount of joy they have brought me, and they alone have got me through rough times.
With the bad comes the good, but the good always over-rule the bad!
And Suzie-T said it all in her post after only having her mare a short time she wouldn’t have changed buying her! (HUGS)
Go for it your only young once while you are financially sound do it, you will find the one for u and you will think why was i so worried :)
Keep us posted with any fillys u see :) |
| marionpack |
Posted - 15 Jan 2010 : 12:20:55 PM
I think it is only natural to worry especially in the early days when you don't know the horse, once you have settled together and got into a routine and yoou know her little ways, you will wonder why you have worried so much, go and find your filly and enjoy her, |
| nikki |
Posted - 15 Jan 2010 : 11:58:51 AM
it's good to worry about our horses if you didn't worry, then, you'd proberbly wouldn't care!
But horses will be horses, and when you get your bay filly, you'll proberbly worrying all the time, is she too hot, is she too cold, has she got enough hay, ect
If you are worried about vet bills just make sure she is insured.
Good luck! |
| Eeyore |
Posted - 15 Jan 2010 : 10:05:13 AM
I agree with Jen, I think it's good that you acknowledge owning a horse is huge responsibility!
I've had my share of good and bad times with horse ownership. At the end of the day though nothing beats those huge neighs and those big dark eyes always so pleased to see me no matter what.
I can't wait to see photos of your dream filly when you've found her |
| jaj |
Posted - 15 Jan 2010 : 09:44:18 AM
Susie T that is so sad, really sorry for you how awful  .
x |
| jaj |
Posted - 15 Jan 2010 : 09:42:51 AM
I think you are worried because you are responsible and that is a very honourable thing. Too many people don't think about the downsides or aren't realistic about the financial and emotional side of owning a horse so good for you to start with.
As others have said, you tend to see the darker side of horse ownership on forums I suppose as people don't usually post every day and say my horses are fine. If we have a crisis (like I did on New Years Day) we may be panic stricken and over react (like I probably did) and so you notice those threads more. Bit like the Buffy thread, your heart is in your mouth reading it every day but those experiences are for the most part unusual thank heavens.
Most of us, most of the time are just pottering along with our horses for years on end and it is a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experienc without anything too dramatic happening!
I really hope that you take the plunge and hey looking for your dream filly must be one of the most exciting things you could possibly do! Good luck and keep us posted !
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| Susie T |
Posted - 15 Jan 2010 : 09:41:26 AM
Hello - I am one of the sad stories of recent days. My beautiful mare was found with a broken leg and died in my arms after being put to sleep by the vet. It has been the most devastating and heartbreaking experience. I hadn't had her very long but she had completely stolen my heart. Do I wish it hadn't happened? - yes, of course I do. Do I think I will get another horse - I really don't know. But do I wish I had never bought her - No! most definitely not. She brought me so much joy, and it was an immense privilege to care for her and love her. I was one of the few very unlucky ones. I say go for it. Your little filly is out there now waiting for you to go and collect her. Go and find her and treasure every single moment with her. x |
| joanna_piana |
Posted - 15 Jan 2010 : 08:54:04 AM
You are right to worry but as others have said you have to live your life for the moment and they are so worth it! Of course if you're really worried why not get something on loan initially and see how you get on? At least then you can see if horse ownership is for you, especially if you're plan is to get a youngster as they need lots of consistency which can be hard work if you have a full time job and other commitments. |
| mogwai |
Posted - 15 Jan 2010 : 07:02:19 AM
They are a HUGE worry! However, the good far outweighs the bad and the fact yuou're actually accepting and accknowledging the down's as well as the ups is a really good thing.
I think you should go for it. Do your homework, get everything sorted and do it. I think you'll make the perfect owner. Afer all, it's better to care, than not to!
xxx |
| Smiler |
Posted - 14 Jan 2010 : 11:41:05 PM
as a horse owner ys i do just get on with it but.... i still worry about them even after 30 odd years on keeping them ! everytime i arrive at the field i think what am i gonna find ? 99 % of the time i find happy healthy horses but the odd time you will get problems ive had my fair share but they are so worth it the good times out weigh the bad for sure , go get your horse and enjoy but... like others have said DO get insurance and ask for advice on which to trust as there are also bad insurers  |
| angelarab |
Posted - 14 Jan 2010 : 8:29:12 PM
I am a first time horse owner and it has not been all roses! I thought i was ready after working with horses for years! But two years and one month 2 days later i am relaxing into life with horse, i worry everyday and think about him while i am at work but you soon learn to chill and enjoy the wonder that is horse!!! The only thing i will say is get insured with a decent company, don't be afraid to ask for help or listen to those who give it freely, you don't have to take it! go with your gut ! look forward to seeing you new horse posts x Angel and Baz |
| Montikka |
Posted - 14 Jan 2010 : 8:07:02 PM
Well it won't be me nissibay - the more the better (pics that is) - I reckon you'll make an excellent owner, it's natural to worry.xx |
| debs |
Posted - 14 Jan 2010 : 7:18:43 PM
Good luck on your search! Looking forward to seeing the pics.... |
| moonlight |
Posted - 14 Jan 2010 : 7:05:38 PM
Good luck in your search, I've had two nasty injuries this year, two different horses but they are fine now and my 18 year old mare, touching wood here, who I bred , has never had a serious illness/injury and whist sometimes in the past I have struggled for money so she perhaps hasn't been out competing and achieving all that she could have done we have had a wonderful life journey together, so many special moments. So your filly will find you and I am sure you will never regret it, life is for living, and as far as I'm concerned surrounded by an Arab or two, dogs, bantams....etc! Do let us know how it goes! X |
| nissibay |
Posted - 14 Jan 2010 : 7:02:35 PM
oh defo lottie hearts, i imagine some one will post on here and say "will nissibay STOP posting pics of her new horse as we are all fed up of seeing it ) haha |
| nissibay |
Posted - 14 Jan 2010 : 7:00:03 PM
Hi, my last message was to Alison.... and the rest you are right i know. xxx |
| lottieherts |
Posted - 14 Jan 2010 : 6:57:23 PM
I can understand you worrying, particularly as you had a bad experience before, however I am of the opinion you must think positively and you will bring positivity into your life. If you worry that the next horse you own will be injured, you may 'bring that to your door' so to speak. It's fear that ushers to you 'what if's'. Nothing good was achieved by fear. Owning a horse is not a decision to be taken likely of course, however you know the pitfalls and this time would you insure your horse? Vet bills will then look after themselves!
I know you from your posts you have been looking for a while but the fact you have not found the one you want merely says to me, you have not met her yet! Arabians choose you as much as you choose them!
Anything could happen! That's the same with anything in life. You have take the plunge. Follow your heart and I am certain you will hush your worries and then find your horse!
I look forward to seeing your thread telling us all you have found her - with pics of course!!!! |
| nissibay |
Posted - 14 Jan 2010 : 6:51:06 PM
thanks for the straight to the point response, your right, if thats all im thinking i wouldnt get a horse, obvioulsy i havent wrote all the wonderful things im looking forward too, its just its a big deal to me and i am so excited but the other side of my head is a worry wart too... which i suppose is a good thing.. im sure you probly have a horse or horses so your just getting on with it, i suppose ive built it all up to much, i should probly just chill out. i was probly just looking for reasurance, but your message back to me made me think, yea i should shut up and grow a pair and enjoy it. tar |
| Montikka |
Posted - 14 Jan 2010 : 6:48:30 PM
Nissibay - I am touching lots of wood here, to tell you that I haven't had a vet out to my horses for many many years (except for routine vaccinations). Maybe I'm lucky, and I have had a few serious problems in the past - one being Grass Sickness (dreadful) and a case of Cushings. Oh - and a mare with choke.
I think in this life we tend not to report when things are going along ok and it's only when something awful happens that we all get to know about it.
You say you are now more financially secure and that you hanker after owning a horse again. I say go for it - life is short, it will enrich your life.
I'd advise to get insurance though!!
It is better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all |
| LYNDILOU |
Posted - 14 Jan 2010 : 6:47:45 PM
Its a bit like saying" I might have an accident , so I had better not get out of bed " !, come on , life doesn't come with guarantees , you have to go out there and live it what ever comes, you cant dwell on the what if's , or you will never know the happiness that owning a horse can bring  |
| geegee |
Posted - 14 Jan 2010 : 6:46:47 PM
Originally posted by alison
Hi Nissibay, If you are that worried then do not buy a horse.
That's a bit harsh!
I think you are right to be concerned as owning a horse is a big responsibility and anything can happen, but for the majority, it doesn't.
For the majority, it is a wonderful journey.
I can appreciate your excitement and when you have "the one" then I am sure you are going to get on just fine. AL is a great place with great, knowledgeable people. MOST are more than happy to share their experiences and, as you have seen with the Buffy thread, are more than happy to help in desparate situations.
Good luck with your search and I look forward to reading about your new filly, when you find her |
| moatside |
Posted - 14 Jan 2010 : 6:43:45 PM
After a long break from horses (years not months) I found my one in a lifetime mare - 6 weeks after I got her home a very silly person turned out a new mare in with my girl - they had a difference of opinion and my girl was kicked in the head. Thankfully she was fully insured and despite having a brain injury she made a good recovery. Her recovery was slow but we went on to have 8 years full of mutual love and respect before she died in my arms - most likely from a hemorrhage related to the kick.
After her accident I was terrified of anything happening to her or any of my others - you cannot stop the inevitable nor can you wrap them in cotton wool. I learnt to relax and whilst i take every precaution I allow mine to be horses. I do worry about them but I don't let it spoil my enjoyment of them nor do I let my fears stop me from letting them enjoy life.
All you can do is do you best and remember that what will be will be.
Good luck in finding "The One" and I hope you have many years of fun.
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