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Michelle
Platinum Member
 United Kingdom
3197 Posts |
 Posted - 28 Nov 2003 : 3:59:23 PM
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Last year I sold my little arab riding mare. I call her a riding mare because she was (we think) infertile although it never was confirmed.
I had this mare as an unbroken 3 year old filly for my 14th birthday. I broke her in, had fun with her, loved her and knew her inside out.
After a few years I tried to breed from her twice but never got a foal. I was heartbroken. I realised that I wanted to breed in hand show horses from a young age and decided to put the mare up for sale, but i couldn't do it.
I kept her for 10 years and then last year some people on my livery yard asked if she was for sale. I sold her to them, the girl was 14 years old and I believed she would be loved. At the time I had 4 horses which I was struggling to pay for. I am still into my showing etc and this little mare was not really a show horse. I had so many horses to do though that she never got ridden and I felt she was wasted and unhappy. Also, at the time I had just bought my first flat and gutted it and then 3 weeks later I got made redundant. I was out of work for 3 months with mounting debt. I didn't get a lot of money for the mare, even though she could do anything and easily jump as tall as me! Good in every way.
Almost as soon as they handed the money over for her (the whole thing took a few months) they moved yards and then I found out they had sold her straight on to someone else as the girl wanted something bigger. There was nothing I could do about it. A couple of months later I sold my homebred yearling colt to a girl and she signed a contract to say that I would get first refusal if she ever sold him on, why didn't i do this with her?
I am totally gutted about this mare. As soon as I sold her I regretted it and I would have bought her back if I had known they wanted to sell her. This all happened last year and I am still beating myself up over it - my greed, just for money that didn't even change anything. I sold my best friend, my youth. The horse that I grew up with and learned with. The horse that I always said I would never part with. How could I have done it? Last night I was in tears over it yet it was a whole year ago.
I have not ridden another horse since and I miss riding but my confidence was with her, I knew her, could read her like a book.
I have heard that the girl who owns her is a nice girl and she has said she will never sell her (she is friendly with someone on my yard) but I just can't get over it still. Is there something wrong with me or has this happened to anyone else? The worst thing is knowing that it is all my own fault.
Michelle
IIsis Arabians
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Acorn Arabians
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2052 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2003 : 4:05:32 PM
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Oh yeees , your not alone.Not going to elaborate, as it will be misinterpreted.Its called moving on too, sometimes its best for the horse and so long as its anice home then life goes on for the horse.
Helen
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n/a
deleted
16 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2003 : 5:07:39 PM
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Oh Dear God,
I won't even go down this road .......
I'll be on a Valium-drip in no time !
Let's just say, the "Home for Life" expression will get my blood pressure off the chart !
christine
Toskhara Arabians |
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white bryony
Gold Member
United Kingdom
778 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2003 : 5:10:29 PM
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i imagion nearly everyone regrets or is upset after selling a 'special' horse,
i dont know what you are feeling,but in time you will start to feel happier about all this
Emma
 
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razgold
Platinum Member
USA
1576 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2003 : 5:22:53 PM
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I remember the first pony I ever bought. I had ridden him for 2 years before I bought him. I'd taught him to jump, gymkhana , show even hunt. He was such a fun pony. My friend. I saved up really hard to buy him from the farmer who owned him. He cost me £40. Which at the time was about 2 months wages!!! I owned him for 2 years till I had to sell because I couldn't afford to feed him.
I didn't know at the time that I'd sold him to a dealer and never saw him again. it was heart rendering and I still still of him even today. But as you say life goes on and you have to move on.
Sue.
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susan hobson
Silver Member
United Kingdom
367 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2003 : 6:43:21 PM
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Hi,
Been there and got the tee shirt, as the saying goes.
It's awful, heart breaking, it does dull with time but you never totally forget.
susan. |
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pat ww
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3459 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2003 : 7:13:16 PM
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That's why I've now got 7 and the welsh pony! I had a half TB mare, really dished head, more Araby, that I got when she was 2. She had been broken in after having strangles and used on the riding school. My parents got a bank loan, as they also loved her and felt disgusted at how she was treated.
I had 2 foals from her, one 3/4 TB was stunning, but got salmonella poisoning off the livery yeard she was kept at, and despite treatment died before she was 2.
When I married my now ex, he insisted that the horses went. I drew up a first refusal agreement, and sold her to be used as a brood mare. She again produced a decent foal. The blow came when I was laid up with a very bad back during my second pregnancy, and was asked if I wanted her back.
The agreement was at the same price, but he said he wanted more because she was now in foal again, and nearly doubled her price. I'd had her 10 years, did not want to sell her, and couldn't even go and say goodbye again. I had also been co-erced into selling her first filly, and her grandchildren, one by a Welsh section d, the other by Kairwan, bu Kami. I had just started to breed what I wanted, maybe I should have ditched the hubby instead! (another long boring story)
Now the yongsters I've sold have been to adults, and both home bred geldings were 5, before I thought I had responsible buyers. I don't think I've met anyone who has not had some regrets about at least one horse they've sold.
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Chris James
Silver Member
United Kingdom
497 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2003 : 8:39:54 PM
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Take hope from the fact that the mare is happy and has a good home (so miss her as you do - it's only your sadness you have to cope with)
Some years ago when I decided age was catching up with me and it was time to hang up my showing boots, I had a lovely young mare who had done very well in hand and was showing great promise as a ridden prospect. I thought she had a good chance of doing extremly well, and so rather than just turn her out at home I sold her to a 'ridden/showing home with a young rider who was keen to do well' - imagine my distress to find that she was never brought out as a ridden horse and was immediately put in foal and worse was to follow, she died some time after foaling (the foal lived and was sold) due to complications after which a large insurance claim was implemented.
That was the last I heard until this year when I met the owner of her foal who is now competing successfully under saddle - so the story has turned full circle and I finally feel less stressed when I look at the photo on my office wall of the mare. How I wish I'd kept her doing 'nothing' in my field.
Chris James |
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Jingo
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3632 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2003 : 9:16:19 PM
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Oh yes I know the feeling that is why I now have ???? not doing much in fields, stables etc. When anyone asks how many horses I have, i fudge the reply (especially if Chris is around) or say - oh but that one belongs to so and so. There is one mare who was sold and the people moved to France - they came back but the mare didn't!!! I pray she is OK.
Jude |
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stella
Silver Member
United Kingdom
339 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2003 : 9:38:01 PM
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Michelle
I know EXACTLY how you feel. All I ever wanted when I was growing up was a horse. Never got one of course, but saved and saved and finally when I was 17 went to the Heron Stream Stud and bought a horse they were selling for someone.
He was the most fantastic horse who basically taught me how to ride properly! I did everything with him; showing, endurance, jumping, hunting. He spoiled me for every other type of horse - if you know what I mean!!
Then everything went wrong, made redundant etc etc and had to sell my life basically. It still makes me cry when I think of him walking up the ramp of the horsebox to another home, (and this is nearly 20 years ago!!!) At the time I thought my life was at an end. I stopped my car on the drive home as I was crying so hard, I could not see the road in front of me, little realising that the police had followed me and stopped to see if I was OK! (Very difficult to explain!)
Anyway, life does go on and Mak had a fantastic second home where he lived very, very happily for the next ten years. I went and visited him and kept in touch with his owner until his death. Life does go on, but I know how you feel.
I never thought I would find another horse like him, but I have and he is having a saddle fitted tomorrow so that hopefully we can do all the things together that Mak and I did all those years ago!!
Chin up
Stella
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Wyllow
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2885 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2003 : 07:53:10 AM
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Yes, I "sold" a horse and lived to regret it bitterly.
I say "sold" as I was looking to retire a horse and I had the offer of "selling" him for a microscopic amount ( just so it would be a legal exchange of ownership) to a "sanctuary". I t seemed perfect. I knew the organiser casually and all seemed fine. The place had few horses and he passed the first summer there peacefully and happily.
But shortly after that, there was an influx of wild ponies otherwise destined for slaughter and nearly all had foals within weeks.
Suddenly the grazing was inadequate, the fields covered in droppings and the level of attention per animal reduced.
The long and short of it was that this horse I had retired took to getting out to pastures greener and lusher through being hungry and finally broke out and got into the feed store and helped himself.
I heard about this and becasue of the personalities involved, minded my own business - he was no longer my horse- and I knew I'd be told this if I suggested the vet checked him for fear he's develop colic.
He did.
The vet came... I hope the tale I was later told was not true and that they had called in a Reiki practitioner first and so delayed veterinary attention in what was a medical emergency.
The horse by this time was in organ failure and was put down.
I felt helpless and distraught.
If I had kept him, I would still have been alive.
Meantime, I had, oddly enough,at the same time as I retired my horse, been given a horse (owner's daughter lost interest)and it wasn't ideal, but ironically, I'd taken him because I felt he was being inadequately cared for.
Now, I began to resent the horse I had (hardly his fault) as the thought of having another was part of the reason I had finally made up my mind to "sell" the first one.
Now I began to think that if the second one had not been in the picture, I would have kept the first...again, probably not...but your mind does odd things when you're upset.
Things went downhill with the new horse. I never could get my head around it all.
I had not known if I really intended to keep him permanently, but to bring him on and "see". Anyway, I did that for him and cared for him obsessively if in a very detached manner and finally took a year and a half to rehome him in a very happy place with lovely people.
Still, although I'm glad I managed to help the second boy on his way to a better future, I'm still gutted with what happened to the first.
I believe I left him to be neglected...although it was NOT the case at the time.
I feel maybe, I should have tried to take him back when I saw how things were going - but money and space were issues and I don't believe I could have managed it.
I'll never come to terms with it.
The "sanctuary" continues to "care for" around twenty animals on the area on which I graze two.
I have since heard that one of the "managers" is basing a paper on herd behaviour for some course on the study of the wild ponies who are packed into one paddock.
I might also add that when I had occasion to briefly go around to her house for another unrelated reason, I met a kitten who looked sick and I suggested the vet should see it....you can imagine the "oh, we don't need to do that..." response. Anyway, a couple of days later, so I am told, the kitten was worse,aledgedly the vet saw it....cat flu.
The local authorities have recently moved to pass stricter controls on breeders and "sanctuaries" around here.
I, for one, cannot wait.
The whole experience with the horse leaves me sick to my stomach.
I hadn't had this horse for many years as some people here have ...but that's not the point.
I will never stop feeling I should have kept him or found him a "private" home at least.
In all, I feel I failed him and should have stuck my oar in when I suspected the level of care had sunk, whether I was "interfering" or not. I feel responsible for the horrific way in which he died.
I can scarecely bear to think about him or even see his picture . I have referred to him as "the horse" not only as I have no wish to identify anyone, human or animal, for legal reasons ~ and please tell me if I've overstepped the mark with this story or delete it if it's too contentious or accusatory. I've only submitted it to warn others of so-called sanctuaries....and that they may not be all they pretend to be.
A pony who was there, on free livery as a hardship case, came to graze with me, not so long ago. I suggested the owner get his hoof with a huge distortion looked at. The farrier said that although he was now sound, there had been an untreated absess in the foot. To cause the distortion to the hoof wall , it must have been bad and the pony would have been very lame. Where was the vet....AGAIN?
I hope the new laws put the pressure on this place.
I have a LOT more to say, but it's verging on what isn't a great idea to put into "print"!
All I can say about my beautiful horse is~
I'm sorry.
I'm just so sorry.
So inadequate.
~Wyllow~ |
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Michelle
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3197 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2003 : 09:29:09 AM
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Hi Wyllow,
You have not gone too far. I know how you feel, it's out of your control but it was in yours in the first place, thats what is so hard to come to terms with.
I spoke to someone the other day who said that the girl who now owns my mare wants to move to my livery yard. I told them I would rather she didn't, but then it's up to her and it's not her fault, all she did was buy the mare.
I'm still so sad!
Michelle
IIsis Arabians |
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pat ww
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3459 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2003 : 09:31:23 AM
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Sanctuaries are only as good as the people who run them. I kept ahorse for 8 weeks this year till a place in our sanctuary came up, fortunately they do know their numbers and limitations and only take to replace one that has passed away. In this case it was a rescue pony that had had sweet itch. Its owners had used neat jeyes fluid along its mane, the result for the unfortunate animal was a burned, blistered and crusty weeping neck. It was in agony and threshed round constantly in pain. Despite regular vet attention there was absolutely nothing that could be done, and the decision was made that it was prolonging the suffering to keep it alive. The pony's tragic end was the mare's gain.
The same sanctuary person paid for an Anglo foal that was starving to death. Despite the vet twice a day and someone sleeping in his stable, IV fluids etc he only lasted a week.
On a different theme there was another "sanctuary" that took small breed animals, and an Anglo-nubian goatling I had given away to a lonely pensioner ended up there, not back to me as per agreement.
The place was disgusting, overstocked, dead chickens lying round, calf with newcastle disease etc. The people had bought a couple of acres of agricultural land in a high class area and were using the "sanctuary" to try to get plannning for a house. Sick b******s |
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Wendy Allan
Silver Member
United Kingdom
310 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2003 : 11:18:02 AM
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Surely there must be something that can be done to prevent these "sanctuaries" from operating? Where are the RSPCA in these cases? Like many people, I would love to alleviate suffering and offer sanctuary to horses/owners that need it BUT I recognise my limitations and don't do it. My current family are enough to care for - I could financially manage another 2-3 horses but I wouldn't be able to give them the time they would need, and loving care is more important than luxuries.
In response to the original question on this thread, yes, i have sold a pony some years ago and regretted it. Not for the pony's sake - she went to a home that used the same vet and farrier and i was regularly assured that she was happy. But my children and i were heartbroken, this particular pony was an absolutely gorgeous 11.2 hh palomino Welsh A, she was every little girls dream, but she would come at us when we went to catch her. She would stand quite happily until we got within around 3 feet of her then she would rear up boxing with her front feet at face level. I tried everything except intimidation for 16 months then accepted that she would have to be sold. She went to a very experienced family (which we weren't) who wrestled her to the ground and walloped her the first time she tried it, and whatever the rights or wrongs of that, it worked where all my efforts had failed and she never attempted it again. I still wouldn't have used this method, even if I had been assured that it would work as I cannot bear any sort of bullying or violence, but I can't help regretting that I didn't if that makes any sense. Time and experience have made it more bearable, but if that pony came up for sale I would pay whatever it took to get her back, even though my children are grown up now.
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dee
Silver Member
United Kingdom
401 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2003 : 12:32:25 PM
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Hi there,
Yes same problem six or seven years ago maybe more, we had to sell our 15.2hh grey purebred arab gelding Simas by ossys snowflake (haroun lines) can't remember the rest of hand. He was my husbands horse and he hurt his back my husband not the horse, I already had two to ride and at the time we could not afford to keep him and I worked full-time and hardly had time to excercise two never mind a young six year old. We decided to sell for his own good, he was extremely good at endurance or even racing as he was fast, but he was very sensitive, it took him a full six months to come round to us and then he was devoted, he hated to travel alone in box or tailer, he would but if you stopped at the lights etc he would rock the box until you set off, in company he was fine. He also had a huge peice of proud flesh on his front leg, which looked awful, this was a minor injury not treated effectively by a previous owner. It did not deter his gait or speed, he was a strong ride and not a novice a couple of ladies came to try him for endurance but i think he was a little quick and spooky for them. I came home one day and my husband had sold him to an acqaintance who bought and sold, I was horrified and we fell out big time, he thought it was best as we started to get fussy with the people who came to try him. But to this day I never found out were he went or who bought him. Still feel guilty and still growl at my hubby when we mention Simas or sinbad as we called him. God bless little soul hope you are happy wherever you are.
Dee |
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Wyllow
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2885 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2003 : 2:49:06 PM
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Thanks, Michelle, I appreciate your words.
Yes,you're right, it's the thought of having given up having any influence of the life he may still have that haunts me.
Wendy, that thought about the RSPCA has gone through my mind too.
A friend of mine lives next door to a dairy farmer who was keeping bulls chained and in her opinion, insufficiently watered. She would take them water and regularly complain to the RSPCA. Trouble was, until the animals were "seen to be suffereing", nothing could be done and in effect, while she watered the bulls, she effectiviely delayed prosecution! I have thoughts about this that don't bear writing down and I'm sure all here will agree.
Eventually, one bull twisited it's tethering chain so tightly around it's horns, it cut into the flesh and to all intents and purposes, sent the animal mad with pain.
This was the point at which the authorities FINALLY acted.
No further bulls have been tethered next to my friend's property and we all hope that this was the end of the matter....but I tell this tale to illustrate the incredibly frustrating position that the RSPCA find themselves in.
Apparently, and please, someone correct me if I'm in error here, they can do nothing about confiscating animals or closing a place down, prosecuting individuals etc, unless "suffering" is seen to occur.
The law and way of administering it probably varies from region to region and may indeed be technically different in different parts of the British Isles.
Still, it seems to me that the current rethink on legislation here in my part of the country is very welcome as it will tighten up and clarify parts of the law which have been grey areas.
I have to say, I can think of one other small sanctuary not that far from me (who couldn't have taken the horse in question ~ probably because it's run by a farmer who knows what limits should be placed on space), whose care I wouldn't question.This person has over fifty years worth of knowledge. It shows.
Yes, Pat, sanctuaries which are properly run are to be admired...but the people who run them for some kind of gain of their own...I don't think I need to say it!
Wendy, I know what you mean about the children and yourself being heartbroken over the departure of a pony. I just couldn't bear any more partings with "members of the family" ...and will keep my little mare when they outgrow her as long as my field/money/back/husband's patience etc endures!!
I have to say, when I failed to get the little horse about whom I've rattled on a LOT in other threads shod the other day....by being nice to him....and he flatley refused to come in, let alone entertain the farrier, I booked another appointment, got the horse in before he suspected anything was "up"....and allowed my farrier to "have a few words" with him. Let's just say, it was short, sharp and minimal but he got the animal's respect instantly and thereafter was sweet and sympathetic to him, deciding he'd probably had a *****ed foot and it wasn't surprising he acted up the way he did. The horse accepted the farrier's dominant stance and became very obliging ~ without breaking a sweat or showing fear. I have neither the physical size and presence to intimidate a horse, nor the attitude it takes to do it, have done with it and then just "get on with it". I use loads of patience, but I have to admit, in the right hands a short sharp shock may be the most appropriate, safest and effective way to break a hazardous bit of behaviour...and maybe even kinder in the long run as it by-passes a LOT of hassle. Still, my farrier has had more experience of difficult behaviour than I have and I'll leave this approach in the hands of those VERY experienced in using it and getting a result.
Getting back to the original point of regretting the sale of a horse, I've had this conversation with various friends at odd times and I think many people, probably far more than would admit it, will always wonder about "That One" and recall the last sight of flicking ears and a bandaged tail over the rear of a trailer, disappearing out of a yard forever...
...don't mind me...getting "soft" in my what feels like old age!
~Wyllow
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Wendy Allan
Silver Member
United Kingdom
310 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2003 : 5:14:07 PM
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Wyllow,
So pleased that you'e cracked the shoeing dilema. I hope the rest of the wee soul's rehabilitation goes as well. Have you decided to keep him now, you soft old thing? |
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Wyllow
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2885 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2003 : 5:47:44 PM
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*smiles*
Thank you!
Awww...he's kinda growing on me, Wendy...I suppose until the next fit of teperament about something else!!
Mercifully, I don't have to make a permanent decision about this boy for a while yet. His owners wanted him to have attention and work and plenty to graze on over the winter at least and said that if in six months I decide to keep him, then we can think where we go from there.
Whatever happens, at least he'll have had plenty of handling and as much schooling, hacking and whatever else the weather permits over the winter...which I suppose is keeping him fit and civilised...and teaching me a lot too. It's a free loan, so we're all benefitting at the moment.
I have to say that it may be a small step, but the success in getting him shod and proving to him that stable + man + equipment does not necessarily = pain and that he can trust all of us he's met here so far not to hurt him even if we DO insist that he co operates, has given me renewed optomism that we can help him resolve s few of his issues whether he stays permanently or moves on after the winter.
My daughter had him transfixed this evening by playing mobile phone ring tones to him and amusing him with the illuminated keypad whilst I checked his water and fences in the growing darkness!
Seems his curiosity is taking over from his apprehension....a few weeks ago he'd probably have taken off at Bach's Toccata Nokia style!
~Wyllow |
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Wendy Allan
Silver Member
United Kingdom
310 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2003 : 5:53:36 PM
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Very big smiles about ringtones. Tara loves the sound of ripping apart velcro. She will amuse herself for ages with the velcro fastenings on my cuffs. I've thought of having a velcro stable toy made for her but the OH thought it confirmed madness on my part.
PS- Musical velcro stable toy might be even better..... |
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Wyllow
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2885 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2003 : 6:12:36 PM
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Grinning here...yes...that velcro sound is a fascination too...do ZIPS do it for Tara? This boy we have likes the sound of those too!The big Irish Draught I used to have, Bud, used to love them and pull mine up and down with his teeth!(And like a fool, I let him because it looked so funny).
Ummm...maybe we should design and market a stable toy with all these features to keep horses (and owners ...and bemused onlookers!)amused for hours!
~Wyllow
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suyents
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
1651 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2003 : 10:53:14 PM
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Obviously Cass isnt logging on these days or she would regale you with all the horror stories connected to the rspca...horror as far as animals are concerned...
suyen. |
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Wyllow
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2885 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2003 : 11:00:33 PM
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I was wondering what had happened to Cass and how things were going with her. Hope all's ok.
I joined this forum in the middle of a very distressing thread she posted and it's been hard to forget.
~Wyllow |
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Wendy Allan
Silver Member
United Kingdom
310 Posts |
Posted - 02 Dec 2003 : 08:34:37 AM
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Wyllow,
Ooh, yes..Tara loves zips too. She loves undoing them on unsuspecting people to check out the contents of their arm/breast pockets. Her other one is the buckles at the tops of wellies, but she then tears off the said buckles - she hasn't sussed the press studs at the top of Le Chameau's for the past 3 years. I've been thinking along the lines of the Fisher Price activity centres, a mirror, velcro, zips, one of those twister ball things, crinkly noisy thing, now added polyphonic ringtones - we could be onto a winner here.
I've heard a few RSPCA horror stories too. Mostly about their secret police type bullying in totally unnecessary circumstances. I seem to have missed the thread you are talking about. Gone to check it out.
Wendy |
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barbara.gregory
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4531 Posts |
Posted - 02 Dec 2003 : 09:00:14 AM
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I nearly sold my gelding when he was 17. Everyone kept telling me he would be happier where he was ridden more (he has stable, turnout, company ,food etc here) so in the end I advertised him. I had 12 - yes 12 - phone calls and in the end told everyone he was sold as I had had him nine years and just couldn't let him go. Husband was a happy bunny, I don't think!
He will be 31 next April (horse, not husband) and has only had three homes in his life; his breeder, bought as a weanling at six months and I bought him from there at 8 years. I still send them a letter and occasional photo at Christmas. So no, I have never regretted selling a horse but can empatise with those who have as it could have been me.
Regards
Barbara |
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goldie
New Member
23 Posts |
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Wyllow
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2885 Posts |
Posted - 03 Dec 2003 : 07:26:48 AM
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Wendy, I've sometimes thought of Milly when I see those Fisher Price centres advertised on the TV!!
Barbara, you may have noticed how I rattle on about Milly...well, I suppose a few people have thought she must be special if I sing her praises the way I do!
I had ever increasing offers to buy her this autumn and no one could understand why I would not sell a pony my girls are fast growing out of...I'm tiny, it doesn't apply to me (hehehe). But the point is Milly has only had two or three homes in her twelve years and I'd not see her "moved around" when she could stay with me and keep whoever else I had company. Anyway, she keep ME company in a way no other horse or pony has ever done and I love her to bits!
I can eventually see my daughters riding out on a horse whilst I potter along on hacks behind them on Milly...but, who cares!
I'll not have the constant wondering of where she went and what happened to her.
Anyway, since I had the offers to sell, I also had offers to ride and I've mentioned it elsewhere, but Milly now has four little girls a week to whom she and I teach a thing or two about management and riding. It keeps her in shoes and bits and pieces...so now she's barely costing me anything to keep!
As long as I have the land, it's an ideal solution.
This is, I suppose, why I'm being so cagey about taking on the little horse whose on loan now permanently.
I don't want to play "musical horses" any more and wonder if I shouldn't wait for the horse I'll never want to sell along with Milly.
My nerves can't stand any more of the coming and going of animals ( and that's only after two came and went in the last four years). I'll never know how those who deal in horses stand the upheaval...but then ~ it's hardly the same if you are geared up to breed and sell or buy and sell. It's what you've intended from the start and it's very different from parting with a friend of some time!
Still, I wonder if anyone has ever bred a youngster they intended to sell from the start, sold and wished they'd kept?
~Wyllow
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