Saturday, August 20, 2011

Farther down...

Despite my best efforts it's looking like I'll have to back out on buying this new horse. Realistically I don't have enough time for the self-care option, even though right now I think I could make it work. No other option has panned out, from inexpensive retirement barns, possible therapy programs, and "work off your board" barns. I can't rely on someone to lease Kaswyn because they could back out at any time and leave me in a financial bind. Self care, while it's certainly cheaper, still isn't as inexpensive as I'd like and leaves me with too little time for anything else.

I just don't have the time, energy, or money it takes to have two horses and still keep my family happy and healthy. I'm very sad.

THIS SUCKS.


4 comments:

Bakersfield Dressage said...

I feel for you. I know how difficult it is when our horses frustrate us. I am not sure I understand your self-care situation. Boarding where I live in California sounds far different from what you do.

I am a teacher and work full time. I do have 9 weeks off in the summer and my evenings begin earlier than yours do. I have two horses.

I have done a variety of boarding situations. For the past 6 - 7 years I have boarded at a facility that feeds twice a day and cleans stalls once each morning. They also maintain the property and keep things safe. But that is all they do. There is no turn out, blanket removal, fly mask attention, or anything else.

I go to the barn about 4 days a week during the school year. I do my own turnout and ride depending on the weather and time available. I also buy my own feed supplements, unload them, and feed them on the days I can. And I nearly always clean both my stalls.

I have boarded where I had to feed and buy my own hay. It really wasn't that difficult. For a while I had my feed delivered, and at other times I would unload it myself. Feed is easy to buy in California. You jut have to be organized and aware of how long it's going to last.

I've never been at a full-service barn. Doing the chores is something I enjoy doing. It makes me feel very connected to my horses. I also know a lot more about them since I do the work.

The work is part of the ownership experience. And sometimes, I work instead of riding. But that's okay because I enjoy just being at the barn! If you really want a second horse to ride, go for it.

Stacey Kimmel-Smith said...

What about approaching Dressage Today about a series on schooling/owning dressage arabs? For pay? Would that help? My thinking cap is on, but you are right it totally SUCKS. I hate that you're in this spot.

Sarah said...

This too shall pass. In a few years your girls will be bigger and you'll have more time and money. Keep riding Kaswyn for now, to whatever extent he's comfortable and able, and hang in there!

Achieve1dream said...

I'm sorry. So disappointing. I was really hoping something would work out.

 
Header Image from Bangbouh @ Flickr