Just sold my horse.. could do with a chat

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I had the most lovely horse but it's always just been a bit much trying to juggle horse/work/kids etc.

Dropped her off tonight. Lovely home. Feel such a fox of emotions.

I think I've done the right thing? Why do I feel so sad? End of an era?

Mix not fox

It does sound like the right thing OP. Well done for finding her a lovely new home, that in itself is an act of care and love and it's not surprising that the whole thing has stirred emotions. Although it is sad and you'll miss her especially initially, I imagine lessening that burden on yourself where you were being pulled so many ways at once will positively impact your own life, reduce your mental load and you'll see the benefit of that in a number of ways. Horses are not easy to look after at the best of times!

Might they allow you to visit from time to time?

The end of an era isn't always bad, just different, and you may find in the future you have the time to dedicate to a horse again and enjoy that at its best.

Sounds like your horse has a lovely home. They have more time for her, you said you were busy. I can understand how bereft you feel. Animals become family in the end. Are you allowed to visit her occasionally. Hope you feel better soon

I quite liked the Fox of Emotions, OP.

You’ve been kind to both you and your horse, even if you feel conflicted. You’ve chosen a good home with care, you’ve recognised when you couldn’t be the best home anymore, that’s really caring of you. Of course you’re sad - your horse is a being you love. And you’ve acted with love when it’s not something that makes you happy.

Tell us about them, if it helps?

They have been so lovely, I'm going to ride her on Sunday! They have said visit whenever and I can always come and hack her on a Sunday. Perfect!

@NoSquirrels she's the most lovely, genuine girl. Low milage but so much potential to be a decent event horse.

She's a bit of a hot head but always keeps a lid on it. Just a joy to ride!❤️

I had to make the same tough decision almost 2 years ago. As much as I loved him, the strain horsey pressures were putting on us as a family were immense. At the time it was an emotional rollercoaster, many sleepless nights considering if selling was the right thing to do or not and lots of tears shed - the end of an era feeling is very relatable and probably the worst part of it all.

Now, 2 years on, I can definitely say it was the right decision. Pony is very happy and doing well with amazing owners who absolutely adore him, and most importantly have plenty of time for him. They have been more than accommodating when it comes to visiting etc - we are welcome anytime and also get pretty much daily updates on him via social media which is lovely to see and very reassuring. Sometimes I do still find myself missing aspects of horsey life - in a bittersweet way I do miss the madness but the one thing that always gets me is not being able to go out on a hack on a balmy summer evening. I certainly would say never say never to getting another, but not anytime soon!

It sounds like the perfect set-up for her, and so wonderful you can still ride her on a weekend if you want. That’s really generous and shows they’re the right next home for her because they care as much as you do.