Sooo many horse for share adverts

[AllInMyMind19]

So I'm in the process of looking to buy. Have owned in the past but had a break for kids / uni / life...been sharing during this time. We've done our sums and, having owned in the past, I know the costs involved.

But I'm somewhat concerned by the massive number of horse for share adverts on social media. It seems people in their droves are needing sharers for their horses - is it really a bad idea to be buying a horse in the current economy when also juggling a fulltime job? Am I crazy to be considering it, when I could just continue sharing?

DH feels strongly that having a pony that's just "mine" would be really good for my mental health (which has been a bit ropey lately and my share horses are the only thing that really got me through - but it's not quite the same as having your own, and they cant do all the things I'd like to do). I dont want to end up actually making things worse.

You always get more shares offered in winter as folk realise the practicalities of mucking out, poo picking cannot ride in the dark.

Can you find a suitable livery yard where they or someone on the yard can help with put out/bring in etc if you cannot? (Or can you find a sharer?)

I think I may have found a part livery yard I can just about afford (5 day pw part livery)

Horses are very demanding and it can get too much especially during the winter.

What kind of horse do you want to get and how often will you be able to ride? An older, steady hack may be happy with a ride or two a week, but a competition horse will need to be ridden five times a week to keep him sane. Turn out is very important. Any horse that is kept in for all or most of the day will have a lot of energy and risk going loopy. Will you be able to ride before or after work? In the winter, realistically you need an arena with lights (and very good drainage, and a good surface that doesn’t freeze), to keep on top of the riding.

I'd be getting a native type and riding approx 3 times per week. it would be out at day, in at night then out 24/7 in summer...

I think on part livery you should be fine!

Sharing is not really the same as your own, I’m not sure I could go back to sharing after having mine.

I know of a fantastic native pony if you want to send me a Pm

I've noticed this too. I don't currently have a horse but have done for most of my life and I don't remember it being a thing. Maybe SM just makes it more accessible and helps the horses get exercised etc when daylight hours are short. Be aware that laminitis is rife these days - seems worse every year so a native pony may well need stabled year round. The Dartmoor DC's ride cannot graze 24/7 at any time of year even in a seemingly bare paddock. It is pretty tough doing it all through long winters while working. Does your part livery do mucking out or just turn outs?