Having a break from ownership/responsibility

[Josettegrey]

Has anyone else done this and not regretted it?

Two months ago we sold our beloved pony. Whilst I day dream about owning once again, for the time being I think I need a break from ownership.

My time owning our pony was 25% fun and enjoyment and 75% stress. I struggled to get the balance right and as a family we financially struggled.

My OH said that the whole time we owned the pony I was like a coiled spring of stress and anxiety.

I’m
Hoping a few years break and just paying for riding will get my fix without the stress. At the same time I feel like a massive weight is off my shoulders, but I really miss being at the yard, grooming, being around horses - I’m
Even missing mucking out! But it’s quite a novelty being able to get a fix at the stables by turning up and riding!

Has anyone else felt like this?

I gave up for a few years until I could comfortably afford full livery.
It’s so nice to not panic about being stuck at work/traffic and worrying they’ll be stuck out alone.

I used to have two on a very cheap DIY when I was young and not well paid and the financial stress was not worth it, lovely though they both were.
I’d never own again if for whatever reason it wasn’t financially comfortable.

I should add in that gap I didn’t really miss it. I’d ride a few times a year- as and when, and went to events. I never felt out of the loop but I wasn’t heamoraging money on them!

I’ve not had my own for a few years now and I confess I do miss the mucking out and hacking and filling haynets etc. Oddly. However I don’t miss the bad weather and the expense!

I may part loan one later in the year for perhaps two days a week. Gives someone a financial hand and gives me a bit of pleasure at a limited cost without as much responsibility.

I will be checking the contract very carefully though to ensure it suits me first!

I dont miss horse ownership enough to justify the time and cost involved. my pony went back to my mum about 3 years ago, and although I miss her and aspects owning her, overall I am relieved. it was stressful and expensive. all the driving to and from the yard.

Im glad I’m not alone. We loved our pony but the pressure to exercise over the winter, make time to muck out etc massively impacted on my life. The dreading the call…rug ripped, lost a shoe etc made me never relax as I was worried about how much the outgoings were. I actually had livery at a friend of a friends. This meant I felt obliged to do other stuff and help with the other horses.

I think in the future a share is definitely the way to go for me. It’s a more stress free situation with time and also financially.