Seriously torn regarding the timing of buying another horse.

[FuzzyFetlocks]

I would like to buy another youngster at some point and I have been half-heartedly window shopping by regularly checking the ads. I usually buy my horses this way as I like a specific breed and I enjoy having youngstock and bringing them on.

However, the issue is that my main mare is now very elderly (although currently doing well) and I know that she isn't going to live forever, I have had horses euthanised before, but it was always out of the blue (eg colic). Old age is a different and less clear-cut prospect.

I am really torn, should I start seriously looking soon, or should I wait until my lovely mare is gone? Will I make a daft decision if I am looking while filled with grief?

Sorry to hear about your old mare approaching the end - can you afford two at once? If so I'd say to start looking now in a low key / low pressure kind of way, if you have the luxury of being in no rush you can be picky and wait for the horse that really knocks you out (not literally, I hope!) - personally speaking I'm most vulnerable to a mistake/heart over head type of purchase when I'm in the wake of losing one and desperate to fill a gap, where when I half don't want to buy anything I'm both likely to be more sensible but also I know if I keep coming back to horse/find it hard to walk away I know there's really something about it?

Having an extra one isn't a deal breaker now the weather is improving, but it will be tougher physically in the winter. This is definitely an important factor in the decision. My old girl could deteriate rapidy, or she could potter on for a couple more years or (crosses fingers) more.

I hate selling. I want to buy the right one and then keep them long term.

Maybe, keeping 1/2 an eye out and beeing picky like you say is the way forward.

Have you considered taking a horse on loan in the short term? It might see you through this uncertain period, and then when you are in a position to commit to another horse, whenever that is, you will still be riding fit, and ready to go?

A loan is a good suggestion, but I don't know if it is right for me.

I haven't ridden for a while as she is retired. I need to get riding fit.

Maybe I need to focus on my own fitness?

That would do no harm whatever happens.