Seems like everyone out at my barn has the "itch" to buy a new horse. Two people made offers this week on horses and three other people are busy horse shopping. My trainer just bought the little Welsh Cob pictured here. His name is "Merlin" and he arrived on Thursday. Everyone is trying to talk me into buying Queenie and I even had someone tell me, "cut your losses with Maddy and find something new." I just can't do that. Every horse that I have ever had has lived out their life with me. They are family to me and when I chose Maddy, I imagined growing old with her. As much as I like Queenie, she is way out of my price range and I can't afford two horses. Also, I feel like I need to continue on with my horse, with my plan, with my dream. Of course the idea of a new horse is exciting, but so is the idea of the end of stall rest and a new beginning. It is hard to shut out the comments this past week. I feel like everyone has given up on Maddy except me. It sucks feeling like no one is in your corner and that your horse , to them, has lost its value.
18 Degrees, Felt Like 3
3 hours ago
19 comments:
So, it's prolly pride speaking, but how much fun will it be to prove them all wrong and have an amazing outcome with your gorgeous horse?
Even if not to prove them all wrong, I'm sure your horse appreciates the idea of you sticking to your dreams. As much as I like the idea of purchasing other horses in the future, the idea of other horse owners scare me! I'm not sure I would be able to sell my horse just because you can never really know the type of person who is going to take them on.
Not me, I haven't given up on Maddy or your dream. And I'm not the only one. There are many of us out here who don't see our horses as disposable, break it and get a new one.
Off the top of my head, you, dressage mom, donna and midlife mom are all currently dealing with horses, who own a piece of your heart, with issues. In my eyes you are all to be commended.
I have been there and hung on and I'll probably be there again and I'll still hang on. I think the dream is about the journey. The twists and turns might seem harder at the time, but they also make it so much sweeter.
Don't be discouraged because those people in your barn don't see it your way. Over your lifetime, those people in the barn will come and go but you'll still have a great relationship with your horse.
Nice post. I enjoyed your photograph and the narrative.
People can be pretty discouraging in this day and age of "Instant". They have forgotten the value of just sitting back and waiting. They overlook all the benefits that will come from a wait like this- no matter HOW hard it is right now.
People may be shortsighted, and impatient, and pretty bothersome, but that pretty mare of yours will sure appreciate you more. And that is what its all about, right? That bond between horse and horse's "toy"? ;)
Stick to your guns. We are all waiting and watching along with you. I have seen several horses come back from the same type of injury as your mare, and they now lead full productive SOUND lives with the people who stuck it with them through thick and thin. ;)
What a cute little horse pictured!
I would never give up on a horse. I'm keeping my Daisy (if possible) to the end. If you were to give up on Maddy, where would she go?! Besides, from what I've heard, Maddy's a great horse! Who needs shiny and new!?
Merlin is adorable. My first horse...er, pony...was a Welsh named Prince. We had mighty fine adventures, the two of us.
I once heard it's okay to dream castles in the sky as long as your foundation is on the ground. Is that where you've got your foundation? I think so. Maddy is your dream. Try not to let others discourage you.
((HUGS!!)) Try not to let them get to ya...I know...easier said then done. I've been there...done that with Diago and I know it hurts. In fact I've even shut a couple people out of my life due to the comments I've received about him. "Get rid of him..."buy another horse" gets really old after awhile especially hearing it on a daily basis for months like I did. I just can't do that anymore then they or I can with our children. After all is said and done...your relationship with her will be even stronger than before. I know in my heart that the bond Diago and I share grew tremendously from his being sick. He's not the same horse he was before he was ill. He still behaves the same way towards others but to me...he's "different". We have a bond that I can't explain and I just can't imagine my life without him. Anyway...this is getting long so I'll end now...((HUGS!!))
He is a little cutie!
You've suffered a lot of setbacks and discouragements, and are probably not at the best viewpoint (ie. standing on the highest vista so you can see clearly in every direction). I believe that all horses come with problems, and all problems can be solved. I can't tell you how many times I thought I was stuck in a rut with a horse, only to have everything resolve itself beautifully either naturally over time or through hard work. It is definitely about the journey, though it is frustrating to have to rearrange your goals.
About a year ago, I was talking with my barefoot trimmer about Jasper. She knew at the time he was quite a handful for me and I was feeling overwhelmed. Also at the time, my dressage'y friends thought I had lost my marbles and gone to the dark side with learning natural horsemanship so I was feeling pretty alone. Despite all this she interrupted my babbling, looked at me and said 'But he will make you a better horsewoman'. And she was right! I stuck with it, got some help, and I know more from the ground now than I ever did riding! Hang in there. Things are bound to get better.
Whoever said that to you obviously does not know you very well--if they think a horse is merely an investment to you.
How is Maddy doing, by the way?
How is Maddy doing? After she decided to act silly in the indoor.
Keep your head up.... I'm with you, stick with Maddy!
I think riding Queenie has been good for you, but Maddy has your heart and I wouldn't give up!
I totally understand how you feel. Three years ago I came home and unloaded a mangy, bot-ridden, underweight, navicular horse that stole my heart with his kind eye and gentle soul. He was big and his fur so shaggy that he looked like a teddy bear -- but he rode like a dream. I'll never forget the look on my husband's face - but a half a second later he took my horse by the lead rope and our journey has never been the same. DON'T give up on Maddy. Everyone said my horse wouldn't make it through the year and now we trail ride, play at local clinics and are even getting serious about dressage -- just for the fun of it! Stick by that horse and you'll be amazed at what she will do for you -- I know because it happened to me. Best Wishes to you both~
Thanks for all the kinds words and encouragement everybody. I really needed them. I have so much support through this blog and it is such an outlet for me. I never dreamed a year ago, I would have the network of friends I have aquired here. You guys really made my day.
Ignore the "neigh"sayers... Maddy's a good horse and it sounds like she'll be completely sound before long. Patience is a good thing, but some people don't have any! Loyalty is an even better thing. :-)
Stick to your guns Donna, dont let others bring you down, you just enjoy your horse, the relationships that you have to work so hard on are the ones that last.
(((Hugs)))
I have just set up my new blog which is in addition to the one you already know. http://printsandgiftsbylori.blogspot.com
Check it out and feedback would be appreciated. It will be an ongoing project as I add more "stuff".
Lori
I believe that the best possible combination is a horse and rider who want the same things and work well together.
I once bought a young horse and dreamed of sailing over jumps with that horse. After a couple years of training, it was plain that this horse did not share my dream. I could train him to jump, but his heart was just not in it. I'd never sold a horse before, but I sold that guy to a teenage girl who barrel races with him and they both have a blast.
I don't think you and Maddy have had enough time to get to know each other yet. She might turn out to be a horse who loves what you love. She might not.
In order to be fair to the animals we love, we have to be willing to give them what is best for them even if that involves selling them to someone else.
Keep getting to know Maddy and I sincerely hope that the two of you find that you are RIGHT for each other.
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