I am in the same boat, and it is hard!!

Posted by chattykathy on 8/28/2011, 11:16 am, in reply to "Tips on getting over your "old" horse?"
67.182.75.113

I have had my "old man" for 18 years since he was 2 and YES, you get to know all of his quirks and trust. I have bought several horses in the past two years trying to find the right one to replace him. Now I have bought another 2 year old out of the same bloodline has him and am very happy with how he is coming along. Manteca, I'll take "snort and flair" anytime over "I'll get there" Arab lover

I agree!!!

Posted by Mickeyfan34 on 8/28/2011, 11:39 am, in reply to "Tips on getting over your "old" horse?"
76.102.78.207

My horse is still rehabbing, so now that we're finally finding out what the set football schedule is for the high school, I'm looking into lessons as well. I've been wanting to but don't have a trailer, so sort of feeling like there is never a better time to start! I rode a friends horse up at Mather a couple of years ago and it was the weirdest thing! I think switching it up can only make us better riders.... "Horses stay the same from the day they are born until the day they die. They are only changed by the way people treat them." --"Silent Tom" Smith, trainer of the famous Seabiscuit

just get on and ride

Posted by KellyW on 8/28/2011, 12:22 pm, in reply to "Tips on getting over your "old" horse?"
206.81.103.17

you will adjust to your new horse just like you did the old one when you first started riding him Good luck in your search! Napa, California

I went through this last year

Posted by Yve on 8/28/2011, 8:41 pm, in reply to "Tips on getting over your "old" horse?"
98.210.166.143

and made it a gradual process. Actually buying the new horse made all the difference, I simply didn't have the extensive time I spent for both of them, and the new horse was just 4, so demanded (and still does) most of my time and attention. So I moved facilities so that Raleigh could be out in pasture with some buddies and I could have training help with the little one, to take some of the pressure off me. And it has worked out great so far. Raleigh and I have weaned off each other, still happy to see each other, he still nickers to me when he comes, but he's just as happy to go back to being the boss of his little herd (including new girlfriend ). It makes me happy to see him live a full horsey life24/7 independent of me getting him out of his little paddock. Good, luck, the right horse will come. And maybe that's the perfect excuse to move to a cheaper barn . And definitely glad your old guy is still going strong. I looked for a while before I went out to try a horse, and she turned out to be the one. This is her, btw Here is Raleigh Happiness is longing for repetition. (M. Kundera)

You will know the right horse when you find it...

Posted by Jazz on 8/29/2011, 10:41 pm, in reply to "Tips on getting over your "old" horse?"
98.224.25.72

Did the horse shopping thing earlier this year after riding the same one for 4 or 5 years. Went to see a lot of horses, but none felt "right". Then I found my girl. She felt "right" after about 3 minutes of riding. I love her and never regret for a minute that I bought her. Don't give up and follow your gut. If it doesn't feel right then it probably isn't the horse for you.

I know of a big stout gorgeous Palomino Morgan mare near Fresno...

Posted by Fancy That on 8/30/2011, 2:49 pm, in reply to "Tips on getting over your "old" horse?"
144.49.131.1

want her info? Email me at elaineshickman@gmail.com I will be in your boat when my HEART mare, a Morgan, retires at an old age like your guy. I've had her since she was coming 4, and she is 12 now, so I have plenty of years left, but MAN, it's going to be hard to replace her. I'm even thinking of trying to create a CARBON COPY/DUPLICATE of her by breeding her....but I probably won't. I'm not a breeder.... Anyways - I know alot of Morgan Peeps - email me and we can chat. THe Palomino mare is 15.2 I think, very substantial, very baroque-looking, and very well-trained. 10 years old and super reasonably priced Equine & Pet Portrait Artist http://www.elainehickman.com ***Morgans Do It All*** Gilroy, CA ============================

Follow your heart

Posted by JL on 9/3/2011, 1:26 am, in reply to "Tips on getting over your "old" horse?"
69.107.72.38

I have a 33 year old guy that I have had for 15+ years. I knew a time would come when I wouldn't be able to ride him anymore. I also knew that I would go into a black hole if he wasn't here anymore. So, after looking for about a year, I got another horse. I have had my "new" guy for 2 years. However, I made a point to put my faithful friend at the top of the list. He wants for nothing. As long as he is still enjoying his life grazing, being groomed and walked around to check things out around the ranch-we are still a happy couple. I was able to ride him up until a few months ago, but things are catching up with him-so I am no longer riding him. But, I do understand feelings of guilt and riding another horse is like driving a different car, to me. That took awhile to get thru. Good luck!!