Defining the Relationship
Snookum-ukums, where do you see this going?
Let’s be realistic. What’s the plan with your pony? Is it a five-year investment with a return, is it until you move up beyond the Kin’s abilities, or is it forever*?
Shasta
Not really my horse, but she has a home for life. She’ll retire with us. My husband has no concrete goals, but just to continue riding her and doing a mix of trail riding and jumping with possibly some cross-country in the future.
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| 1st day we owned her |
Dijon
I think he’s also probably with me for life. I’d actually like to sell him as it would be better for him to live somewhere flatter with more turnout access. However, he’s not and probably never again will be fully capable and he’s not kid safe so I don’t know that I’d ever find a good home for him. I’m happy to keep him with me as long as he can safely be with me though. He is my favorite. If he can’t stay with me, he’ll go to a retirement farm.
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| 1st ride after buying him |
Nilla
I don’t really have any riding goals like show at x level or compete in whatever sport. I’d like to continue progressing and getting her more trained and well-rounded. As far as keeping her, everyone is going to hate me for saying this, but: who knows. I like her a lot, but she’s not actually my “heart horse mule.” That horse was my college horse, Snitch. It’s not that I don’t think I’ll ever experience that again, but I don’t have that connection with Nilla. I don’t plan on selling her, but I could see it happening in the future if I found another horse/mule or if I found a better home for Nilla.
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| Pre-purchase trial ride at the ranch |
Don’t forget to enter my 100th post giveaway. You have until the 23rd to enter and maybe win a wooden stall sign.
Not every horse/mule can be a heart horse 🙂 I adore her though!
I like her a lot too. She's just not "the one." Maybe she will be one day.
I understand about Nilla and would never hate you for that lol. We just don't develop a bond with some horses. That's how it was with me and Faran. I hope you find another heart horse someday.
Why does Dijon need to be somewhere flatter? You've probably said somewhere but I either missed it or just haven't read it yet.
Dijon bowed both back tendons a few years ago. He's sort of semi-retired and hills are not the best for him. He can do them, but he would be better living somewhere without the hills so that he could go out on longer rides and get more exercise and energy out. He would also be a lot more sane with regular flat turnout. He used to be fine with the limited turnout because he was ridden 5-6 days a week on long rides 3-15 miles each day.
Aww poor guy!