Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Horseless

Big, sad news. I've decided I can no longer afford to keep Willow. It's a very painful decision I've been creeping reluctantly towards for about the past six months, and let me tell you, there were many tears. I bought Willow as a four-year-old, and I'm incredibly attached. So much so, in fact, that I couldn't face the prospect of trying to sell her myself. The only bright spot in the whole deal has been my dear friends/former trainers Wolfgang and Suzanne, down in Texas, who immediately stepped in and offered to board and market Willow for me.

So, on February 11 the Equine Express truck pulled up to the barn and picked up Willow. She was delivered to the ranch south of Blanco, TX, on Valentine's Day. Suzanne said she walked calmly off the truck without a scratch on her. Here she is, minutes off the truck, enjoying the Texas sunshine:

She always has been an extremely self-sufficient mare.

And so, here I am, still technically a horse owner, but horseless. It has been over twelve years since I haven't had a horse to work five days a week. I'm feeling fairly adrift (although sick for the past week and grateful not to have to head out into the rain every evening).

I've already had an offer from an eventer who trailers into the barn once a week for lessons. She has two TBs and not enough time (and I get the feeling dressage is kind of like Brussels sprouts for her), and she has offered to let me bang around on her horses whenever. Also, there's a new Halflinger at the barn that may be free for me to ride once a week or so. So once I get back from Ireland, I'll be exploring those possibilities. I'm pretty sure, one way or another, I'll find a way to keep riding, so this blog probably won't be going anywhere.

7 comments:

Ochoco01 said...

really sorry you had to make this decission, I know how difficult it is to give them up.

Anonymous said...

I had to give up horses when I got cancer - which kind of sucked given I was on the cusp of starting the hunt for my dream horse.

It's hard to get them out of your blood, but like you say - at least you'll still have opportunities to ride! And you can always come back to horse ownership down the track...

Kathleen @ ForgingAhead said...

Oh no. I am so very sorry! What a heartbreak. I'm glad that you have friends to help you through the process but it's still so painful. Be well.

A Bay Horse said...

Oh, I'm sorry to hear about your difficult decision. It's good you have a support network to help you. And I know how hard it is to not ride, so I'm sure you'll find a way to stay in horses.

Jana said...

I'm sorry to hear that, I know how hard it must have been for you.

I hope you feel better & have fun in Ireland (take lots of pics).

Achieve1dream said...

Sorry you had to make such a tough decision. I've been there and you will have another horse one day.

KD said...

I haven't checked your blog in a while....I'm so sorry to hear that you are having to go through this....