|
Post by cally on Apr 8, 2009 10:42:22 GMT 1
Well, I was the closest I've ever got to owning a horse- trying her out after finding out about her on a local horse forum (not advertised anywhere else), finding she was wonderful as well as free to a good home and, after arranging agistment, ringing up to ask to have her if they approved and... someone else was trying her out and "they'd let me know".
I haven't heard back as yet, so it's not a definite 'no', but as the other interested partyis a little girl wanting to do PC, I don't think I've much chance. She's close to bombproof, 14.1 grey arab/appy and I walked and trotted her in a huge paddock bareback using a halter and felt confident and comfortable.
So I've gone from ecstatic to resigned in a short time and am onto my second sherry. I can understand why they might feel... I don't know- 'nicer' giving it to a little girl (and good on her), but I have wanted a horse for 34 years, since I was 7, and have been trying for the last 2 or 3 and it's always fallen through for some reason. This time EVERYTHING came together- perfect horse, great agistment, OH being totally supportive etc, and it's stuffed up AGAIN! (maybe). probably.
Sorry for the whinge- I'm emotionally exhausted. Yet another one of my friends is moving interstate next week so that's all of my closest mates gone and I feel so flat.
I'll feel like a d#$%head if they ring and offer me the mare now I've posted this!
|
|
|
Post by Claire on Apr 8, 2009 11:10:36 GMT 1
I really hope they do offer you her even if you do feel a tad silly If it was me I would rather my pony go to a sensible adult who would love and cherish her forever, rather than some kid who might grow tiired of her in a couple of years when she starts finding boys more interesting - so you never know. I really sympathise with you as I was hoping to get a horse when I finally moved out of the grotty big city I lived in for years, but now other problems are preventing me. Anyway dont forget you have lots of friends and here and I am sure we are all rooting for you!
|
|
|
Post by exmoorfan on Apr 8, 2009 13:53:39 GMT 1
Good luck Cally.. ;D She sounds wondeful and a nice cross..
|
|
|
Post by cally on Apr 8, 2009 22:28:28 GMT 1
Thanks guys. It's the same old problem- if you don't live on a property then you have to match up agistment with the finding of the perfect horse. Unfortunately agistment (livery) places here are keeping their stocking rates low because of the lack of rain and therefore pasture so I was incredibly lucky to find a private 2 acre paddock (at more than 3 times the rate of a shared paddock!) but it looks like I won't need it. Oh well- if I don't get the pony I'll buy some more books...and another bookcase to put them in.
|
|
|
Post by cally on Apr 9, 2009 8:50:50 GMT 1
Take away the '?' because I missed out. He didn't even have the decency to ring me even tho I told him I had to let the agister know asap. After giving a firm 'yes' to the mare he let the guy with the daughter who wants to do PC have her for a 2 week trial, so that's that.
I've decided to let this life's ambition go. I'm emotionally drained and I don't even know if I can continue with the RDA. I do everything I can to improve my horse skills, working for free, volunteering even studying for National accreditation and still people look down on me for wanting a bombproof horse just to enjoy pleasure and trail riding on. I don't just want to be a horse owner- I want to be the best and most loving and devoted carer a horse could have, and that just doesn't seem to be important to people who already have horses.
This disappointment has been the last straw. Something always stuffs up at the final turn and it's just got too hard, unbearable
|
|
|
Post by Claire on Apr 9, 2009 11:00:52 GMT 1
Oh Cally I have a lump in my throat after reading this. I know how you feel. It is such a shame that someone who would be such a wonderful owner doesn't get the chance. But you never know what may happen. Things have a habit of turning up when you least expect them. I'm sorry if that sounds trite Sounds like horse owning has become rather snobby over there too. At one time all sorts of people had ill-bred but loveable ponies and managed with all sorts of odds and ends. (You should have seen my lungeing equipment! lol) Now everyone has to have the right clothes and equipment and expensive well bred ponies. I hope you feel better soon. Lots of hugs xxx
|
|
|
Post by exmoorfan on Apr 9, 2009 12:25:18 GMT 1
Feel for you cally.. I will keep fingers crossed that the girl doesn't get on with her..!! Don't give up...Sure as you want it badly enough it will happen one day.. ;D
|
|
|
Post by sarah on Apr 9, 2009 18:51:08 GMT 1
Poor you - that must be so disappointing. Don't give up - you never know what is round the corner!
|
|
|
Post by kunuma on Apr 9, 2009 20:17:09 GMT 1
Cally I am sorry , don't give up - fate will have one waiting for you somewhere! I would always rather an animal go to an adult than as a child's pet, possibly to be a five minute wonder, but perhaps the girl is like us, and pony will still be with her when she has children. It makes me crosser than ever, that some people have horses and cannot be bothered to look after them, while those who are so desperate, and more importantly would be a good home, have to carry on wishing. You Have to continue looking so you can tell us about your search - I know so little about other countries and how they manage their horses. I was interested that you called livery agistment, as that to me has overtones of the old common ground grazing in places like the New Forest - where they still use the word. Ancestral ties! Sending love to you
|
|
kleo
Stablehand
Posts: 20
|
Post by kleo on Apr 10, 2009 1:33:20 GMT 1
Cally! Im so sorry. I know what its like to fall in love with a horse you dont get to keep....On the Stud I used to fall in love with at least 5 a year that I had too see sold. Theres a broodmare still there now that I raised - I saw her born, helped her through rattles at a month old and then did her halter and rug training. I still think of her as mine, but she never will be. Im mystified that you are finding it so hard though. Out here there have been a lot for cheap sale and for free. In our local paper or on the horseland news boards. Then theres horse deals. Do you guys have local livestock sales? In my old area and where I live now there are local 'dumping grounds' where horses can be bought for as cheaply as $20. Some are quite good horses, just no longer wanted. I wish I could help you babe - do you want one of mine? None are quiet though...
|
|
|
Post by zoe on Apr 10, 2009 8:47:02 GMT 1
Like everyone else said - don't give up Cally, I was really hoping you'd get her but I'm sure a horse for you will turn up, prob when you least expect it! Sending you hugs.
|
|
|
Post by cally on Apr 12, 2009 1:54:38 GMT 1
I have actually been offered a horse, but as usual, it's not what I need and want. Lovely on the ground but has bolted with riders on mounting and dismounting, was gelded late and behaves like a stallion and is aggressive with other horses! Not what someone with an experience of dragging needs! The issue is, I want a good safe horse and they cost and/or get sold to children- particularly at the height I want (c. 14.2hh).
|
|
|
Post by Claire on Apr 12, 2009 10:22:38 GMT 1
Are there any reasons why that particular size, as you may have more luck with a bigger one that is too large for children.
|
|
|
Post by cally on Apr 16, 2009 1:51:37 GMT 1
I'm only 5ft2 ish and I want to do trail riding (hacking) and so I want a horse I can get off and on easily. I want to do the 'apples and sandwhich in the pocket' (or saddlebag) thing and just go pottering off alone for hours at a time. If I can find a horse quiet enough to put up with me climbing on from a fence or struggling up while he stands in a ditch I would go for something bigger. I'm drawn to smaller horses tho- wanting the 14.2hh I never had as a kid. The 14.1 I rode last week felt right- not like some of the giraffes I've been on in the past. She was all collected and springy- impulsion plus. sigh....
|
|
|
Post by trixiepony on Apr 16, 2009 4:29:20 GMT 1
Oh cally she sounes perfect, the horse I ride at RDA is the same she's 14 totally quit and daa 14.1hh gray and I love her, and as a RDA horse she's a spesal little mear.
|
|
|
Post by cally on Apr 17, 2009 0:18:22 GMT 1
I do feel 'over-horsed' over 16hh- I feel somehow less connected with my mount and more like a passenger over 15hh or so.
|
|
lily
Pony Trekker
Posts: 60
|
Post by lily on Apr 17, 2009 12:33:25 GMT 1
I know exactly how you feel (at only five foot one on a good day), I always feel the ears are too far away I feel slightly unbalanced by the longer stride. I'm sorry to hear about that pony, I think people have a tendency to think they are doing something wonderful for a child, and they are, but at least with an adult they know they are committed, and are unlikely to outgrow the animal or go off to college or lose interest.
|
|
|
Post by cally on Apr 18, 2009 1:57:38 GMT 1
I sunk into such a depression about this pony because I sort of reverted to a child again: I never had a chance of having a pony when I was young and the fact that this mare went to child who, if she missed out this time, would be taken out next weekend and bought something else by her supportive father, really upset me. I was suddenly 8 years old again and missing out on things because we were relatively poor etc etc.
My desire to have this mare was stronger than this kid because I'd been there and was STILL there- a 41 year old wanting her 1st pony. I really had a terrible case of the 'poor me' syndrome and all those childhood feelings of disappointment, hope and the gradual but permanent state of pessimistic resignation came back. I'm still very angry about what happened- but I'll get over it. I bet I see the same horse for sale for $3000 in less than 2 years time.
|
|