Starting in July Maestro and I began really struggling. Looking back, my stress and subsequent grief seemed to only add to our issues. P and Stampede always helped me relax and forget my stresses by riding. For some reason Maestro seemed to instead be very tuned into my emotions and despite me not thinking about anything else while riding, he fed into it. I had already talked regularly with friends earlier in the year about feeling unsure I wanted to keep Maestro, so this was really just an elevation of issues. He is a good horse and I am a lifer with horses in general. In my head it was my fault things weren’t working out and I felt I was a bad rider for most of this year. After one lesson where I couldn’t seem to trust my horse to a distance over a tiny fence my trainer and I finally had a talk and agreed that he was not the horse for me.
So by the time our last show of the season rolled around, Maestro was for sale. In some ways I felt relieved, but I had a very big fear of sending him off to the wrong place. Like I said, I love the horse. He’s great on the ground, easy to care for, safe, not spooky, and loves to hack out. Watching people try him was nerve-wracking for me. The second person who tried him took him on trial, and that too was quite stressful for me. I’m a control freak and I enjoy making sure my horses have the best care. Regardless, he went on trial and ultimately sold.
Interestingly, his pre-purchase exam did find an issue that explains some of my issues with him. I won’t go into details, but I will say this was hard for me as well. I had considered a physical issue, he was looked at by two different vets this summer because of that feeling. I ultimately decided to let him go anyways, despite the chance that maybe things would have been different, because I still think this new home is a better place for him ultimately.
So in the end, I now own only one amazing horse right now. The best 30-year-old chestnut gelding ever.
I’ve been out once to try some horses, but no winners there. Bonus I almost fell off one when he freaked out after hitting a pole. So horse shopping still sucks. My list is pretty similar to last time, although I think I would like more of a TB ride. I like a responsive horse. Finding a really nice well-built TB would be awesome, but like I said before I don’t think I’m the one to restart a horse myself. We shall see what the future holds.
In the mean time, I am riding a horse at the barn for someone who is currently injured. The horse is an appendix, but has a TB look to him. Funny enough we believe he has the same sire as Stampede, but his papers are currently MIA so it hasn’t been verified. I’ve just been flatting this horse and doing some pole work so far, but it’s been fun to make some improvements to his way of going and enjoy riding again. He’s given me some confidence back in my riding skills which was very needed.
Fingers crossed I can find a new pony for Christmas!
I feel like a stalker saying this multiple times, but looking at your list, my red mare ticks a lot of boxes. If only we weren’t so far away, I’d con you into coming to try her. I feel like we’ve always had a bit of a personality mismatch and it simultaneously breaks my heart and makes me wonder whenever I think about putting her up for sale.
It is a bummer that you aren’t nearby, I would give her a try. It was really tough but I’m glad I finally got brave enough to sell Maestro. Loving him didn’t make him the right match for me and we were both frustrated. I’ve heard great reports about how he’s doing in his new home. I certainly cried some tears over it, but I try to frame it as doing the right thing for the horse. I do think this home is a lot better of a match for him.
I’m so glad he’s doing well in his new home! I appreciate your attitude about loving them – you are so right, though I know it must have been painful!
Thank you. It has been a hard second half of the year for sure. Hopefully finding my next horse isn’t too far away.
That would be so hard to deal with, and is what I’m most worried about as I get within a few years of getting my next one. You definitely did the right thing but I know it couldn’t have been easy. Hugs and lots of crossed fingers that the right one comes your way.
This situation has taught me a lot but it’s certainly not something I ever wanted to do. When Maestro left on trial I called it an amicable divorce, which is pretty fitting. I’m equal parts happy and terrified that I will see him on our show circuit in the future. He’s really such a good horse and there are many traits of his that I’ve put on my wants list for my next horse, as well as some I never want again… Thank you, I’ll take all of the luck I can get as I search for my next partner.
Bravo for doing what was right for the horse (even when it is heartbreaking!!) Hugs and here’s hoping that the right fit is just around the corner ;D
Thank you. I’m hoping my next long term partner is going to come into my life soon!
It’s so hard to make that call, but at the end of the day, you both want to be happy and enjoying yourselves. I’m keeping my eyes peeled for you! Fingers crossed the new horse fairy delivers the right one to you soon!
Yes, hoping for more fun riding adventures with a new pony. IF new pony could appear by Christmas that would be awesome, lol.
aw i’m sorry it wasn’t “forever” with Maestro but sounds like you made the right call (even tho it’s never easy). good luck in your searches!!
Thank you. It was a tough decision but hopefully the right one for us both.
You did right by both of you in making that decision. I’m sure glad you have your sweet old man to lean on while things seem a little dim. The next one is out there 🙂
Thank you. It’s amazing to me that Mr. P came back into my life and has just been the same amazing rock for me that he was in my teens. I’m so thankful for that furry guy.
You made the right decision for both of you. It’s hsrd but if no one sold horses we wouldn’t have one! I hope you find the right one soon.
Thanks you. That is true. Not many showing up for sale right now unless they are super expensive for some reason! Hopefully more appear soon.
catching up but so sorry you and Maestro didn’t click but so glad he got a good home!! Good luck in your new pony (i mean horse) search 🙂
Thanks. I wish the pony search wasn’t so difficult. Inventory is low and prices are accordingly high right now. 🙁
You should be proud of how you handled everything with Maestro! It is never easy to make those calls. Fingers crossed your find your xmas pony!
Thank you. I know you had to make a similar hard decision a few years ago, it’s never easy.