How many horses do you need/want? [Archive]

SarahandSam

Nov. 9, 2008, 09:23 AM

I am a one-horse owner. With the current economy, I've had several offers of free horses. I say I can't afford another horse, though really if I worked for part of my board, I probably could swing it.

But--I don't really want another horse, because I am happy with mine. (: Sam's a youngster, he's adorable, he has beautiful manners on the ground and in the saddle (knocking on wood, because I know what happens when you brag about your horse), is the right size for me, and is smart and friendly. And he likes to jump, have lessons, go for long trail rides alone or with someone else, check fences, go swimming, plod up onto a trailer and go to shows, chase cows, and do medieval mounted combat.

Some of the horses I've been offered are great. A girl I boarded with always wanted me to ride one of her horses because she wanted to give him to me, and though I loved him and he was fun to ride, I always preferred riding my own. I can understand how frustrated I'd be if Sam were injured and out of commission for a while, but even then I don't think I'd want another horse--I'd just take lessons on a schoolie and nurse my guy back to health. Maybe it would be different too if I kept my horse at home, and saw two horses every day, but with boarding I almost feel like I wouldn't have enough time to love more than one horse. Ultimately I just don't think I could find another horse that suits me more than Sam does, and so getting another horse, no matter how lovely and cheap and perfect he or she seems, doesn't make sense. (Though I wouldn't turn down a dapple-grey Welsh pony with a big fluffy mane and a bow around its neck.)

So... do you have one horse and prefer it that way, or are horses like Pringles to you... just can't stop? What's your reasoning?

hedmbl

Nov. 9, 2008, 09:37 AM

Well I need 0 but I'm happiest with 3-4 actively showing horses. In reality my life would be a whole lot easier with just one horse but I'm willing to put the extra work in at school in order to be able to show the boys (thank goodness for flexible professors). I currently have 3 which is working out perfectly. I have my High jr/ao horse, med jr/ao horse and a greener project of sorts that's probably closer to made then green at this point.
I grew up buying and selling horses as a junior as I progressed through the ranks so I learned to not get overly attached. That doesn't mean I don't love or value my horses, though...I just know how to keep a working relationship of sorts. There have been two exceptions to that: my very first hunter who I still own and is happily retired at 20 and now my high jr/ao horse. Those two will never be sold. I'm planning on selling my med jr/ao horse as well as the greenie in FLA this winter in order to get ready for grad school but my high horse will stay with me even if I don't have time to show again.

I've never experienced life with only one horse...I'm kind of looking forward to it but hoping I won't be too miserable not showing as much as before.

county

Nov. 9, 2008, 09:41 AM

I don't need any, I keep enough so that I can make some money from depending on the market. When the market is high I keep around 50. Market low I keep about 25. Do the same with my cattle.

BumbleBee

Nov. 9, 2008, 09:45 AM

1 is my perfect number. I had 3 and found it was always a stretch to get everyone the attention they need. Some one always got the shaft.

Now I have just one and am sooooo happy. It's great and I can give my one horse the attention he deserves.

I always thought the more the marrier but I have learned otherwise.:yes:

Bluey

Nov. 9, 2008, 09:47 AM

We don't breed or train any more, so all we need is four rideable horses, because there is at most four of us that ride at the same time.
If I have a retired horse or two, that adds to the number.

FlashGordon

Nov. 9, 2008, 09:57 AM

I can't imagine having more than one at once, at least right now. And since I board like you, I couldn't manage the expense of keeping more than one.

It used to be all about getting saddle time but as I've gotten older, I've become sort of the "monogamous" type when it comes to horses. I'd much prefer to have ONE to dote on and ride. It is more about the relationship, and less about getting hours in the saddle.

Admittedly, my brain has been in a bit of a tail spin lately regarding the horse thing as I really thought Dan was it for me, and that I'd have him forever. I told hubby that when he retired, I was retiring too. But life is funny and that's not how it went so here I am.... trying to figure out what to do next.

Would like to think Windsor will be ridable eventually, maybe, if we get lucky... but even if he is I suspect it will be limited which is ok really. Maybe someday I'll have a little property and I can keep another ridable horse, but for now I just try to enjoy his company and take each day as it comes....

Char

Nov. 9, 2008, 09:59 AM

Ok, are we talking current situation want/need/afford, or are we allowed to reach into the active imagination and give the "OMFG, I JUST WON THE LOTTO!" set of wants/needs?

I'm just sayin'...:D

Well, I NEED at least 1, although I do believe I could love more than 1 if I didn't work full time and could spend more time with them, I certainly couldn't afford it. So, one is good enough for me at this time.

That is, until I hit the Jackpot...then my NEED number could grow, drastically............

:lol:

crewgirl34

Nov. 9, 2008, 10:09 AM

I have 2, although I really only wanted one. Unfortunately, the first one can't jump, which is what I want to do. So I just bought a second one, and hopefully he can stand up to what I want to do. Although I completely understand loving to ride your own horse. When I only had the one horse, she was injured and was sidelined for about 2 months. The BO was gracious enough to let me ride her other horses, but it just wasn't the same. I was so happy to get back on my girl, even though she isn't as well trained as the BO's horses.

Chall

Nov. 9, 2008, 10:21 AM

I want more horses.
I want to rescue horses and take good care of them and be a hero, I am always browsing the give aways and rescues.
I want a truck and a trailer & go trail riding all over the place.
I want to be a really good rider.
I want a farm/farmette.

But,
Paying for the my two horses is an increasingly worrisome stretch.
I hate/am scared of regular car driving.
I am older and have and always will be a forever intermediate rider.
I'm physically lazy and don't repair/work on my own house,and can never get enough sleep. How would I handle a farmette?

Mental life verus real life. In a way it's interesting, in another way it's not.
Guess I'm my own Walter Mitty.
Conclusion: I dont think I REALLY want another horse, but I like to think I do.

Nezzy

Nov. 9, 2008, 10:32 AM

1 and only 1. Hubby had a horse for a while, but he never rode, so it was an expensive pet. We loved him, but he never got ridden. When That one passed on, we were down to 1, and it was best. Hubby can always borrow a horse on the rare occasion that he wants to ride with me.

it is hard to give enough time and attention to the horse I own. I cannot imagine trying to work with more than one.

Milocalwinnings

Nov. 9, 2008, 10:36 AM

I have one right now, but 2 was the perfect number for me.

I started off leasing a mare, and then eventually leased a second mare when the first was injured... so I had two to work with.
Then I bought my gelding and stopped leasing the two mares but still continued to work with the one mare.
3 months later, I bought a second mare (who was supposed to be a project but eventually had to be euthanized). I had her for 4 months and had she not gotten sick, I would have kept her and sold my gelding.
After I lost that mare, there was talk about me buying the second mare I leased in addition to my gelding. But that mare coliced badly and she too had to be euthanized (maybe this is a sign I shouldn't have 2 horses??).

I've passed up my share of free, or really cheap, horses. Most of them I didn't hesitate to say "no thanks" to... but there was one gelding who I absolutly loved, almost bought/traded my gelding for, etc... that was offered to me for free and I had to pass him up because I couldn't afford two horses. Not a big deal, I'm glad I can have one... but had I been able to afford two at the time, I would have taken the gelding in a heartbeat. Sigh. Some day, when I"m out of college and can afford my own farm;)

Never Let Me Go

Nov. 9, 2008, 10:48 AM

I've only ever had one at a time, but I think one day I'd like to have more than one. Maybe not 50-60 like I dreamed of having when I was little (was recently reading my notebooks from middle school haha) but I'd definitely like more than one, that way I can trail ride with friends.

If I won the lotto.. I'd buy a nice, 50 acre farm for retired/rescue horses and rescue dogs. I would use it as an educational tool as well... have kids come and learn how to take proper care of animals, maybe even have better behaved inmates to work with a horse, etc.

cloudyandcallie

Nov. 9, 2008, 10:51 AM

I had 2 horses, one died last year, and I am down to one horse.
With the economy, I'm waiting unless I find the right one.
When I had 2 horses, people kept trying to give me horses, but I board, and the horse would have to be as good as my 2 for me to have taken one. Now people keep trying to give me horses every week, but I don't want to commit to a lifetime unless the horse is right for me (wild and crazy ottb mare with attitude and/or wild and crazy wb).

Now with all the ottbs being abandonned, it is bad. Right now, at a barn where my friend Lucy is boarding her horse, there is one totally abandonned nice big bay gelding (anyone near savannah want him?) and 4 horses owned by one family with unpaid board and for sale cheap (or maybe free, an appy, a paint and 2 others). And at most barns here lots of horses are for sale.

If I can sell our commercial building in town and 52 acres over in SC, and with this economy it is difficult, I will buy a farmette and bring over as many of my wbs family as I can afford, and buy 5 or 6 old ottb mares like my best horse Callie was.

I've done some rescues, but I rehomed them since I board. I love the old ottb mares, not for breeding, but for riding. They are so smart.

So let's see, I have one horse, and I want about at least 5 or 6 more, but not more than 10.

CatOnLap

Nov. 9, 2008, 10:54 AM

Horses are so fragile. I found I "needed" 3 because:
one was always going to be injured or off
one was always going to be too young/too old to ride ( my horses are generally mine for life)
and hopefully, at least one at any time would be sound and of proper riding age.

Now when I win the lottery, I will probably have 5 or 6. I have 4 right now:
One is 19 and still going strong and is the most fun as he is the most schooled and can do a nice PSG test.
One is 9 and well schooled but not very talented- however, anyone can ride her, tired, dead drunk or asleep, and be safe on her. Good for those tequila induced moonlight forays in the summer.
One is 7 and relatively green- about second level, so still needs education.
One is 7, acquired as a giveaway a month ago and was just saddle broke, so really green and in need of education.
With a full time job, 4 is too many when they are all sound.

Nov. 9, 2008, 11:11 AM

[QUOTE=SarahandSam;3640720]I am a one-horse owner. With the current economy, I've had several offers of free horses. I say I can't afford another horse, though really if I worked for part of my board, I probably could swing it.

But--I don't really want another horse, because I am happy with mine. (: Sam's a youngster, he's adorable, he has beautiful manners on the ground and in the saddle (knocking on wood, because I know what happens when you brag about your horse), is the right size for me, and is smart and friendly. And he likes to jump, have lessons, go for long trail rides alone or with someone else, check fences, go swimming, plod up onto a trailer and go to shows, chase cows, and do medieval mounted combat.

QUOTE
I think you're smarter than the average. Too many can easily become a burden.
I have two and they're here for our lives but one more would be too many. Besides one of mine is perfect for me (as yours is for you) so why would I even want to take on more?
One of mine I never ride and I really don't need him but I owe him and love him so he stays, too.

Huntertwo

Nov. 9, 2008, 11:21 AM

One is all I can ride at one time. ;) Back when I had a better job, yea, I could have probably afforded two horses, but you never know when times will get hard, health issues, job issues etc. Things people should consider before buying more horses than needed.

I sometimes read posts with people who own 5 or more horses and honestly, I don't know how they do it with the rising costs of everything.

I'd rather have one and feel a bit more secure and be able to sleep at night.. :)

Thomas_1

Nov. 9, 2008, 11:25 AM

I've always had horses in number but can justify it by saying that I have diverse riding and driving equestrian interests :yes: and which includes multiples carriage driving. :yes:

I drive singles, pairs, tandems and teams and truth is that a singles horse doesn't necessarily make a pairs horse or a tandems horse or a teams horse :no: :yes:

I personally would never keep a solitary horse. (Though that doesn't mean I would actually have to own more than one. Just that if I was compelled to be down to one horse that it would have to be kept with others) IMO though they're herd animals and its better to keep them that way. :yes:

So there's another of my justifications ;)

I also have land and folks who want to come and learn to ride and drive my horses and want me to teach them. So I have an equestrian business.

Justification 5 then.

I can afford it in terms of having all the resource required to keep what I have and that includes having good staff.

Justification 6

No such thing as a free horse though! No-one in the western developed world "needs" a horse either!

pines4equines

Nov. 9, 2008, 11:26 AM

Wait! NO one has asked about: Medieval Mounted Combat

What on earth is this and can you direct us to a web site??? Now that is something completely different!!! You go girl!!!!

county

Nov. 9, 2008, 11:28 AM

I don't think anyone has to justify why they keep any number of horses. As long as their cared for theres no reason to have to justify 1 or 100

Bogie

Nov. 9, 2008, 11:43 AM

I have had two for the past three years. It's always been a stretch, both financially and time-wise. It has been helpful to have two just in that when one was off, I still had one to ride. I also liked the fact that they were such different types of horses. I enjoyed both and I think it improved my riding.

My beloved Trakehner gelding died three weeks ago and I will not get another horse in the foreseeable future. It's hard, because there are a ton of nice horses around for free or very little. However, I don't think I want to commit to taking in another horse because:

1) I can't replace him and I think at this point I would always want a new horse to do that
2) the economy right now is so unstable that I'd like to reduce my horse related costs (I rent stall(s) at a coop barn). My husband and I are both self-employed and it's unclear how the current economic climate will impact our businesses.
3) I have to pay off my vet bills. It truly sucks to have spent so much money and still had my horse die. Especially because there is still no diagnosis.

If I had my own farm, I'd have several. But own farm and town with a good school system are mutually incompatible here in Mass. so until my kids are grown and educated, it isn't going to happen.

regret

Nov. 9, 2008, 11:46 AM

I don't think anyone has to justify why they keep any number of horses. As long as their cared for theres no reason to have to justify 1 or 100

I agree.

Thomas_1

Nov. 9, 2008, 11:48 AM

I don't think anyone has to justify why they keep any number of horses. As long as their cared for theres no reason to have to justify 1 or 100 You ought to try that rationale with my wife ;)

county

Nov. 9, 2008, 11:53 AM

SquishTheBunny

Nov. 9, 2008, 12:00 PM

I really just want 1, but I have 3.

1.) Green Hunter, wants to be pleasure horse....IN love with him, hes never going anywhere. Was supposed to be AA hunter, but is a bit of a lemon. Hence, horse #2.
2) AA Hunter, been there-done that...so lucky to have him.
3.) Pony, was meat-bound. Shes leased out now, but is super cute...but only 12.2hh soI would squish her. She is also never sellable.

Chief2

Nov. 9, 2008, 12:04 PM

We have downsized to one horse and, economically, that is just fine. My problem is that I am a sucker for 'orphans' (read: abandoned animals)--horses, ponies, cats, dogs, donkeys...it makes no difference. So, because I just sunk $1500 at the vet's into an old, unwanted barn cat (read: orphan) and brought him home, I need to restrain myself from getting into yet another orphaned...I mean abandoned horse, so I am sending small dribbles of donations to the rescues instead. So far, that seems to be working. :(

saddleup

Nov. 9, 2008, 12:19 PM

I have three, and it's a good number. If I take one off the property, there are still two at home to keep each other company. When the inevitable happens and I'm down to two, (I have two retired older horses plus a six year old whippersnapper) hopefully the neighbor's horses across the fence line will be enough company to keep the left-at-home horse happy when I leave and take the young one with me.

Even just three are a lot of work. I have an empty stall, and it sometimes is tempting to get another horse, but I am resisting so far.

greysandbays

Nov. 9, 2008, 12:33 PM

I have eight now (and all but one were born here), and that's the fewest horses I've EVER had in my life. I figure I could handle 12-15 of the sort of horses I have now in normal economic times. Not sure how much this current mess and the future even bigger mess is going to affect that...

However, I keep my horses at home so it's not all that expensive (I don't have idiot horses always hurting themselves or prone-to-unsoundness horses who are always getting hurt by fate or big horses that eat a lot). If I HAD to board, I wouldn't keep any horses at all.

TBlitz

Nov. 9, 2008, 12:36 PM

I have two:

#1- 14 yo TB gelding. Was a crazy awesome athlete and is staying with me for life, but is now convinced he's retired and decided to develop soundness issues after I purchased....

#2- 19 month old Irish Draught. My Dad is in love with my 1000 lb "pee-wee," but he's obviously not rideable at this age.

Ideally I'd have another one. One that's in between the other two in age, is sound, and can be ridden. I can't justify getting another one though since there are many factors preventing me from getting one, including: I'm in college and don't have the finances for another horse, our property has a two horse limit (5 acres), I currently only have a 2-horse trailer (with 3 tow vehicles:confused:), and both my horses already suffer from "only child syndrome" and are constantly trying to cause trouble (I blame it on the red-headedness), so if I got another one like them, I would go insane. People are constantly throwing horses at me to ride when I'm in my college area, so I haven't been too desperate for another yet :D

Tilly

Nov. 9, 2008, 12:37 PM

I have 1, but want 3. :winkgrin:

1. 10 yr old 13.2 hh pony mare, fairly well trained but with a stubborn temperament [I love her anyway!] . I do H/J and Dressage on her.
I would like:
2. Greenie that needs to be finished, possibly sold in the long run.
3. Nice gelding to show in H/J and Dressage.

And, I want to keep them at home.

PNWjumper

Nov. 9, 2008, 12:40 PM

I'm happiest having two to show and maybe one up and coming. I have 6 right now and I'd like to slim down to 5 (one is a pony for my kids and doesn't get ridden). 3 under saddle and one baby is enough for me!

aspenlucas

Nov. 9, 2008, 12:53 PM

Thomas 1 just do like I do with the horses, cattle and sheep. You have say 10 horses and you ger another and you tell her " well we have 10 whats 1 more " next thing ya know theres 0 or 40 of them. LOL

I always said 7 was the number. After 7 it's easy to get up to 14 and once you are at 14, it really doesn't matter how many more you get....relatively speaking. I personally have 36 at my farm right now. 6 are boarders and 13 are for sale (mostly weanlings and yearlings) then I have one out in training that is for sale so that is 14 for sale. So I guess that means I have about 17 that are mine that I want to be mine. That being said if I personally had 20 I'd be happy. But I need that amount if I have stallion, broodmares, I have a tease pony stallion, and if my broodmares or riding horses are good to me they stay here til they are buried up on the hill. I will not just dispose of them if they have been good to me. I still have my first pony who is 39 1/2 and my first horse who is 22 1/2, I got him at 6 months. Personally I'd rather justify feeding them then buying another fancy show horse. :) That being said, I rent two farms from close friends who live close to me and my rent for leasing two barns and about 35 acres of land is $460 a month.

aspenlucas

Nov. 9, 2008, 12:55 PM

However, I keep my horses at home so it's not all that expensive (I don't have idiot horses always hurting themselves or prone-to-unsoundness horses who are always getting hurt by fate or big horses that eat a lot). If I HAD to board, I wouldn't keep any horses at all.

My horses are the same (knock on wood). And if I had to go down to one horse. I couldn't do it. I'd probably geld my stallion and keep him, but I'd never ever dump my first two horses. So that being said I'd never board them. I'd never board Frosty who is ancient. She loves her life. :)

regret

Nov. 9, 2008, 12:59 PM

kellyb

Nov. 9, 2008, 01:00 PM

1 is all that I will really be able to afford, both money and time wise. If I didn't have to work and had a magical money tree, ideally I would love to have 3-4 horses.

Cherry

Nov. 9, 2008, 02:27 PM

Well, I had one horse, but I would like to have had two.... :winkgrin:

One is plenty if you want to really take care of the horse but if I had two that would be one more good home for a deserving horse (my horse never went hungry), and I could have had someone to ride with who may not have owned a horse of their own (you know, spread the wealth around :yes: ). :lol:

I think everyone deserves to be able to ride even if they can't afford their own horse--I'm finding there are plenty of peeps out there like that! :eek: And we've had to take out an umbrella policy on our homeowner's policy anyway because of our nutty neighbor who won't stay off our property.... :uhoh: :mad:

Finding hay has never, ever been a problem for me and I finally found a great horse vet, but farriers??? Forget it! I was trimming my own mare because farriers who are reliable are non-existent in my area (if you only have one horse).... :( And finding affordable boarding is a problem too.... You wouldn't think that because we are in an agricultural area but most of the land (pasture) that went with the barns has been sold off a long time ago.... :cry:

I'd have to have my own place, be able to better trim feet and a heavier duty truck and trailer before I get any more horses! :(

Bugs-n-Frodo

Nov. 9, 2008, 04:21 PM

I have two, neither will ever be sold. I have had my 22 year old mare of 18 years, she is retired but has had a very full life. She started as a race horse, retired from the track and when I got her she did dressage, hunters and was a one time broodie. She's my baby girl, she will always have a home and I will always be devoted to her. Frodo is her only child and the horsey man of my dreams. He is 5, I bred him and have done all of his training. At five, his is doing 1st level dressage and is sounder than sound (knock on wood), he will always be mine. Now, that being said, once my mare crosses the bridge (heaven forbid that time be anytime soon) I will not get a second horse if I am still boarding. I like having one horse because I don't feel so bad if I do not have time for the other horse. Bugs gets the short end of the stick often because she is not ridden. I groom her everyday, give her attention everyday, but I don't devote as much time to her as I do Frodo. If, God forbid, anything should happen to Frodo, yes, I'll get another horse. Now, if I had my own place, I have always thought I'd have one of two scenarios:

1. Have three horses, Bugs, Frodo and another horse whom nobody wants (maybe permanently unrideable for whatever reason) to keep Bugs company when Frodo and I are gone at shows/clinics. I want to give a home to an unwanted horse.

2. Have my two or three horses plus 1 or 2 boarders.

I don't want to get into a situation where I have too many horses that need to be ridden, a full-time job, a family, and small farm to keep up and not enough time in the day to get it all done. I am the type that, if I have it all, I'll do it ALL, then I will make myself sick because my sleep is the thing that suffers.

monalisa

Nov. 9, 2008, 04:33 PM

I have 3 but 2 is probably the perfect number for me.

1) My coming 15 yr old AA show horse who is as close to perfect as a horse can get. I have started to slow her down a bit, hubby rode her today and wants to start riding her again. She will be a field hunter when she does not want to show anymore. I will never sell her and have owned her since she was 3.

2) My coming 3 yr old mare out of the 15 yr old mare (#1 above). She is just like her mother and we just broke her. Plan is for her to become my AA show horse when mom retires. So far so good. But I will never sell her either.

3) My "movie star" horse - beautiful, can be difficult at times. Not as easy as my other 2 horses. Would sell him for the right amount of money. Needs to be in a horse show barn which was fine when the economy was great.

Would be happy with just 2 but I have 3 and I do love them all. Never want to own more than 3 though.

Reds-n-Greys

Nov. 9, 2008, 04:46 PM

*sigh* I would just like to own one..... *double sigh*

7HL

Nov. 9, 2008, 04:50 PM

My wife and I have three, hers, mine and ours. It's a good number and it works.:yes:

Kairoshorses

Nov. 9, 2008, 04:56 PM

I want as many as I have room for. Right now, with 15 acres, I have five: one pasture ornament who was hurt pretty badly a year ago, two youngsters (1.5 and 2.5), and two that I ride.

I like having two "going" so that someone else can ride with me. They are both sweet, and just about anyone can ride them--but they're also bold jumpers and plain fun to ride.

I really would love to have more, but given my time committments, I have to rein myself in. Darn it. I'm ok financially to have more...just not enough time. Sigh.

CHS

Nov. 9, 2008, 05:23 PM

There are five total I guess right now. One is my daughters show horse, one is a pony I have on consignment (That one shouldn't count), one used to be my hunter pace/trail horse, now she just looks cute (she's in foal to a TB stallion I just sold), my retired hunt horse (also in foal to TB), and a retired Belgian mare (also in foal to TB). The number goes up and down all the time. In April there will be seven (hoping the pony is sold by then) when the foals hit the ground.

How many do I NEED? NONE!!!!! I have no time to ride. Why can't I be like the "other" parents and have a kid with just ONE horse? I know it'll NEVER happen, but one would be pretty sweet for a while anyway.

Punkie

Nov. 9, 2008, 05:33 PM

We have 5 and are looking to buy a 6th and possibly a 7th.

#1: 22 y.o. 14.1 3/8 pony who still horse shows during the summer (my former large pony hunter as a kiddo, we now do the modified adults, the pleasure divisions, and the lower jumpers LOL). He's our "forever horse". He's been in my family for almost 11 years and we will have him until he passes.

#2: 9 y.o. 15.3 7/8 Hano/TB , my AA adult hunter (albeit he's coming along quite slowly) who is flashy as flashy can be and moves and jumps BEAUTIFULLY, but he can be a really difficult ride. He's a long term investment and will either be leased or sold after Florida of 2010.

#3: 7 y.o. 16.3 warmblood...my 21st birthday present. Also an investment horse, very talented and VERY smart, he'll either sell in FLA this year or after the summer circuit.

#4 & 5: 8 and 10 y.o. TB/Perch crosses that belong to my mom. She mostly trail rides with them. She shows either my pony or my 9 year old.

#6 & 7 are intended investment horses; prefferably a jumper and an eq horse. We leave for Argentina for 10 days of horse shopping on January 3rd, and we're hoping to have them at WEF for the beginning of February. I've been wanting another jumper for quite some time now (haven't had a competitive one in a few years), so this is hopefully what I'll get.

As for what I actually NEED to keep me sane and happy? Really just my pony. For a few years it was just he and I (I had a few very short term projects here and there, but for the most part I only had him) and I just loved it. Our horses are at 3 different barns and are as far as 100 miles from my house...I ride my three 4-6 days a week and I hack my mom's horses one day a week. I horse show almost every single weekend and I am CONSTANTLY horse shopping (I'm allowed to have as many as 10 at a time and up to 5 showing at once, otherwise I have to stagger the shows between them). I lead a very wonderful life and I am a very lucky person, but it can really be A LOT between work and school and all the horses. I'm hoping once the winter circuit's over, my numbers will stay modestly low and I will be able to enjoy a busy but fun spring/summer season.

Jeff Wolf

Nov. 9, 2008, 06:15 PM

We have four horses, two donkeys.

Need? One ridable for the bride, one for me.

Want? What I want is for no horse to suffer. Can't save them all, so we save those we can. The local horse rescue is full and has a 60+ horse waiting list. We can afford to take on extras here and there (like a jenny and three foals that were dumped), but we're full up now. The foals have a home in the spring, but we're keeping the jenny. :)

MistyBlue

Nov. 9, 2008, 06:26 PM

By Chall:
I want more horses.
I want to rescue horses and take good care of them and be a hero, I am always browsing the give aways and rescues.
I want a truck and a trailer & go trail riding all over the place.
I want to be a really good rider.
I want a farm/farmette.

But,
Paying for the my two horses is an increasingly worrisome stretch.
I hate/am scared of regular car driving.
I am older and have and always will be a forever intermediate rider.
I'm physically lazy and don't repair/work on my own house,and can never get enough sleep. How would I handle a farmette?

Mental life verus real life. In a way it's interesting, in another way it's not.
Guess I'm my own Walter Mitty.
Conclusion: I dont think I REALLY want another horse, but I like to think I do.

Okay Chall...I have to say that was probably the most honest straight forward post I've ever seen on a horse BB and it also gave me the giggles. :lol: You win the Self Honesty post of 2008 IMO. :yes:

I have 2 horses at home. For a short while I had 2 horses boarded before I got them home...I had purchased horse #2 a few months before we brought horses home to the then-new farmette because horse #1 had serious separation anxiety issues...she was not a candidate for being alone on the property. I have to say that even though I had cheap full board (for my area at least) at only $400 per horse...that $800 per month is PAINFUL! Add in doubling normal routine vet care and farrier fees, suppplies, tack, etc and if I had to board I'd *never* have more than one. Ever. Even with cheap board the average monthly care was the same as a decent mortgage payment.
So I have two horses at home...my barn is a 4 stall but I wisely didn't get around to putting up the separation wall between stalls 3 and 4 do I don't feel a need to fill those voids. And since I also haven't gotten paddock #2 fenced yet either I have the perfect excuse to say NO to the bazillion free horse offers I get annually.
I can/could handle up to 4 myself easily IF I had 4 sane healthy non-suicidal horses. Right now I seem to be/hope to stay blessed with my two healthy non-suicidal horses. The first two I had here home (one has passed away/other was rehomed with friends) went through a year long period of one or the other costing me a small fortune (and tons of sleep and my general physical and mental health) in emergency vet bills. The mare always was fragile health wise...the gelding just went through a bad-luck spate of crappy stuff. Let's just say I NEVER want to go through that fresh hell again. If it had continued any longer I can honestly say I would have gotten out of horses for good because it was just exhausting and financially draining and just sucked all the joy out of horses out of me.
So I can well understand greysandbays point of being happy with multiple horses that aren't walking vet bills/rehab cases.
So if I were boarding...due to cost I wouldn't want more than one unless it was very inexpensive board that was very close to my home. With having a small farmette I'd stay happy with up to 4, maybe 5 knowing I could keep them well without going broke (as long as vet bills stayed reasonable) and keep them all worked/schooled enough. Although one caveat with having them home is that a magic number tends to be 3 or 4 because many times having just two means if one is removed to ride off property the other could be the type that goes bonkers. So 3 in that case to keep the one staying home company...or 4 necessary if you want to go riding with spouse or friend.

SunnysideJate

Nov. 9, 2008, 06:27 PM

I have two:

1. 31yr old retired AQHA pasture puff who is going strong.

2. 6 yr old Standardbred trotter whom is doing very well under saddle.

I had three but my other retiree passed away in August and I am not replacing him unless I no longer would like to be married.

A Bleeding Heart

Nov. 9, 2008, 06:51 PM

I think I'm in quite a unique situation because of the kind of horse I have/show. I own an American Saddlebred who I show in Hunters, but I also get the opportunity to ride Saddleseat (on my trainer's horses) at the current barn where I board Beauty. So, ideally I would love to keep Beauty as my hunter show horse but also own a gaited (5 gaited, please) Saddlebred.

Alas, boarding expenses don't allow for that. Maybe someday I'll actually be able to own one of those guys!

But - with that being said, I'm incredibly happy with Beauty, love all the time and attention I can give to her and only to her and wouldn't trade her/sell her for the world. :D

PolarPony

Nov. 9, 2008, 07:11 PM

I think that if I was showing a lot, I'd only have one. That's all I'd have time for. And as for the thing about "what if my one horse goes lame!!11!!" it wouldn't really matter to me, because I could always ride someone elses.

But if we're talking in a fantasy world, I probably would have a bunch of 'em.

LDavis104

Nov. 9, 2008, 07:21 PM

After riding for 16 years, I finally just got my first horse this past summer. I have to pinch myself because of just owning ONE horse! :lol: One is great for me, I can give him my full attention and do a weekly lesson - couldn't do that with more than one. I don't have the time nor the dollars to own a second horse.

MistyBlue

Nov. 9, 2008, 07:29 PM

LOL LDavis...even though it's been decades I can still remember that feeling of owning your first horse! :yes: At that time I couldn't imagine owning two because I was sooooo thrilled to have one ALL my OWN!

Then I remember buying my second one...and I also remember standing in the barn staring at two of MY own horses stalled near one another and being overwhelmed over which one I'd ride first! :lol:

Then I was out of horses for a l-o-n-g time and bought one after more than a decade and went through the New Horse feelings all over again. Then before bringing her home after we bought a farm we bought a second to bring along to keep her company and again it was overly exciting trying to decide which to ride on any given day. :D And those two were polar opposites in type, discipline and personality too.

But one...the right one...is always enough. :yes:

SarahandSam

Nov. 9, 2008, 08:00 PM

Wait! NO one has asked about: Medieval Mounted Combat

What on earth is this and can you direct us to a web site??? Now that is something completely different!!! You go girl!!!!

LOL... thanks. (: I do medieval reenactment with the Society for Creative Anachronism, and one of the equestrian things we do is mounted crest combat... basically fighting on horseback with boffer swords and weapons. It's a lot of fun to get on your horse and whack somebody with a mace. (:

Ibex

Nov. 9, 2008, 08:09 PM

Hmmm. Realistically, 1. And only 1. It's all I can (barely) justify!

If we're talking "when I win the lottery"...

A schoolmaster to teach me the ropes

A up and coming young horse, possibly homebred

A babysitter who I can stick anyone on and turn anyone out with. Don't care what breed/age/sex.

A pony for my niece

Probably a broodmare, and likely any resulting babies because really, once a baby was on the ground, there's no way I could bring myself to sell it :lol:

And some retirees/rescues, because I have "sucker" writeen on my forehead.

AppendixQHLover

Nov. 9, 2008, 08:17 PM

I have one horse right now. My one horse is a total saint and takes care of me. He is my awesoe quarter horse.

I would like two or three horses but since I board that is not a possibility. Also my HOA will not allow horses for obvious reasons. We only have a 1/4 acre of land. :D

I have my saint horse.

I would like a fancy warmblood that will take me to the AA's when I am ready.

veebug22

Nov. 9, 2008, 08:33 PM

Interesting topic -- it's been on my mind a lot lately, and many of the previous posts resonate with me.

I currently have two, which can be a stretch both financially and timewise. When I was boarding both of them, it was tough. Now they're at home, and I have a decent-paying full-time job in addition to a freelance job. But, they're both oldish horses (12 and 17 yrs.) that often require significant maintenance investment. Sometimes, when the freelancing gig doesn't have much work, or when one of the horses needs vet work, then things are a little thin. And there are a lot of extras I wish I could do and can't -- for example, I can't afford a full, busy show season, because I've got two horses that are currently fully shod, on joint injections, etc. Unfortunately, my job also requires a lot of traveling at the moment, which makes keeping both horses fit (and myself) virtually impossible. Hence, I'm trying to lease out my gelding. Two is verging on too many at the moment.

But, if my gelding were leased out and I were traveling less, I would consider taking on another horse or pony as a sale project. Or perhaps breed my mare to Cassini II (can you tell I've thought about that one a bit?!). But you know, that's excessive. I don't really need that many horses. The challenge is keeping one horse that meets my current riding needs, while keeping my older horse comfortable and happy as well.

Then again, I often miss having only one horse that I could totally and complete devote my time, energy, and money toward. If I had only one, I could afford all the extras. But if I had to choose a horse, I'd have to choose my gelding, and that would mean sticking to low level stuff. It's tough to balance loyalty with wanting to stay active and challenged... hence the need for more than one horse!

Oh, and if I had unlimited means, I'd definitely have an Irish Draught or something for my husband and any other visitors, who would just happen to also be an awesome foxhunter for me :)

veebug22

Nov. 9, 2008, 08:46 PM

Then I remember buying my second one...and I also remember standing in the barn staring at two of MY own horses stalled near one another and being overwhelmed over which one I'd ride first! :lol:

That's too funny, I TOTALLY remember that moment too!! It didn't hit me so much when the second was a sale project, but when I bought a second "for keeps" horse and they were beside each other in the barn, I remember walking in and being like, "Wow, I have two to myself!! Where do I start?"

MikeP

Nov. 9, 2008, 08:58 PM

I currently have three. All are good mannered, easy-riding horses. I own the farm we live on, so boarding expense doesn't figure into it.

I suppose I could use one more. When my granddaughter (age 17) comes to ride, if she brings one friend we can all ride, but if she brings two friends I let them go on while I stay behind. Thus I could use one more horse.

On the other hand, most of the time it's just just me riding by myself so some might say three is too many.

Like others here, I've been offered a couple of free or very cheap horses, but my experience is that you get what you pay for.
As with any pet, getting a horse is a commitment to being responsible for that horse. I'd rather shop around and pay a decent price for a horse I want than take a freebie that won't work for me, but still has to be fed and cared for.

Wigwag

Nov. 9, 2008, 09:01 PM

I would love to have two...my current horse, and a hardy QH or paint type that was beginner safe. Something to just have fun with, take trail riding, have as a second horse for friends to ride and a "backup" for when current horse (as he currently is) is injured.

However, time and finances demand only keeping the one so I have to remain realistic.

Dance_To_Oblivion

Nov. 9, 2008, 09:18 PM

I have one right now, and as long as I am boarding she'll be the only one! As soon as we get our own place (hopefully soon!) we'll get one more which I am sure will manage to multiply!

KCFoxy

Nov. 9, 2008, 09:30 PM

I have one retired mare and one youngster going strong....my sister has one youngster going strong and one hubby horse. That's all we need.
After being down to one (at one time)...we LOVE watching the "herd"

BelladonnaLily

Nov. 10, 2008, 07:34 AM

I need 0.

I would like to have 3-4.

I currently own 6 and have 2 leases here.

I'm lucky in that we haven't been really touched by the economy, with the exception of dealing with some higher prices on gas and goods. My husband is my hay man, so again, very fortunate.

When the kids are gone, though, I plan on having only a few retirees and probably board them out so I can travel.

SidesaddleRider

Nov. 10, 2008, 07:47 AM

We have 8 horses. I'd say between my DH and me, we need at least 4 rideable horses because we hunt frequently, and each person needs a horse to still be able to take out if the other one is injured or if we hunt more than 1x/week.

Of the 8, there are 6 rideable horses (1 exp'd packer 3'6" show/field hunter gelding, 1 show/field hunter mare starting the 3'6" next year, 2 all-around type show/field hunter mares, 1 older field hunter gelding, and 1 investment show/field hunter mare), 1 yearling gelding, and a retired mare.

I'd like to be down to 6, as my time has been quite limited with law school and DH's work schedule, but the horses are happy. I have the packer at a friend's place on a free lease for her to ride (a win/win for both of us), and the others are out about 16 hrs a day, so they're all in good shape. ;)

LookinSouth

Nov. 10, 2008, 08:54 PM

well I have one right now (in addition to fostering a pasture puff very easy keeper mini companion) but I have owned two in the past.

I boarded for a period of time and at that time 2 horses worked well. I had the time then to ride two horses every day and often I would ride others available in addition to that. I was a beginner rider and one horse was an older packer type who built my confidence while I transitioned to the harder to ride but very talented 2nd horse. 2nd horse was nice to have because packer had off/on soundness issues. Right now? I just don't have the time for more than one. I don't NEED more than one and I really don't want more than one ( riding horse) either.

My one horse is also very needy. He loves constant attention and has become quite attached to me. Even at 17 he needs regular work to be consistent undersaddle and he can do everything my heart desires from foxhunt 1st flight to cut cows. There is no other horse I would rather ride...really. He's always sound and he challenges any level rider but is completely safe. I am not looking forward to the day I have to retire him.

I think for a young adult ammy who works full time (not to mention grad school) like myself , currently keeping more than one horse fit and conditioned is unrealistic. I love doting on and giving my undivided attention to my spoiled boy and his very adorable pony friend:)

pandorasboxx

Nov. 10, 2008, 09:01 PM

I NEED at least one to maintain sanity. I settle for two and crave four. :lol:

twofatponies

Nov. 10, 2008, 09:09 PM

I have two, though one is technically my husbands...but I end up doing her care and exercise many days because he is too busy. But that's okay.

In a fantasy world (endless money and people to help with the work, living on a great sprawling ranch, etc.) I would love to have all different kinds of horses: a pair of Welsh ponies for scurry driving; a Friesian for those romantic moods; an Arabian that could do liberty tricks...a Lusitano - golden palomino colored... several Morgans... a few herds of colorful horses just running around being scenic...oh, and some Lippizaners... :D

But in any realistic scenario 1-2 is perfectly plenty! One nice thing about 2 is having two different kinds of rides and two different skill sets to play with.

Bebe Falcon

Nov. 10, 2008, 10:43 PM

I've got one. Would like to have two one day, but would never consider boarding them both out... it would have to be at a time when we started looking into purchasing our own hobby farm. As others have mentioned, you never know when you'll be made redundant at work, find yourself with some ridiculous vet bill as a result of some bizarre accident that occurred out in the field, have a personal health emergency, or unexpected life event. I refuse to stretch myself so thin that there's NO extra cash ready in such a circumstance, hence the "one horse rule" :D

Some day, I'd love to rescue an oldie or two and let them live out their last few years in peace, keep my gelding I've got now, and get another (always wanted a coloured WB) level-headed mount as a hack horse for myself or hubby.. and perhaps get into showing, if it felt right.

At the moment, we just don't have the time or resources for a second horse. Which is fine, as the first has been giving us enough trouble as it is, lately!