Decisions

[appendix100]

I know it will come down to me in the end, but would like input to help make the decision.

Have an AQHA appendix gelding that I adore, & was showing in ranch riding, ranch trail & over fences.
Just came up out of the pasture with what is looking to be a suspensory issue. We are still early in the process, so I don’t know how much it is going to affect things long term, but at the very least I am feeling like the over fences part of his career is over. Maybe all of it, it don’t know yet.

I was really comfortable in the AQHA world, had friends there to show with etc. Trainer moved away, barn family scattered, so I am more solo at the shows & the social aspect is not as much there. Still have a few friends around.

Other trainer that was helping me with the jumping is still here. Was still taking lessons from her, of course beastie had the best lesson we have ever had just before he came up injured.
I have always loved jumping. Have just been back to if for a couple of years (kids, life, etc.)

I am also a significantly older rider, & I’m not sure how many more years I can safely (relatively) do the over fences classes before I have to give them up. Likely only 5 years or so. Might get 10 if I’m lucky.

Now I have to make choices. Do I give up the jumping entirely? Do I look for a new horse to jump with? & if so do I try to stay in the AQHA world or go for something else that would be english only?
We don’t have a lot of AQHA people in my area that jump. Most of them are doing USEF stuff. So that also means finding QH w/ any jumping experience relatively locally is difficult. I don’t mind doing some travelling, but I can’t fly all over the country trying horses.

It will be a stretch to get a new horse, but my DH is willing to make it happen for me. Having said that, we just don’t have the budget to get a 6 figure hunter or show at A rated shows.

I know in the end it will be up to me, but I appreciate the input.

[anon40672407]

Can you jump in lessons? Are you focused on competitions? Is leasing an option?

[appendix100]

I am going to talk to my trainer about lessoning on a schoolie until I do whatever I’m going to do. That way I hopefully won’t lose the gains I’ve made, & won’t feel rushed to buy if I do go that route. Don’t really want to lease, just need to figure out a way to decide what direction to go.

I like to show, but so far it has been breed shows & schooling shows.

[findeight]

Theres not a thing wrong with wanting to train and show in a pleasant social environment not involving long, solo drives. Nothing wrong with switching disciplines to find that environment either. I made that choice when moving from the Southwest to the Northeast, one of my better decisions.

Its up to you, there no wrong answer and nothing to feel guilty about either way. Sorry about the horse here, suspensories suck.

Oh, if you do stay on the QH side, not sure leasing is allowed in Non Pro classes.

[appendix100]

Leasing is allowed, just have to have an official show lease form on file, & it’s usually done for a full year. I’m not a leasing kind of person though, I like to have my horses at home, & do things other than show as well. (Clinics, trail rides, etc)

[fivestrideline]

Don’t discount a lease just yet - I was looking recently and had PLENTY of offers of offsite leases willing to let me have them at home and do whatever (within reason). Greener horses, though.

Might also be worth leasing something in barn at your jump trainer’s, if it looks like your horse just needs the year of rehab. Lessons might work, too, but you’ll get more ride time and opportunities with a lease.

That said, if local schooling shows and some clinics is what you WANT to do, and breed shows are less available, just go buy something to do the hunter shows! You can get something safe, sane, and reliable for WAY less than 6 figs, and you’ll be pretty competitive at the locals if you can jump around with a change and pony takes a joke. An Appendix might just end up fitting that bill too don’t limit yourself!

[2DogsFarm]

You sound like me…mostly
I’m a {ahem - very} Senior Rider & though I do the very occasional show, I prefer a clinic or lesson at home.
My riding horse & Driving mini live on my farm, along with a decorative Hackney Pony.
Before finances squeezed, I had my Dressage trainer here every other week. Am hoping to start that up again.
The mini does pleasure drives on trails with my local Club and the rare show - mainly Fair*
*for the chance to hang with friends, payback & corndogs!

For your horse, IIWM, I’d wait & see how the injury resolves.
If his career O/F is ended, lesson on your trainer’s horse until you feel ready to either buy or hang up your spurs in that arena.
Whatever you do, no pressure to do it ASAP.
If there’s one thing Age has got me, it’s PATIENCE

[moonlitoaksranch]

This is where the rider meets the horsewoman. Do I go with what my current horse is best at, or move him along and find another to accomplish my goals? We’ve all been there. It’s easy to say get another horse, but the expenses are prohibitive for most people. The truth is that we are lucky to find time to ride one. Riding two, especially when we are focused on something your old horse can no longer do well, is difficult. So, the truth is that if you want to keep jumping, you will move away from your current horse, both mentally and physically. To do so is to follow your mind and fulfill your jumping dreams. He will need another option eventually. The other thought is to be loyal to your current horse and grow in a way that he can still participate in. That’s the heart talking. However, doing so means you may never get back to jumping, so it is a sacrifice. So, it comes down to listening to your mind or your heart. There is no wrong answer. You might find a beautiful home for your current horse and enjoy a lovely relationship built with a new jumper.

One approach might be to not make any decisions now, but to take lessons on a jumping horse during your boy’s recovery. Wait and see what his prognosis is and go from there. You may find the relationship you have with your current horse is more important than jumping. Or, that jumping is so enjoyable and the jumper you ride excels so much that you choose to pursue it.

Best of luck to you, whatever you decide.