I have made the decision to sell my 2 year old POA filly. She is an incredible pony with a 1 in a million personality but I simply do not have the time, money, or ability (poor health) to work with her as much as needed. I know it’s the right decision but this is my first time selling a horse so my emotions are getting the best of me currently. I am preparing to show her to a very interested potential buyer tomorrow but I am nearing the point of breaking down. I fear that it’s the wrong choice and that I’ll regret it once she’s gone. Any tips on how to cope with these emotions? Is this normal? Does it ever go away? Thank you for an advice in advance!
I am TERRIBLE at second guessing myself about selling a horse and have changed my mind on multiple occasions. All I can say is: listen to your gut. If something seems off or doesn’t feel right, tell the potential buyer you’ve reconsidered. In the past, I’ve sold horses to homes that in retrospect, I regretted as it was not a good fit. Sometimes, if able, I’ve bought the horses back. Other times, they’ve gone past my ability to do that either due to distance or a difficult owner/seller. I HATE selling horses. However, having said the foregoing, when it feels really right and you feel good about the people and the situation the horse is going into, you just know it, and that makes it easy, even enjoyable. It is an emotional minefield. I have three horses I will never sell. Not because I need three horses, but because I am too emotionally invested in these three geldings and never want to worry about where they are and how they are doing. I am fortunate in that I know where most of the horses I’ve sold over the years are and how they are doing. Some are no longer living, but they were well cared for while they lived at least. Some however, have indeed slipped through the cracks and it does bother me. It’s one of the reasons I gave up breeding horses.
2 Likes
If it makes you feel better, you can always insert a buy-back clause in the contract. For example, if buyer elects to sell within a certain time period (# of year), then they’ll give you first choice.
Just know that there is nothing enforceable about a buy back clause unfortunately. It’s more a courtesy and encouragement to do so.
1 Like
I know in my gut that it’s the right decision to sell her. It’s just that I keep second guessing myself in my mind. I know it isn’t a fair situation for her with me at this time - I can barely manage to get out and groom every few days because it is exhausting and causes so much pain for my body. I know she’ll blossom with someone who can devote the time needed to her but it is still hard to let her go because of her personality. She is one of the sweetest, calmest 2-yearolds that I’ve ever met - she is truly a puppy dog and is very affectionate while being respectful. Also, if I am ever able to get back to riding, I would like to pursue hunter/jumper and potentially endurance riding. She is only 13.1 hands and I’m 5’3" so I feel like I’d be too large for her long-term.
The potential buyer is looking at her to train her for their grandkids - they’ve owned horses and trained young ones pretty much their whole lives. They are retired and could spend lots of time with Georgie and it would be a good fit. It doesn’t help that the BO keeps saying she’ll miss Georgie because of how sweet she is…
2 Likes
As fatcatfarm said, a buy-back clause isn’t enforceable. Sure sometimes it works out, but I wouldn’t hold your breath.
Emotions muddle things. But they are there. Of course, only YOU can make this decision. If you feel it’s the right decision, then it’s the right decision. Your heart doesn’t want to let her go, but if your head tells you this if the right decision, then do it.
Certainly a 2-year-old isn’t going to suffer to be turned out for a couple of years until your situation changes, if you decide to keep her. But of course, there’s also no shame in finding her a new home.
I don’t sell horses very often either, but it’s been the right choice.
She’s 2. As long as she’s got manners, throw her or for a year or 18 months. She might hit 14 hh, which is a perfectly acceptable height for someone 5’3" to be riding.
2 Likes
having gone through the buying a horse for the kids we looked for an aged proven horse for kids but found an incredible long yearling filly … it was about two years before she was child safe for the kids
Unless these grandparents grandkids are infants they really should be looking for an older mount
2 Likes
She’s nearly done growing at 13.1hh. It’s a matter of finances as well though… I’m a high school student who pays for all the bills related to two horses - veterinary, feed, farrier, etc. With having lots of medical bills it has been very tight with money. I just feel like she’d be happier in a different home - although we have a bond, we’ve never truly ‘clicked’.
The grandchildren are infants (I believe only 1-2 years old). They have a 21 year old gelding that they use currently so they’re looking for a ‘replacement’ for him later on down the road. They are in no hurry to start her early or work her to death so she’s kid-safe.
2 Likes
Totally agree with this. The best horse my daughter had when she was small was a 13 year old, Section A welsh pony who was a former breeding stallion. He was super good. Wish we had been able to find another like him. Young and green is usually a disaster for kids unless she’s SUPER quiet. But even then I find they have greenie moments simply due to lack of experience. Something to think about. POAs are great. I sold my daughter’s last pony/horse a POA who was 14.2, to a couple where the husband was super experienced and the wife sweet and willing. The little mare was wonderful to trail ride but only grudgingly cooperative in the ring. They just wanted to trail ride and camp, and the little mare was perfect for that.
Keep reminding yourself of reality.
I more or less divorced myself from the mare I sold. I kept hoping that the key would be found and she’d work out. I did what had to be done for her, but nothing more.
Unless you’ve got other buyers knocking down your door, this sounds like a good enough situation. Now is not the time to let perfect be the enemy of good. You’re assuming they will still want her after you show her; they may not. It happens.
