Senior Horse Training Program - am I insane?

[Hunterjump93]

I need some advice from others who have made this choice! I have a lovely 21 year old 3’ adult eq horse who has been a superstar. But, he’s ready for an easier job. He’s still sound, fit, and happy, and I want to keep riding him and showing occasionally even just 2’3 or 2’6. He’s in amazing shape so I know I can get a few more years of enjoyment before I find a true retirement home for him. My current program is lovely, but EXPENSIVE (close to 3k a month) and rated-shows only. They also leave for the winter circuits so no training at home late Dec-March. I love this program, but trainer agrees it doesn’t make sense to keep showing this horse at rated shows so we can give him an easier life and when we’re ready to buy a new one, we can focus on rated showing again.

I am at the crossroads of moving him to a more local program that is much cheaper board wise, and that goes to local shows, or keeping him at my current barn and continuing to pay 3x more board and training while not stepping foot at a rated show. Those days are over for my horse. He deserves it!
Financially the smaller program just makes so much more sense - but I’m worried I’ll move him and regret leaving a “known quantity” for something that makes more sense financially and workload/show expectation wise for my senior guy. I also think $3k a month for a horse that jumps 2’ once a week and doesn’t need pro rides ever is no longer the program he or I need but, Im just not sure. Am I over thinking this??? Is this normal fear of the unknown??? Help! LOL

[blondewithchrome]

It is very hard to leave a program that you don’t actually WANT to leave! It sounds like you have a good relationship with your trainer and he/she caters to a rated level client - and that isn’t you right now…which is okay!

If you have a local program in mind and the care is up to par, I don’t think there’s harm at all in moving your horse to meet him where he needs to be with the program and requirements for what you expect of him right now. Sounds like it is definitely fear of the unknown, but doing right by your guy so he stays happy and you can financially justify your program is never the wrong choice

[Tini_Sea_Soldier1]

I have a mid-teenage horse and I actually tried doing a stepdown boarding facility and hated it. I thought I could manage it because it was full care, but getting trainers to come to me and keeping the horse fit was a lot more of a commitment and much more frustrating than I had anticipated.

I think you could definitely find cheaper and a fit that would work, but ideally, I’d look for a place that either hosts or attends local shows that maybe qualify for local finals. That way, you’re still in a flow, but just not in the intensive program that you both once enjoyed.

I’m actually doing the opposite and going to a more expensive, bigger program to get back into it a bit more. I expect it to be a nice gut punch to my wallet, but I didn’t buy this horse to do 4H. She was expensive and she’s exquisite, so while she’s still got some great years left, it’s best I get on-board.

I do respect you for doing right by your horse and for keeping him going for so many years. Preservation is an admirable thing when it’s done properly! Whatever you do, it will be the right decision because you’re doing it with the best intentions for your horse. Best wishes!

[paw]

Chat with your trainer. A “bye for now” doesn’t have to mean you’ll never come back, and it just makes sense for you financially to move to a program more in line with where your horse is now. Frame it as doing the best thing for this horse at this time.

[Willesdon]

If the barn is closer, you will be able to keep a sharp eye on the new barn. Why waste money for services you don’t need?

[Renn_aissance]

Is the new barn set up to care for him well as he ages? Are you satisfied with the services they offer? Do their senior horses look well and happy? If so, load him on up and save some of that $3k for Adequan and horse cookies.

I moved my horse for a similar reason when he was 18 or 19 and he’s now been there for 10 years. He met his best friend in the whole wide world at the new farm and they have been inseparable since. He is cared for by people who treat him like their own. I am so grateful to have him there. I’ve had him at all kinds of places, from partial self care to big fancy show barn, and sure, I missed the known quantity of where I had been, and there were adjustments. But I’m glad I was able to find a farm that has suited his needs from “2’6” adult equitation champion of the world” to “teaches my mother” to “trail rides” to “extremely decorative in the back field.”

[blondewithchrome]

@Renn_aissance

so, load him on up and save some of that $3k for Adequan and horse cookies

OP this is another good point - as I’m sure you know, the older they get, the more they need to keep feeling good. Some of the financial stress can be avoided by spending far less on board and training and far more on the investment of maintenance. I have a 20 YO myself and the regular injections to keep him happily jumping 3’ are NOT cheap. I can definitely see myself moving him when he’s ready to step down to a field board situation (because he LOVES to be out and would thrive in this scenario) and using all that extra money on whatever under the sun he needs to age gracefully. Not implying you wouldn’t do that, but freeing up 2k a month of training makes the myriad of magic potions a no brainer lol

[Indy]

@paw

Chat with your trainer. A “bye for now” doesn’t have to mean you’ll never come back, and it just makes sense for you financially to move to a program more in line with where your horse is now. Frame it as doing the best thing for this horse at this time.

Agreed. Especially since it sounds like your trainer already understands that their program might not be right for you all in the future. If you don’t slam the door closed with your current program when you leave, it also might give you a way back in if the new barn doesn’t work out for whatever reason and for the future if/when you find yourself with a horse that is ready for a rated show program again.

If you can find a less competitive program that is equipped to deal with an ageing equine, then save yourself some money and move to some place more suited for your current needs. If they’re set up to care for him at the level you expect without the added expectation of doing lots of showing and jumping, then that may just be the right place for you guys now

[dmveventer]

@Indy

If you don’t slam the door closed with your current program when you leave, it also might give you a way back in if the new barn doesn’t work out for whatever reason and for the future if/when you find yourself with a horse that is ready for a rated show program again.

My first thought was that the cost savings from moving would set OP up nicely when it was time to retire this guy and buy her next show horse. It might be different if the trainer was likely to view her departure as a burned bridge, but if trainer is reasonable it seems like a no-brainer. If you do hate it for some reason you can always go back.

[Renn_aissance]

Yeah, the trainer appears to be saying (very nicely) - “I can fill your stall with a client whose current goals fit my program, and then when you’re ready to show again, I’ll be glad to help you find the right horse for your aims and welcome you back.”

I often make jokes about getting kicked out for being the least lucrative client in the barn, but hey, from a pragmatic standpoint, there’s something to that! Moving the horse to a lower-key program seems like it will be mutually agreeable for the trainer’s business and the OP’s pocketbook, and, hopefully, the horse’s needs.

[Hunterjump93]

Thank you all so much for your thoughtful replies. This has made me feel better and know that I am thinking the right way to move him to a lower level program and save on the training and invest in his wellness for the next few years.

And yes - I love my trainer dearly and he has already said “once you are ready again, let’s shop” so I know he’ll make room for me. He would let my horse stay as long as I wanted because he’s an easy keeper and I’m a low maintenance client but I’m sure he’d love the stall for a more active client for the time being. I just love the care and the team but I think I’m a little sad to let it go and understand I don’t need the bells and whistles of a fancy program that goes to shows 24 weeks out of the year/indoors/WEC and it’s okay to step down to somewhere with good care and a more relaxing environment.

It sounds like many of you have had similar experiences and it’s time I accept the new season me and my partner are in and lean in to the quieter life for the time being until I am ready to return to the more intense program with a new partner!! Thank you all for easing my qualms. If I’m lucky, I’ll get another few years of little jumps and pleasure riding out of my superstar

[VolteSomeday]

I think this sounds like such a conscientious choice! I know of a few owners who have made a similar move to a barn near me in the past year or two and all 3 horses are thriving and seem to appreciate the trade offs. The barn isn’t as fancy, but they get more turnout (with buddies!) plus a lower key atmosphere. The owners have commented that this is the happiest they’ve seen their horses and they enjoy that there’s no pressure (spoken or implied) to “keep up” with a program. Not to say there can’t be pitfalls, but this sounds like it could be a positive change for both of you!

[findeight]

I made that choice a few times, sometimes when horse needed to step down, sometimes when I just could not afford all the travel and shows on top of the high level of care and board costs.

They all say you can stay as long as you want but…don’t count on it. It is a business and there are other businesses geared towards horses and riders cutting back/stepping down.

Tell you what, I found myself lonely when I remained in the barn. Great for awhile but got to be not fun to go to the near deserted barn . Think about your social needs too and how fun easier shows might be…even if they lack all the bells and whistles of the A circuits.

There is always compromise involved, pick what works best for you, your horse and your wallet with no guilt, ever.

[gradytb]

[blondewithchrome]

Another thought - OP, what will you do when the whole barn packs up to leave for Florida in December? Talk about lonely! It may be nice to settle in to a consistent year round program that is better suited to your senior star and you may find the camaraderie of other adult winter warriors at a new facility may help you with the “fomo” of staying home from Florida for the first time. In my own experience, I have stayed behind a few times and boy is it LONELY! you also may thrive from a program where you can build new friendships with other adults who aren’t showing in the big leagues.