Perhaps this is the quarantine talking or my anxiety-ridden mind racing before I get answers from my vet, but I cannot help but find comfort in the thought of purchasing another horse. Help!
A bit of a back story (viewable in my previous threads): I purchased my very first horse in August of 2019, a 2-year old filly. Vetted clean, no vices (tried to do everything by the book). After numerous attempts at starting her under saddle, she failed to stay sound. We did extensive diagnostics, found a bone cyst on her C6/7 and treated accordingly. After nearly two winters off with rehab in place, the treatment did not work and mare is still unsound for work. It is likely that I will have to consider retiring her before her career has even started. I am gutted emotionally and financially.
I know I am getting ahead of myself, but the only thing that really brings me comfort in all of this uncertainty is the thought of buying another horse. Although I wish I could keep my retired 4-year old as a pet, is it not justifiable financially. I do have riding/showing goals that having a retired pet horse will not allow me to achieve. I can only hope that I find her a good home, or better yet, that this will somehow work out and sport horse vet will find a miraculous cure for her condition.
Please talk me out of this crazy thought of buying another horse after everything I have gone through with horse #1. Of course, I could rant off myself why it is a bad idea. Horse #2 could come down with a similar crippling condition, I am already out tens of thousands of dollars for horse #1, I still currently have horse #1 in my care, I am a total emotional wreck from horse #1, SO might kill me for spending more thousands on horse #2, we might consider starting a family in a couple of years (but I NEED the horse), etc., etc. I board so I am unable to keep two horses at home, otherwise I would.
I know that leasing is an option, but I hate the thought of spending thousands on someone else’s horse and putting the work into someone else’s horse. It never sat well with me as I truly do put effort into every ride. I need to be talked down from this crazy idea that buying another horse is a good idea.