Too soon for another horse?

I think maybe that’s part of it. I really lost him six months ago when I got the diagnosis. For most of that time he didn’t want to do anything with me. He was never a horse that enjoyed a lot of touch although he liked to hang out with people, and it got worse this year. There were a lot of days he didn’t leave his paddock. My communication with my horses includes a lot of little love touches and I didn’t get the grooming, hand walking, and hand grazing contact that I’d hoped for.

It’s not a socially imposed thing. I miss him, and just realized I’ve been missing him for a long time. :frowning:

9 Likes

Also, all of us “mature adults” need to remember to seize the day.

As my trainer says, “the runway isn’t getting any longer.”

9 Likes

I think the universe sent you a horse to ride. I bought another horse three weeks after I had to euthanize my mare. I wasn’t necessarily ready to buy another horse, but this one needed a safe landing and I needed something to take care of. We all have plenty of room in our hearts to love another horse, while never forgetting the good ones who left us too soon.

6 Likes

No such thing as too soon…and no such thing as too long. It’s all an individual choice…and what works for you this time, might not be the same after a different loss. So if this feels right and the universe is providing an opportunity…do it. It doesn’t diminish the love you had for your last horse.

3 Likes

Thanks to everyone for your thoughtful responses! They were very helpful, and I was looking forward to it when I went and picked him up today. He’s got a great temperament - there were no kite or lap cat impressions.

He was afraid in the trailer, so I did some on/off and general trailer training for a few minutes before closing it up. He traveled well with just a little bit of sweat by the end.

I let him check out the paddock alone before adding the other two, one at a time. Introductions were easy and they got along well, with everyone eating together within a few minutes. I introduced him to the drinking post - he’ll need a bit of training on that, but I don’t think it will take long for him to figure it out.

I didn’t think of taking pictures until it was too dark, so no pictures for you! Today anyway. :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

11 Likes