Dilemma. Please move if you think it's in wrong section.

[maesfen]

I have a dilemma; I am totally torn as to what to do and I'm hoping someone can help me clear my thoughts.  Please bare with me, it'll be long so tea and toast might be an idea.

You might remember that I bought Rowan (Cambercastle 'Enry Cooper) 20 months ago as a two year old, my first Dales and after he had had a bad start.  He's a treasure, a real sweetie although he's not done anything, just grown and matured and played in the field with his mates; he's only had a roller and a bridle on once - can I eat it? - and couldn't have cared less. 
Anyway, I digress.  Bit of background as part of this dictates what to do.  Both hubby and I are now OAPs, doesn't seem possible but yes, we're both over 65.    Unexpectedly, it looks like our fencing firm (OH & son only) will be folding shortly; while it's been a good business, we've never made much money (farmers are tight, lol!) and it's just not worth carrying on as son wants to go back to HGV driving which will give him a steady income; OH hasn't drawn any wages since Christmas as with the wet ground it's not been fit to do any work and now he's older, he wants to slow down a bit.  With this in mind and no chance of any other income other than a small pension to live on, I'm thinking the horses will have to go which will break my heart but nothing I can do about it if I want to be fair to them.

I have Rowan who I thought I would have into my extra old age, an Anglo Arab 3 year old gelding I bred, hopefully for eventing or endurance and a coloured yearling gelding who should make a nice junior horse eventually but isn't a saleable proposition for a while yet.

My added worry is I won't be able to give Rowan such an active life as what a young horse like him should be doing; he would be stuck just plodding around the lanes (so few bridleways around here, surrounded by lovely country but have to stick to roads) It seems a total shame to waste him on just that, he'd have so much to give to an enthusiastic younger person.  I suppose my question in a long winded way is, if I can't sell the AA readily which I have to admit is doubtful, would Rowan be more saleable unbroken or broken?

Your thoughts please would be very much appreciated.  Thanks for reading.

[Fi]

Hi, what sad news to read that things aren't going so well for you. So young Rowan is 4 now? I think it probably depends who happens to be looking when you advertise him. I know when I bought my youngster last year I wanted something backed so I knew what I was getting, but braver people like unbacked. And there were quite a lot unbacked for sale.

Have you tried speaking with Jo Ashby at the DPS? She might just know of someone looking or be better able to answer your question.

You could always advertise him now as he is and see how it goes. Are you on Facebook? The Dales appreciation page is very active and you should get a feel for interest there.

Fi

[maesfen]

Thank you; that's very helpful. 
Yes, he's four this June so ready to be started; I've usually sold my home breds at two or three so they have never been broken anyway and most people have said they'd prefer to start them themselves  but they have been more sportshorses or hunter types, not a Native; I didn't know if it would be the same. 
I hadn't even thought about approaching those at all.  I think I'm still in denial about it at the moment, waiting for the dust to settle and hoping it can be avoided.

[harveydales]

I do feel for you. Actually, I'm waiting for fencing contractors to arrive this morning to renew our bottom paddock fencing and you won't believe the trouble we've had finding some one competent to do it. But I digress....

I would say that at 4, Rowan is still very young. Dales Ponies are very slow to mature so no need to rush with the backing side of things. Harvey was backed at 5 but did very little until 6 or 7. I do think the fact that he did so little as a youngster is why he is still incredibly fit, healthy and active now at 22. Also, it very much depends on Rowan's temperment and character - he may be perfectly happy to just potter down lanes with you. They don't all have to have a "high powered" job to do. Harvey really does like to be out and about competing and getting new experiences but I do know of several young Dales Ponies who just want to potter about on gentle rides so don't feel you have to sell Rowan on necessarily. I'm 63 and still riding so I do understand how you feel and no need to rush into any decision just yet. Do give Jo Ashby a ring....

[maesfen]

Thank you; that has really cheered me up no end to hear about other young Dales just pottering, although TBH, if we were out, he'd have to work as I don't do dawdling, he'd have to march - and luckily, he always walks with a purpose naturally. I've only just found out about a local LDR/bridleway group which would be just up my street so you never know. OH was horrified when I told him I was going to put them all on the market; he thinks I should concentrate on selling Merlin and Shrimp first before Rowan (who he always calls my pit pony!) so for the moment, that's what I'll be doing, hurrah!
It's certainly helped me think a few things through, so thank you for the loan of your ears - or should I say eyes, it's been very helpful.

[harveydales]

I'm glad you've been able to think things through and maybe hang onto Rowan for now. Your bridleway group does sound like it could be a perfect solution for you. I do a lot of pleasure rides and shorter endurance rides now with our local group. About 6 or 7 years ago I thought I'd had enough of competing so joined our local EGB group and found Harvey had an aptitude for it with his big ground covering walk and trot. Sounds like Rowan might be the same. I'm now back competing at dressage and have had a go at Le Trek which is something I would really recommend, especially for youngsters. Do keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on.

[dalesnfellfan]

Sorry to hear of your situation, but glad you might try to keep Rowan, I'm sure you wont regret it. I too am 64 and enjoy hacking and pleasure rides with my Dales x mare and have been having a similar struggle with myself over my Dales mare Emerald as I thought she would be wasted in the field or just going for the occasional potter about. After much soul searching I have decided she is staying with me and at present I have my instructor and my daughter when she is here riding her out and they will do a few PR's with her this summer with the goal of me feeling confident enough to do a bit with her in future. As Connie is my main ride she will only be hacked once or twice a week and perhaps the odd pleasure ride, but she seams quite happy whether she goes for a quiet plod, a longer faster ride or just relaxes in the field. She is 9 this year but has done little and is just happy to be a friend and do what work she is given. I'm sure Rowan would be the same. Good luck I hope it all works out.

[Debbie]

I just wanted to add my two cents if there's still the time? I fully agree with the others that Dales are slow to mature. My own Blossom was extremely slow to mature and I didnt' send her to the trainer's until she was over 3.

That said, when she came back from the trainers, it took a few months of readjustment for both of us. She's primarily my therapy pony as I have kidney issues that keeps me from riding. I felt very angsty that she was 'doing nothing', but she wasn't. She still served magnificently as my therapy pony, and over the years I've come to realize she's very happy at doing whatever I need.

A lot of young Dales are very happy doing the long, slow plods like you're suggesting. I think it's an excellent way to give him experience, and ease him into being ridden.

Another big bonus with Dales ponies is that they are easy on the budget. Of course you need farrier trims, vet visits, etc, but you don't have to invest in supplements, extra feed, blankets, etc. They are economical.

I agree with your husband, try to move on the other two first

[ikklecob]

Sorry just caught up with this. A friend of mine always says
" Horses don't have ambitions only owners do! "

If he does what you want him to do I am sure he will be a happy boy. I hope all goes well with the changes you are facing.

[NFK Dumpling]

May 25, 2016 20:40:06 GMT -1 ikklecob said:

A friend of mine always says
" Horses don't have ambitions only owners do! "

That is so true