[Zypheir's Ring]

Like giving up riding? Our family is having money issues right now and my horses are being well taken care of but the cost of horse feed,farrier care,vet care, riding lessons, tack, and etc. is a lot of stress on my family. We have 2 houses at the moment and are paying mortgage on both. It takes 3/4 of my dad's paychecks and anything left goes to groceries and horses. I personally could care less if it was only affecting me, I'd give up anything for my horses, but I am not selfish and don't like the stress I am putting on my family (who pretty much have nothing to do with horses) . They have given up so much for me and I feel like sometimes I am just being so selfish.

I LOVE my horses and they are like a part of my family but sometimes I think about selling them and giving the money to my family and just giving up on horses and riding. It is a huge passion of mine and I've quit for a few months at a time before and I always return but every time I start again it gets so hard. The thing is I don't think I could quit riding permanently. Plus my 21 year old mare has been passed around quite a bit and I don't think I could forgive myself if I sold her. Not to mention how guilty I would feel if she passed away after I sold her (regardless of who's fault)

I don't know I guess I just had to rant. I will keep riding and caring for my horses, its just hard. We are supposed to get 24,000 back in tax returns or whatever so that will help. Also we got an offer on our house and hopefully it will pull through. We've had 3 offers drop on us though so I am not going to get to hopeful.

Am I weird for feeling this way? Does anyone else ever feel like giving up? I think I would be able to write a sale AD for my horse but when someone came to see them I honestly don't think I would be able to let them go. I wuv them too much

[Liberty's Gal]

I'm going through the same thing. I have always made my horse the #1 priority in my life but right now it seems absolutely impossible to make ends meet.

I don't think there are any easy answers here.

Not sure your age but would a part time job help at all?

[Zypheir's Ring]

I could get a part time job. I was actually looking into that. I'll see what I can find . I think a summer job might work too then when I start school again after summer in the fall I can do part time. IDK.

[Amber.Molly]

Have you ever thought of just selling one horse? I'm not sure how many you have right now, but it might ease the strain on the bank account. One less mouth to feed.

Or maybe you could lease out one of your horses?

[Berlunz]

you could get a job, offer to help out at the local stable in exchange for your lessons. Tack shouldnt cost you unless things keep breaking. Before I upgraded my saddles to nicer ones I had everything and tack for me was $0 in monthly costs. Or maybe sell a horse. You keep saying horses, and that your family is not interested and that you have given up for months at a time. If you have more than 1 horse I would suggest just keeping 1 (the 21 year old maybe). As a horse for you to do things with. When things start looking up or you stick to it and move up a lot you might think of getting another and retiring the 21 year old but right now I am not sure you need more than 1 horse.

[Anxious1]

Bless your heart for being so aware of others around you. You will know what is right and will act from there, I am sure.

[UncleJohn]

You're in a tough spot - no doubt - but there's good news in your post too. You're expecting a huge tax return and somebody made an offer on one of the houses.

Why not just hang in there for a bit until the tax money comes and to see if the house sells. Once that happens, you'll be in a better place to evaluate the situation.

Good luck.

[thinkfast88]

I agree w/ UncleJohn ^ just hang in there. A part time job would also help a little bit. Hang in there...Im sure it will all turn out ok. Its good to know that you care so much about your family and the people around you.

[Kicks]

I have never thought of giving up on horses for any reason. There have been times that were better and some that were not all that good financially - but have always found a way. I would cease to exist without them - they (all the different ones over my life) have gotten me through some really hard times. I've been very fortunate - my parents saw to it that I always had at least one horse and Hubby (though he was about as 'un-horsey' as anyone could be when he met me) has done whatever had to be for me (and our sons when they were young) to keep our horses.

Until 'things' change for the better for you (and it sounds like there's a good chance of that before too long), cut back some of the expenses with the horses - don't buy any new tack or new riding clothing unless it is ABSOLUTELY necessary (meaning - not getting a new bridle just because the old is not brand new or the current popular brand or you see a new one that's prettier /whatever; no new clothes just because what you have is last year's 'color/style' [ the horses really aren't going to care ]; cut out [or at least cut back] on lessons; cut back on the number of shows/classes; perhaps look for a less expensive barn or doing a part lease on one/both of them; possibly keep the older mare and sell the younger?. Some 'less intense' time with them might be the best thing for all of 'ya'll'.

There is always next year - especially at your age ( even hopefully at my age ) You and only you can make your decision - how will you feel if the day after you sell them you find out that the houe has sold or the refund comes in? Sold usually is forever for them anyway.

Good luck and prayers.

[Zypheir's Ring]

Thank you everyone. I think I will just wait it out and see if our house sells. If the offer falls through though I don't know what I'll do. I guess I'll play life as if happens.