Once hubby and I officially agreed selling our farm was a go, I suddenly had some very difficult decisions to make.
Horses. I need them in my life. Having three in my backyard was quite easy considering having our own property and hay field. The cost of boarding x three is not so easy. No matter how I crunched my numbers, I could not make it work. I had to make choices.
Considering I want to move forward with eventing, albeit on a small local scale, I knew right away which horse I was going to proceed with. Shiraz has the size and jumping ability to do well at the level I am hoping to get to some day.
No matter how many times I have tried to write about selling Savvy, I just cannot get out the words. She has been more than just a horse to me in every way. Her strong personality radiates and her ability to connect with people...well, it will just sound anthropomorphic if I try to describe it. During the process of trying to find her next person, I wavered quite a bit. I tried to convince myself I would be happy at starter or pre-entry level indefinitely and just to keep Savvy instead. But I know I am just too competitive deep down. Even though it would surely be fun to run around small courses on the wonder pony, I would regret what might have been working with Shiraz, bringing her up a few levels and pushing myself to become a better rider and move beyond my current comfort zone.
The interest in Savvy was overwhelming. There were people who just wanted a pretty little Arab because they had always wanted one (but had no intention of serious riding). There were barns looking for a lesson pony, and strong interest from pony clubbers. I took her add down after just a day in panic because trying to respond to see many questions and trying to 'sell' her in my responses was impossible. How do you tell someone they are not good enough for your horse?
I worked up the courage to try again but changed my add to be very specific about the type of new owner that would be a good fit. Now, if you are just trying to sell a horse quickly I do not recommend this. It scares off a lot of people. But really, I wanted to scare off people; all the people who would be a bad fit for Savvy. I felt that the right person for Savvy would connect with the add, and she did.
A week later E came to meet Savvy and I could see her immediately connect. E is an endurance rider who is just retiring her horse and looking for that next partner. I could sense she was trying her best to do everything properly: She did a vet check and even held off a few hours before texting that she was sure and made arrangements for picking her up.
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| Savvy's new frenemies - all boys... |
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| Although this handsome chestnut is trying his best to make a good impression :) |
I went through similar trying to sell Ginger, and when the right person still didn't come along right away I pulled the ad again and left her on lease. Selling them is such a hard thing, even when it's the right thing. Sorry, not quite sure where I'm going with this, just trying to say I get it and that I'm both happy and sad for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm kind of shocked but grateful (and devastated) that it all happened quickly.
Delete:'( what a difficult decision to make! i really admire your care tho in ensuring that Savvy found exactly the right person. and the fact that she was such a desirable and interesting horse to so many buyers is a testament to the care, treatment, and training you put into her. here's hoping she has many happy trails ahead of her with E!
ReplyDeleteI am excited to see how Savvy does in this new direction, and I am particularly glad that her new person doesn't live that far away so I can always have the opportunity to visit.:)
DeleteThough heartbreaking it sounds like you found Savvy the right person and that you will be able to go visit her whenever you want is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteIt helps a little knowing I can see her now and then.
DeleteI still remember the heartbreak of selling my first horse because I couldn't afford board for two and he really didn't like dressage. Like you I made a very specific ad. When a young girl came to try him I knew that they would click. It was so very very hard. Even if it's the right decision. (((hugs))))
ReplyDeleteThank you. This is one of the many reasons I just love our blogging community. No matter where we are from or the different circumstances of our lives, there is so much we share in our path with horses.
DeleteA tough decision but it sounds like you found Savvy a great gig and were careful about her placement. Hard to do though, when you get attached...
ReplyDeleteIt's a great new home which really helps when I start regretting.
DeleteGah, I can't imagine having to make that choice. You are incredibly strong for it and that you did your very best to ensure her next partnership would be just as prosperous as the one she had with you <3
ReplyDeleteYa, the decision was horrible. It was certainly a process. Tears, denial, change mind, change mind again and then finally acceptance (followed by much wine). But E is awesome and I hope Savvy and her do well together.
Delete<3 You did the right thing! !
DeleteOh man, I don't envy you having to make that kind of decision but it sounds like you went about it in the best possible way. It sounds like Savvy really lucked out with the perfect new person though. I wish them many years and miles of happiness.
ReplyDeleteI feel I did as much as I could on my end but once the deal is signed you just never know, right? I hope that Savvy and E continue to develop a bond and do well together.
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