Blog : I'll Admit It, I'm a Big Baby

2379 posts
8/26/2022 3:35 pm

I'll Admit It, I'm a Big Baby

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4208 posts
8/26/2022 3:37 pm

Ok, maybe not a big baby, probably more of a big old softy.

I haven't mentioned this to anyone really, but the past few months I have been debating with myself on whether or not to get rid of the horses. The expense of keeping them is draining on my finances and it is getting harder and harder to stretch the dollars.

I contacted a farrier I know who buys and sells horses and after I sent pictures of the horses he was more than happy to take them off my hands. The plan was he would come and get them in a couple of weekends from now.

Well, this morning I was thinking of all the fun and time I have had with my horse, how he picked me the day I met him by walking up to me and putting his big old head into my arms and I started crying. My thoughts were who will he end up with, will they love him as much as I do, how do I know he won't take them to the killers, etc...

Well, my baby girl called during my boohooing and is like "MOM, what's the matter?" So I told her what I was about to do and she got upset. She said "No, you are not getting rid of Drifter, he's a good horse and I'll take care of him! Besides, I want to get back into riding and being around horses again and you can't replace him!"

So with that, I started crying tears of joy to know that he will be staying right where he belongs, here, with people who love him.

The farrier wasn't upset by the decision, he was ok with it and he understands. He could have reacted differently, but he didn't and that was great. Another plus for him, he's going to become my horse's farrier instead.

So it's a win win situation that probably could have been avoided if I had talked to my youngest daughter about it first, but I guess, better late than never.

TwilightSpirit 56F

1248 posts
8/26/2022 8:00 pm

I have a friend who let go of her horses and those she boarded.......only a short time passed and she took in a miniature horse, because she missed hers so much....totally understand

Nileyears replies on 8/27/2022 10:43 am:
I thought it would be easy to sell my horse, but I was wrong, it's not. After 13 years you get attached to your animals. I did mention in one of my blogs about getting minis for a cart and trading in the big horses, but that was just a thought at the moment.

Minis are adorable, I owned one years ago, he died of old age.

Glad you understand.

StarCandy1 69F

1810 posts
8/27/2022 9:11 am

Glad U were able to keep a least 1 horse. Is it possible to visit with the others ones every so often ?

Nileyears replies on 8/27/2022 10:45 am:
Oh no, I still have both horses. Couldn't let the mare go because my horse would be alone and lose his pasture buddy. So, they are both still here.

Maudie1 74F

8151 posts
8/27/2022 2:57 pm

Great that you are able to keep your two horses Niles.

Bet they are happy to be staying where they are loved and cared for.

Nileyears replies on 8/30/2022 5:13 pm:
Thanks Maudie! They never knew they were about to leave, and I'm not ever going to let them know what I almost did.

TxJW028 81M

8/27/2022 7:36 pm

Drifter obviously knew you were one of the few at first sight. LOL

Nileyears replies on 8/30/2022 5:18 pm:
Thanks Tx! Even the previous owner's mouth fell open when Drifter walked up to me, he said in all his dealings with horses, he's never seen a horse do that. So he did pick me. Funny thing, I really wasn't looking to buy a horse that day, I was just looking to see what was out there. Maybe Drifter was asking me to save him, who knows?

myseek1 80F

1376 posts
8/27/2022 9:05 pm

Nile, I understand your emotions, and I am glad, you found a solution to keep both horses together with you. Animals become attached to the person who cares for them and vice versa. They understand more than most humans.

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, what you do are in harmony - M. Gandhi

Nileyears replies on 8/30/2022 5:26 pm:
I knew you would Myseek, thank you! You can't help becoming attached to your animals, they become a part of you.

Rocketship 80F

18578 posts
8/28/2022 2:54 am

Ahhhh Nileyears~~~ I understand completely.

About twenty years ago I still had three horses left on the farm. I kept the dear geriatrics until they died.

It was the end of a wonderful era when I buried the last dear old gal.

Warm and gentle Hugsss~~~

Nileyears replies on 8/30/2022 5:42 pm:
Thank you Rocket. I've buried two horses here and I know the old mare isn't going to be around very much longer. She's still a pretty horse, sweet face, but you can see all the gray around her eyes and muzzle. Her age is showing. Drifter still has a few good years in him being that he was the youngest of the bunch.

I can see you have fond memories of your horses, even in age, they are dear to our hearts.

Warm and gentle hugs to you!

shuel2002 65F

5537 posts
8/31/2022 6:32 pm

Glad you spoke to your daughter before any damage was done. Sweet how from day one he was attached to you. Reminded me of my dog Skippy. I was sad that they were talking about getting rid of him because he clearly was not house trained as we were told. I sat on the carpet in our living room and he came over and put his face up on my knee He looked up at me and was so cute. No way was he leaving and he never did.

Elaine Shuel

Nileyears replies on 9/1/2022 6:24 am:
Aaaawwwww, that's so sweet! LOL, they know softies when they see them, so I guess we are both a couple of old softies. Yes, I'm really happy he will be staying here the rest of his life, even if he out lives me, I know my daughter will still be here to take care of him.