Re: Mare and Foal?

 I rode throughout my childhood and to, was made to give up because of my exams.  

I had a 20 year break then took it all up again and after a couple of years bought Tommy who was 4, I've had him almost 5 years now and wouldn't change a thing.  However, what I will say is I would have been better off with an older and wiser horse, no one died along the way but the 20 year gap led to me not being as confident as i perhaps thought i was.  He had never been on a hack and I just hack so we had some scary moments along the way.  

I'd say be honest with yourself about your abilities, its all very romantic haveing a little foal to bring on and develop into your perfect horse but whos to say the foal will be perfect, they all have their own personalities.  I got a youngster last year and got very very lucky as he hasn't tried or tested me in any way he's been perfect but  thats not to say if i got another one it would be the same, it could be a handful that i couldn't cope with or have the knowledge to sort out.  

I wouldn't recommend what you are planning, one horse is a good start, one that can help you get back into things, they are a lot of work, which i'm sure you already know, a mare would need to be re backed, brought slowly back to work and a foal weaned if you think you have the knowledge and understanding required for it then I guess its not a problem, if you don't then don't try it. 

Mare and Foal

Thanks both for the comments. Would a better idea be to (what I was originally going to do) rehome an old racehorse (Heros Horse Charity) and obviously ride him and then do what you've done and also a little while after get a youngster that is say 1 or 2 and then keep for life?

I'm riding at the moment (in return for mucking out which is quite a good deal!) to get my riding back up to scratch and then in about 18 months I'll look to buy.

I love the thought of rehoming a rescue foal or something but not sure how common it is that they are actually rescued. My Mum volunteered at our local RSPCA centre and was regularly coming home with different animals that had no homes to go to so I realise there's a "rescue" theme with the horses lol!

That sounds absolutely awful about the colt running into the gatepost - that must have been terrible for your friend.

Thank you again for your help both.

Mare and Foal

Yes I think that's a good idea. I want to get the best experience I can before owning my own (which is what I think is the best thing to do?).

I've been looking after my friends horse three times a week (as she's just had a baby) but I can't ride him as he's a little wild and I'd rather that my friend rode him first! I can't really loan a horse at the moment as any spare money I have i'd prefer to save for my own. I would love to ride in return for me mucking out/turning out but do you think this is expecting too much/how do I find this sort of arrangement?

Sorry for all the questions!