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Post by twnpnds on Sept 12, 2006 1:06:11 GMT -5
Sounds like it was a success. Wish I could have been there to see the twins show their stuff. I'm sure Miss Sassy was just excited over all of the attention and getting out. Funny how they know when something big is happening even at their age. Would have loved to have helped you bathe horses and with getting everything ready. Be glad all of us Marestare folks didn't show up. We might still all be there! LOL. Sweet dreams!
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Post by risingrainbow on Sept 18, 2006 17:57:29 GMT -5
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tinypony
Groom
^^ my pony mollie!
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Post by tinypony on Sept 18, 2006 18:42:23 GMT -5
ohhh what a tough decision ..... i say if a horse is that important to you, keep him no matter what the price tag. although the money would be helpful i think it will work out if you know you made the right decision.
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deb
Outhouse Monitor
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Post by deb on Sept 18, 2006 19:57:22 GMT -5
Just read your post...My take on your dilema...but now this is coming from a 51 yr old woman who only thinks with her heart...keep him...I have my boy, a 14 yr old thoroughbred, whom I adopted, cracked 3 of my ribs the first week I had him(not like riding a bike after all), got back on a few weeks later, broke my back after 3 months(put a bit on my bridle wrong), listened to all my friends say I should give him back, and came close a few times, was it fair to either one of us to hold on?, but my heart said, no, he is what makes me smile, he is what gives me such moments of pure love and friendship. It's been four yrs this July..and last week I got back on after a yr of just being pals...for only 15 minutes, but ya know what, it was the best 15 minutes I can remember in a very long time. He has my heart, I have his, nothing better than that!
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Post by risingrainbow on Sept 18, 2006 20:48:50 GMT -5
OK, why can't you guys be my local support system. These guys here are telling me they're going to kick my you know what butt all the way to Meridian and back if I don't sell.
So maybe I should give you so more facts and see if you change your mind. We're talking six figures here for money. I told them I wouldn't even consider $100,000. Does that change any one's mind?
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Post by risingrainbow on Sept 18, 2006 20:58:02 GMT -5
I pushed a wrong button and posted before I was ready so here's the rest.
I've got 26 head. I'm worried about how I'm going to feed them, although if the other parties come through and buy soon that part will be gone.
To get the prices Arabian show horses are worth, you need to get them in the ring winning at the level that matches the quality of the horse. For most of mine that means I have to get them to Nationals doing their job good enough to win or top ten. So far I haven't been able to get that done. Something always gets in the way. This year it was the twins and the weather. (I ride outside and have to haul to an outdoor arena to do that) But, I have a horse that's should be finished enough to go next year and if I can get the money together to get him there, I shouldn't have any problems selling him. He's a knock out.
The horse in question isn't broke yet, could put me on the map as a top quality breeding farm if I can get him promoted at the national level. something I have not accomplished with his sire. If I sell him, no one will remember he came from here.
The part about I love him, he loves me is just the icing on the cake. And the horse has a very special story that is about a book to write so don't know I should write it here.
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devotee
Global Moderator
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Post by devotee on Sept 18, 2006 21:00:33 GMT -5
I'm not sure what I would do in your shoes, MiKael. It's one of those Sophie's Choice deals, right? Impossible dilemma. But here's what I can offer to help. Whatever way you decide, something will come along to let you know it was the right choice. Take your best shot and then enjoy the result - either way. (Oh, and be sure you sleep on it, first. That always bring clarity.)
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Post by risingrainbow on Sept 18, 2006 21:00:51 GMT -5
Just read your post...My take on your dilema...but now this is coming from a 51 yr old woman who only thinks with her heart... He has my heart, I have his, nothing better than that! Just thought I'd throw in in relationship to your 51, I'm going to be 60 in a few months. I do all my own training. Including starting these young stallions on my own. Sometimes, that scares me a bit. They are very kind but they're still studs. And I'm an old lady. need I say more. I'm beginning to wonder if I should be baling on this dream due to old age before my body gets broken beyond repair. |
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deb
Outhouse Monitor
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Post by deb on Sept 18, 2006 21:21:06 GMT -5
I guess that all I can say, is that, we all need to do what makes us truly happy, my dream was to own another horse. I've fought with my fear for several yrs, but I am no where near in the same league as you. I tend to speak from my heart, not my head, as my husband would attest, logic is just not a part of me, I leave that up to him. So, as one"old lady" to another( and we're not, ya know, not in our hearts where it counts) I know whatever decision you come to, it will be what is best for you and your situation. You have been an inspiration to so many, with your tireless work, and love to keep those babies growing. Life has a way of working itself out, for the best.
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devotee
Global Moderator
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Post by devotee on Sept 18, 2006 21:45:46 GMT -5
Well, we are 3 old women on this thread now. LOL! Personally, I believe that heads are over-privileged in our culture and hearts are undervalued. When I know my heart, I follow it. I've always thought that I'd rather be wrong (and even pay dearly) because I followed my heart than because I tried to outsmart something. Of course, a lot of times, it isn't as easy as that. We have to make a lot of hard calls in life, and we can only hope that something decisive will occur to us or happen to make it easier. Good luck, MiKael. Sleep on it.
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Post by risingrainbow on Sept 19, 2006 0:36:14 GMT -5
I really appreciate all of your input.
Deb, as for you not being in the same league as me, I'm not really sure what that means. If that's about the value of this horse, that can be misleading. I may have some pretty fancy horses, but I'm just one of the little guys. I live in an older mobile home, that's "older" enough that we can't even get a loan on this place. My husband is a blue collar worker who works all of the overtime he can get just to pay our household bills. But I am a dreamer and I tend to dream in really big ways and as you all know, I'm not a quitter. Guess that's why my horses are what they are. I had a dream, started off with one great mare (that it took me years to pay for) and have struggled every step of the way to get to where I am. I'll probably be on this place until the day I day but I'll have some of the best Arabian horses in the world and a smile on my face. Guess what I'm saying is don't ever sell yourself or your dreams short.
What I know for sure in this whole thing about this horse, is my heart. I love this horse in a very special way. That part is easy. There's no doubt in my mind about it. Guess I'm just struggling with whether or not I'm being unfair to Lindsay and Dave. Selling this horse would make things easier for them even though it would break my heart. Fortunately, both of them are supportive of whatever decision I make. Although, Dave is still in shock that we're even talking about these kinds of numbers, he's not pushing me to sell.
The more I think about it, the more I'm sure that the very numbers we're talking about are proof that I'm on the right track with my breeding program. I'm right on the brink of pushing into the spotlight as a breeder. Once I make that, I'll be fine. It's just that final last push that it takes to get there that is killing me and taking longer than I had figured. And the truth is I'm tired. As tired as I can ever remember being. Last winter was awful for me, and I was drained before the twins ever arrived. Somehow I mustered together every ounce of determination I had left to deal with them and now I'm mind-numbingly tired. I'm not getting the kind of work done here that I normally do and can't seem to get myself motivated. So fear is beginning to creep in. And maybe hidden in there somewhere is the answer to my dilemma. If I trust myself to get "it" done, then I don't need to sell this horse. Now I just have to decide if I'm trustworthy or not.
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Post by Heather T on Sept 19, 2006 4:54:05 GMT -5
Hey Mikael - I've been out of the loop (so to speak) with our own Nationals, and this is the first opportunity I've had to read this. What will it take to take this horse to Nationals? Is it the $$$, or the time and effort involved in getting him ready? I know it took alot to get mine to Nationals (3 of them and then bought two while I was there). We also have to qualify for Nationals, which means additional showing prior to the actual event. Is it that way for you too, because that means additional funds. And why will your farm be forgotten if he leaves? Maybe that's the difference in the minis and the big'uns  Ours all have our farm name on them first which lets people know where to go to look for the same breeding. |
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Post by risingrainbow on Sept 19, 2006 11:23:47 GMT -5
Hi Heather,
It sounds like you had a great trip to Nationals. Congratulations!
To get this horse to Nationals, it's a combination of thing. He's not even started under saddle yet but the process has begun and once he's ready to go, imoney will be an issue. Our horses have to qualify to go to Nationals. So, yes, there is the added expense of the qualifying shows plus the expenses for Nationals.
This year the plan had been to show him sport horse in hand. He was conditioned and ready to go. On the way to have him schooled by the trainer, he cut his leg in the trailer the beginning of the week of the horse show. He was on stall rest for 10 days and so that show was out. The twins were born that weekend. All of the shows that we had to qualify came and went before the twins were out of the woods. So we didn't get qualified for the Sport Horse Nationals that are coming up in Idaho here soon.
As for the part about forgetting where the horse has come from. It's just seems to be how it goes with great horses. I can rattle off a list of exceptional stallions that have come into their own since I've been involved with Arabians. I can tell you where they are, what they did, but not who bred them. I know people who have bred great horses and no one has a clue because they were sold before they showed. I do name all of my horses in a manner that is distinguisable. With the few that have started in the show ring this year, people here locally know where they come from. But that is not the same noteriety that comes with owning the great horse. For example: Khemosabi/Ruth Husband, Echo Magnificoo/Stan Keeter,GS Khochise/Betty Chapman. Ask Arab show people about either the person or the horse and you'll get the other half. Even though first two horses were owned by syndicates but were under the control of the named individual. The first horse was bred by Ruth and Burt Husband. The other two horses were bred by other people. It just seems to be how it is.
Also, just because these folks have the money to do things right with this horse doesn't mean they will. Looking at what they do with their stallions, they do great national level advertising but when it comes to trainers, they don't use the best except to catch ride. Even the top trainers can't show a horse to his potential if the horse hasn't been trained to meet that potential. That top trainer may be able to get much more out of a gifted horse in just a ride or two but most likely will not be able to get the most that horse should be able to accomplish. The odds are the horse would not fulfill his destiny in the show ring.
There are a lot of aspects this this whole thing. I feel very strongly that the horse will reach his potential with me, although it will take some time. If my hay bill way paid for this year, I wouldn't even be considering selling him. So I'm really hoping that these other people will come back and buy horses. They've sure expressed a lot of interest. If they come through, I'm good to go for another year and I can hand onto my once in a lifetime horse.
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Post by angelwhzprs on Sept 19, 2006 12:04:41 GMT -5
Wow! Quite the dilemma you have to manage. First off, you cannot be swayed by others whatever decision you make. It is a lot of pressure to put on yourself but in the end it is you that has to live with the decision. In my opinion, and this is just my opinion, what I'm reading here your waffling and "sounds" to me like you want someone to push you to sell. I could be wrong but if you go over all of your posts they, again in my opinion, lean in the direction of selling.
I will say many many jingles for you that the other horses that have interest come through for you. From what I hear you have worked your butt off to get where you are and this special fellow is too much of a part of you to give up on that dream. I feel if you reach the pinnacle of your dream and are comfortable with your status, there will be another person that would be interested in this special guy. Maybe at that time you will feel more comfortable parting with him. I definitely would not do anything rash due to $$$.
MiKael, I totally feel for you right now. I can't even imagine how you do what you do do (<~~did you catch that?? LOL). I admire what you have done for yourself and your horses. Maybe giving yourself a timeline to accomplish what it is you want to?
My mare didn't cost me much and like Deb, we have had our trials and tribulations (although no broken bones!) and I would find it very very hard to part with her so I know how you are feeling.
Look...now you have me waffling! LOL Again, don't make your decision by what others think/say. It has to be your decision. I also wanted to say that I admire your family for supporting whatever decision that you make as most would only see the $$$ and the immediate comfort it would bring. Kudos for you all! I have faith that you will make the right decision for you all...and for your special guy!
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Post by risingrainbow on Sept 19, 2006 13:42:36 GMT -5
Thanks, Stephanie, you are right, I am waffling. I don't want someone to push me one way or the other but I want to make the "right" decision. I seem to be a person who processes better outside myself than quietly inside. So being able to bounce things off all of you and getting your input has helped me to see what the real issue here is.
A big part is trusting myself to get it done. But underneath it all, I think the cold hard truth is that I don't believe that I deserve to have a horse like this. I know in my head that that is silly but I'm afraid that how I feel is a different matter. No matter how hard I try, I cannot shake the feeling that I am not worthy and not just to own this horse but to even breathe. So at least now, I've unmasked the cuplrit and I can deal with it. But it's funny how you can think that issues are dead and buried only to find that they have been lying under the surface just waiting to claim you again.
I will contact my party and tell them the horse is not for sale. Then I will see if I can get this horse trained while working on taming my demons.
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Ours all have our farm name on them first which lets people know where to go to look for the same breeding.
