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So... My fiance wants to get me a second horse for my birthday. He's positive we can afford it, but of course I have my worries. One horse is a lot of money! I can't imagine two. There's a gelding at my barn that I've been in love with since we bought Bandit, and he's Bandit's pasture buddy. My fiance knows a love him to pieces. Do I let him do it? I've been thinking about it for a couple days. I'm just so torn. I love Joker, but the financial side of two horses scares me, even if he does day we can afford it! What do you think?
i was in that before cause i wanted to get another horse cause my horse is old and i want another one adn also to teach my fiance to ride but then i got a thinking will i be ok with two horses. i thought long and hard then i decided not to get one cause my financial im not ready to get another horse. i think i can but i am afraid to go for it but one thing i cant afford it is because the pasture is not the greatest with grass so my horse is on hay that is costing me a month about 20 dollars a month plus feed. thats one reason i cant afford another one plus my hours are down on my job so thats another reason. i hope this helps some. i wish you best of luck in your decision.
If you're not 100% comfortable or sure that you can afford a second horse I wouldn't do it. It's a sweet gesture but you should wait until you are financially comfortable before getting a second. It's not only the board, feed, routine vetting, and farrier work you have to worry about, you need to plan in emergencies which can get quite costly for 2 horses. Also think about what would happen if you lost your jobs, if you've got a job that would contribute to them, how long it would take to get another job vs how long you could keep 2 horses without a job. Just some things to think about. Ultimately it's your choice just don't go into it lightly. It took me 5 years of savings and budgeting before I was ready for a second horse and I still work my ass off to keep them.
Getting a second horse is a big commitment. Think long and hard before you make that leap! Not only is there the money factor, but do you have time to work and bond with two? Think about the future too. If you're getting married, are children in the picture? Horses are around for many years and selling them is harder than buying them if you get attached to them.
I agree make a budget plan and see how much money you have left over and if it is enough to pay for the 2nd horse. If you really want the 2nd horse look at the budget and see where you can make cuts to afford the 2nd horse...do you pay full board? Perhaps you could do partial board to save a little....or pasture board is a lot cheaper. Have you and your fiance already combined incomes? He may be figureing he can help with the cost....and does he want to do the horse thing with you? Also make a list of the pros and cons of getting the 2nd horse. This all comes from a person who has 6...one mare is bred....we have 1 income...and we always manage. Niether the horses or people go without.
Wait, just a bit longer...if it is meant to work out with that horse, it will. Make sure you can afford it (and vet emergencies) before you get #2 or 3 or 4...:-)