Chronicles of a Stable Owner: To buy or not to buy...

Chronicles of a Stable Owner are real-life stories about caring for horses and their people
Written by Dr. Gwen Donohoe, Owner/Manager at Sagehill Stables

​This past weekend, our rescue pony Rocky, who has now been with us for 8 years, finally did his first birthday party!  Thanks to a skilled and determined staff member who made the effort to lead him, he did great.  Not only was it heart warming to see, but a huge relief.  I probably should have, and could have, sold or given away this pony many times, but I just couldn't seem to bring myself to give up on him...  It made me reflect on how hard horse ownership can really be...

For most horse-struck girls, owning their own horse is a life goal. The idea of having a horse of their own to ride and care for, and have a special bond with, seems like a fairy tale.  And for parents who have seen the amazing positive life changes horses and riding lessons have brought to their daughters lives so far, they are obliged to aid in their daughters dream and take the next step to own a horse.

​After doing research on the costs of owning a horse, and finding a qualified coach to aid in the purchase, I've seen many parents go ahead and make the plunge into ownership.  And time and time again I've also seen the challenges that arise, that no amount of research can prepare the parents and horse-loving daughter for.

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