Ask Rhonda: Sell Horse Because of Economy?
Dear Rhonda,
My husband told me that I have to sell my horse because the economy was bad and that we couldn’t afford to keep her anymore. I love my husband dearly, but owning and riding Starlight has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and I can’t imagine giving her up. How should I handle this situation?
Sincerely,
Hopelessly Torn
Dear Hopelessly Torn,
The only thing hopeless about this situation is that you are even torn about what to do. Most things in life are very simple to resolve, but most people make them way too complicated. Let’s look at this situation mathematically. I don’t have exact statistics, but in my experience a true horse lover remains a horse lover their entire life. Are you with me so far? If so, let’s continue. Statistic #2: The divorce rate in the country is at least 50%. Do you see where I am heading?
I don’t mean to be a downer, but you are statistically more likely to grow old and menopausal with Starlight (and a cat) then you are with your Mr. Torn. My advice would be to tell your husband that if he truly loves you then he will love Starlight as he would his own child and do everything in his power to keep you together. And tell him, if Starlight has to go then you have to go! I guarantee that you and Starlight will be secure (but just in case, I would sell Starlight to one of your friends for $1. This way he can’t get 50% of her in a divorce settlement).
Best of luck and let me know how it all works out.
Rhonda
RDover2 — February 13, 2009 @ 10:09 pm
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve given that exact same advice to horse owners. Just like I always advise “horse husbands” to take up golf or fly fishing.
RD
DarrellC — February 17, 2009 @ 5:18 pm
Is this for real? The story of my life is backwards! Here I am a guy and I’m crazy for horses! I am steward to ten…seven full sized, a pony, a Class B mini and a Class A mini.) Just being in their presence and caring for them gives me balance and a sense of purpose and wholeness.
Thanks I prefer the company of most horses to most people (including the large percentage of ‘horse people’). People make too many ‘demands’ on love which tends to destroy relationships. With the herd it’s all straight forward and without a plethora of ’strings’ attached…
~”But seldom have I had what I would call true friendship—except with another species of creature. I am a lover of horses. When I am with a horse, I feel happy. A horse does not seek my acquaintance for the sake of my appearance or my accomplishments; a horse does not expect a great deal of me a horse accepts me as I am.” – from ”Split Infinity” by Piers Anthony~
PaWildWoman — February 19, 2009 @ 1:41 pm
Tell you DH that you will sell your house and move into a 1 bedroom apartment before you sell your horse. If that doesn’t do it….call you attorney.
Loretta — March 8, 2009 @ 3:14 pm
Thumbs Up!!!!