Conference noted::equitation

    Sarah, I can imagine that this is a tough thing to think about but
    another possibility might be to have someone lease her at the barn
    where she is now. That way you'd be able to keep her, she'd be getting
    worked and played with and you wouldn't be putting out all the money
    for board (depending upon how you arrange the lease).
    
    Leases can be tricky BUT they can also be beneficial to both parties
    because you might be able to find someone who wants to ride and
    is capable but may not be able to assume the entire cost of a horse.
    You could also benefit by having your horse get the needed attention
    and care without running yourself ragged trying to take care of
    "both kids."
    
    If you decide to lease, just get IN WRITING and SIGNED, the conditions
    of the lease. 
    
    Another possibility are jr. high or high school kids who would be
    interested. I have had some great arrangements involving knowledgable
    kids using my horses. 
    
    Good luck with your decision!
    
    Linda
    

    I have had a similar problem, though my horses are now in my own
    barn at home.  As the babies get older though it gets easier to
    spend time with the horses and they enjoy it as much as you do.
    My son now two spends quality time with me in the barn and takes
    pride in helping with chores (harder to do with him, but worth it).
    I also found two neighborhood girls who are very responsible and
    want to learn about horses.  They take turns watching my son while
    the other and myself spend time with the horses.  That helps with
    the exercising of the horses.  Hope this helps,  good luck!!!!!

    Sarah,
    
    This is a problem that lots of horse owners face at one time or
    another.  While I was in college I didn't have much time between
    commuting and studying to do a lot of riding.  Since I was on a
    co-op program, I was only in school for either 3 or 6 months at
    a time.  The remaining months I worked full-time so I was able to
    ride at night.  I ended up finding jr. high or high school students
    to 1/2 lease my horse with me while I was in school.  This allowed
    me to still ride 3 times a week, but I didn't have to worry about
    him not being groomed or ridden on the days I couldn't get to the
    barn.                                                  
    
    It is hard, though, to find someone you can trust with your horse.
    It's almost better to leave the horse unridden than to have some
    inexperienced person on her letting her get away with things and
    possibly causing more problems.  
    
    If you are boarding on someone else's property, the owner may have
    some reservations about having another person taking care of/riding
    your horse while on their land.  You should check with them to see
    if they require you to sign a release form of some sort.  Linda
    already mentioned having something in writing to cover the terms of
    the lease. 
    
    You said that your horse is picking up terrible habits - do you
    mean bad habits when you ride her, or when she's in her stall or
    in the paddock?  
    
    The other thing to consider is the reason you bought the horse in
    the first place and whether it makes sense to sell her and get
    something else when you have time to commit to it again.  If you
    bought her as a pleasure horse - just to ride when you have time,
    then it may make sense to sell her to a good home instead of trying
    to find small amounts of time here and there to see her.  (you may
    even state that if the new owner wants to sell the horse, you have
    first refusal on her).  
    
    If you bought the horse as something you were going to train or compete,
    and you really don't think you'd ever find anything to replace her,
    then it may be a good idea to get into a lease type situation.
    
    Good luck,
    
    Julie

    I say WAIT....until you tried all the options mentioned.  It would
    be terrible to sell your horse and realized that it could of worked
    later.
    
    As new mothers, we spend alot of time with our children.  But it's
    good to get some "personal time" of your own.  I say if you could
    find a reliable 'sitter' - go out and spend some quality time with
    your horse!  It's a nice break for you as well as your horse getting
    some attention.  I realize it's hard to do...but if you make out
    a schedule....and stick to it - you'll like it.  Babies love staying
    on schedules....(knowing what's happening daily).....
    
    But please try first....and then if it doesn't work out at least
    you know you tried and then you would be able to give your horse
    without a doubt to a new home.
    
    bobbi
    

This is a little late but I've been to busy for fun notes lately. Anyway...
I leased a horse from a woman who couldn't find time to ride cause of her
new baby and it was wonderful for both of us. I had a year to get my riding
balance back on a good horse and she didn't have to pay board or worry about
the horse's care while she was busy with the baby. I only rode on weekends so
she would get to ride sometimes during the week when she had a babysitter.

We both signed a contract that said I knew riding was dangerous and I would
pay vet bills up to the value of the horse. Now she's riding again (though
she may have to sell cause her hubs is starting his own business) and I now
have my own horse. Both of us got what we needed and the horse stayed in
shape. liesl