I'm actually looking to down size this year. I have 2 of my own and my sisters horse. I looking into the possibility of leasing out my sisters horse. Everything in increasing except my pay check and my time. It's really unfair to the horse because I don't have the time to ride him. He needs a job because he's still fairly young and has he energy to burn. He is a good horse, I just wish I had more time to spend with him.

We live in the southeast and with hay prices skyrocketing, we intend to keep our herd size the same. We would love to add another horse due to the retirement of an almost 30 year old mare, this seems impossible, not only is price such a concern, but also the availability of hay. Just finding it has become a hardship. The farmers that have it don't want to sell it because of their own fears of not having enough for their own livestock. We actually anticipate trucking in our supply for this year from out of state.

 My intention is to keep the number the same - keep the one mare I have at the moment.

We just sold two and are expecting a foal in about 3 weeks..so I guess it all evens out to the same.

I am looking for a nice paint broodmare, but I have a gelding that will get sold this year as well.

Horsekeeping costs are on the rise, so I look at my horses and make sure they are earning their keep and are the highest quality, best horses I can afford. All our horses on our place have a job.

I have four, three of which are "long timers".

No one is leaving.

They are on my property so that helps. 

Keeping my one.

Well we will be increasing hopefully (baby on the way). But then most likely we will sell the mother and maybe baby but thats b/c of sister losing interest in horses not cost increase.  We are in MB Canada and they hay didn't suffer to much up here.  Feeling for those in drought ares though

I Own 5 horses and while I don't intend on getting any more, I wouldn't dream of parting with any of them!

We'll keep our number of horses the same...(2)

I just bought my first horse, so I've increased my number!

Mary 

   I'd like to decrease but the only way thats happening is if sell my 2yo Appaloosa gelding which I don't want to do, because he showing such promise under saddle.  Or I could euthanize my 27 old appaloosa gelding who suffers from Cushing (grows a ~4" coat and then doesn't shed it) and anhydrosis.  In the winter he is so happy and bright but in the Summer he is miserable and I have to body shave 3 times over the spring and summer.... However he is very special animal to me, I have known him since he was 10 years and got the chance to buy him when he was 16.  So now thats about to warm up I have been debating on what to do, its not a decision I want to make.

  I also have 2 QH's and while I'd like another for showing, I will have to either sell one or trade for one. 

Tonya 

I have two horses, and I intend to keep my horse numbers the same as last year.

Tonya, I share your dilema on your old horse. I have a 25 yr. old with arthritis. If it helps at all, I plan to continue to check in with my horse vet twice a year, and then will abide by the opinion of a professional who has seen it all. That way, when I do euthanize her, IF I do have to, I will take comfort in knowing I made that decision with an expert. Mae

would  like the numbers to go down, but they are not.

I have 2 horses and just acquired 2 minis and i will be keeping them. I keep options open for extras, its hard to turn down horses in need. We bale alot of hay and have been very fortunate.