Horse shopping

We have decided to horse shop. I guess for most multiple horse owners, that's not too big of a deal. But for me, a one-horse owner, it's a pretty big decision. I've been torn over it for a long time. I like Tex very much, and I'm so proud of the progress he's made, either from the trainer I sent him to a year ago, from my riding him, or my husband riding him. However, it seems as though I never have enough time to train regularly. I'm usually doing good to ride once a week due to my work (and home) schedule. But when I do ride, it's at team roping practice, team sorting practice, or at ranch rodeos. 

This past year I rode Tex in one or two ranch rodeos, but I borrowed a finished horse for the rest of them, and that's when I did best.

At roping practice, when I'm actually roping and not just riding Tex around to track cows or play, I borrow my husband's roping horse. 

At team sorting, I ride Tex, but I'm constantly having to pull him hard to get him to turn. He sort of gets it, but he's not fast. 

When we trail ride around the house, I don't feel comfortable on him. I have only ridden him out of an arena probably less than 20 times, and he's a bit nervous about it.

I want a bigger, sweet horse that's responsive, attractive, with cow sense, and that I get along with great. I'd like one at 13 years old or less, so that I have plenty of time with it. I like mares. I want something with some personality, with great ground manners, that has been roped off of, and that isn't too high strung. I prefer a horse that's not too forward. It must have a low head set. 

The thing is, I like Tex. He's intelligent, and personable, but I guess not big enough for heading or really pulling a cow. He likes cows, but isn't quick at cutting. I see his potential for being a very good kid's horse because he is soooo laid back and lazy, but I don't know that I'm the right person to get him to that point.

So, since this is such a huge decision for me, I felt it best to make a list to help sort my thoughts. 

Pros of a new horse

Bigger & could pull a steer

I could go do anything

I would do better in ranch rodeos

I would (maybe) have more fun at team sorting.

Prettier

I could learn to ride better

I could rope more

I could let my young daughter ride with me 

I could ride on trails and feel comfortable

I could feel free to compete more in anything

I may not be as frustrated when I don't have time to ride because the horse won't need the work

Cons of a new horse:

Expensive

Stressful to shop for!

Learning to trust a new horse

I won't feel a sense of accomplishment from training the horse myself

It may have health problems

What if:

The new horse suddenly dies?

It bucks me off?

It's not as good as we thought?

We buy it and then immediately need to purchase something as an emergency?

I don't like it after a while?

I regret selling Tex?

I feel like a quitter?

I don't enjoy it any more because it's not a goal?

I am horrible at making big decisions!!! 

TM