Horses and Children

[Mistertron]

Hi,

I notice (from the classifieds in some magazines) that some people put their horses up for sale because they are having babies - the owners not the horses!. I just wondered what people thought about this? is it very difficult to keep a horse and raise a family?

What do you think, mothers out there? :)

[Joyscarer]

I only got Joy when my little girl was at school full time so that I can give my undivided attention to the horse.

If I didn't give my undivided attention to the horse then Joy would take advantage and I'd be doing her education more harm than good.

If I didn't fully supervise my 4 year old then what sort of mother would that make me?

During school holidays my daughter comes up the yard with me but she isn't 'into' horses and doesn't appreciate being out in all weathers just because the horses need to be cared for so I try to involve her as much as posible but keep my time at the yard to the minimum. I don't want my daughter to resent her time there and also I can feel my blood pressure rise when my daughter plays up which Joy and the other horses are quick to pick up on so this isn't fair on them either.

Hopefully by the time the summer comes she'll be that bit older and the weather and the fact that the yard owners kids will be there too will mean that she will want to stay for longer. My friend can watch her while I ride and I can watch her kids whilst she rides :)

[Maddison's girl]

I have two children. Ok they are older now (ones 14 and ones 10). It is possible, just have to manage your time well. I am very fortunate that both of mine love the horses :D Oh and you need a very helpful OH!

[chev]

It's incredibly difficult.

I have four children (eldest is 9, youngest is 3) and balancing horses and kids under school age can be a real nightmare.

I managed (somehow!) and kept my horses throughout.. but I wouldn't blame anyone selling a horse because of pregnancy. I was very lucky in that all my pregnancies were easy and straightforward (likewise the births) and because of the horses I had (mainly youngstock) I could cope with their work needs... but a difficult pregnancy and/or a difficult horse would be a different story.

[Mistertron]

Thanks for the replies :) i can imagine it would be difficult and i wasn't critising people who have to sell because of pregnancy - just wondered how people do cope with having horses and children to look after :)

[Wally]

When I had mine I let a friend use my Haflinger and Shetland in her riding school for 12 months. It kept them amused, and slim and gave her a school master to use.

I then had 12 months of not having to worry about him and his little friends.