DEPRESSION

[highland]

Depression has set in guyS! As i dont have a horse of my own, im a 16y.o. who rides at a riding skool. OK! you mite think...and i would agree! BUT: I've always wanted my own horse as do most horse crazed teens! My riding school have offered to give me two lessons at a cheper price that it would b if you booked two separately, but its still too expensiove for the parents if u know what i mean.
Neway - my "problem" is that about 2 girls there have ponies on a sort of part loan type basis where they can ride them about 4 times per week without having the instructor watchin over them all the time. This price is within my limits. Yeah , they're not allowed to hack out or nething, or shows - but that is beta than nothin! Also - what I find is that one of the girls has ridden there since she was 4, so yeah she should be trusted, but the others have ridden there for less than i have. NE suggestions on how i can ask the instructor whether he would let me ride NOT in a lesson?! I help out there a lot for pleasure so its not as if im not interested in nething but the riding!! Also i think it could b something to do with the fact that i ride the more advanced ponies/horses whereas they ride the unflappable real school ones!

PLEASE HELP! I'm an intermediate rider, but i feel i'm not progressin. There are a few things that would come easily with practice - but i dont get the chance cos i only ride in lessons! The pony which i normally ride ( a conn x TB stallion) has amazing potential, and he just gets fat at the mo cos hes only rideenfor 4 hrs per week!! hes only 6!! Thanks for any help - the depressions settin in!!

[sophie]

sophie here, you wrote on my post above. next week i'm doing what you want to do for the first time. i'm riding with a mate, so either find someone to go with or just ask the yard owner if you don't want to ask your teacher. i'm sure they'll let you if your capable.
tell us what happens
soph

[DaveB]

If you are looking for a horse to ride, why not put up a note in your local tack shop, asking if anyone needs help looking after their horse?

[highland]

Hi again - by the way I'm confused bout your last msg! I blame my misunderstnding on the x-ams and stuff! Please x-plain again for me - i'm a bit dim at this time of nite1

[highland]

THE CONFUSED MSG WAS TO SOPLIE BY THE WAY! To dave - I've tered - 4 over a year! no success...ho hummm

[sophie]

sorry i think i worded it wrong. what i was suggesting is that you find a friend to ride with u in the school and then ask the yard manager or your teacher if, instead of a lesson, just ride on your own. i wasn't talking about my post which is what i think you thought.
i hope you got all that!
soph

[hlstarmie]

Hi Highland, I was going to suggest the same as Dave, as beleive it or not there are alot of people that would love help with there horses at private yards. I know that around the yard where i keep my horse there are people looking for help but cant get it.
Advertise everywhere you can think of shops, magazines, newspapers and you could also try going round to a few yards and asking.
Your be out and about in no time!:)

[highland]

I've tried to find a yard/person who needs help - but no-ne seems to - its ridiculous! I live in the wrong area obviously. To Sophie - I'll give it a go - good luck for *** u were doin as well!

[hlstarmie]

Where abouts in the uk do you live?

[Heather]

Narrowing it down, whereabouts in Essex do you live, Highland?


Heather

[highland]

Southend-ish area!

[DaveB]

Highland. I know this might sound like a cheeky thing to do but it worked for me. If you know any instructors, other than the ones at your riding school, or any who do lessons independently of the school, ask them if they know anybody. I asked a BHSAI that lives by my parents, and she put me in touch with somebody who owns 7 TB's and the owner had broken her leg. This got my girlfriend back into the saddle after a long break, and got me some valuable basic experience. I know it might be depressing, but keep trying and you are bound to succeed.

[Edited by DaveB on 16th Jun 2000 at 07:54 PM]