OMG I might start part sharing a horse!

[OlavS]

Hi,

I was offered to share a horse with someone at the riding centre today. Well her purchasing him is pending the vet check, which is tomorrow. And she'll be keeping him at a different livery yard nearby, as we're full where I ride (and practically live or so it seems :o ) It sounds very tempting! My "own" horse one or two days a week, in exchange for some money, feeding and mucking out before or after riding, and helping out when she's competing.

The horse is a 12 y.o. gelding and has mostly done medium level dressage, and is reputedly great for advancing rider dressage skills.

But I'm concerned that I'm not ready to ride a private horse. Somehow they seem more fragile to me, as they haven't been deadened in the mouth or the sides, or taught to ignore seat and weight aids like the school horses are to some degree.

I only started riding in February, but I've learnt the basics quickly and even flew over to Heather's seminar to learn correctly from the start. And my hands are finally getting more collected with a decent contact, and my legs look pretty stable when I've been videotaped lately.

But two things are bugging me, one is that I'm not good at using the crop or voice to stop a horse mucking around as I don't know enough about what to expect in their behaviour. I always try to give praise when I get the response I'm looking for, but it's the telling off I'm no good at.

The other is that I often end up holding the horse back with some force to stop the horse from going too fast, and I hate that. Which is why I want to practice seat/thighs/weight as a retarding aid in the EE way, but most schoolhorses don't seem to listen.
Plus millions of other things :o

The girl who is buying him has seen me ride, she is there often. And I got another offer too, come to think of it, by another rider who knows me very well. So they think I'm ready...but I don't feel like it :rolleyes:

Most of you lot seem to have your own horse in some way, how would you advice me? (Sorry about the long post..)

[Yann]

You sound just like me 18 months ago, I was in exactly the same position. Put aside your doubts and give it a try, you will learn so much more from the experience than you ever could just having lessons. Private horses are often less predictable and more sensitive than school horses which can only be good for your riding, and there's nothing like building a special relationship and getting to know a horse really well.

You will also get the chance to see if ownership is for you, in my case I shared for 5 months then bought my own. Good luck:)

[OlavS]

Thanks, Yann!

I forgot to say that I will of course keep up with riding lessons twice a week, I have SO much to learn.

[~§pîrìt_Hòr§ë~]

That's great OlavS! Your so lucky to be able to do that, i wish i could lease or share a horse! Ah I'm so jealous! And I second what Yann said...just go for it, and you will learn as you go along. I wish you luck and hope you have loads of fun with that!:D

[KarinUS]

That sounds like a great opportunity for you. Have you 'met' the horse yet?

[liz--y]

good luck, hope it all works out ok, let us know how you get on and if he passes the vetting

wishing you lots of luck

[sallym]

Olav, believe me (speaking as someone who used to share my horse), these people would not be offering you a share of their precious babies if they didn't think you were capable. Go for it! You will learn loads on a more sensitive horse.

Best wishes

Sally

[Kit Kat]

Aaawww mate I'm so jealous!!!! Go for it though - you're a natural horseman I've seen you ride - and this'll only make you way better much quicker. At least you'll have a horse you can practice weight aids on.

Greeeeeeeeeeen :p

[OlavS]

Ahh, I'm soo happy!

The vet said he had perfect joints and that all is well, so she'll be getting him this Saturday. Then she wants to ride him for a week by herself to get to know him a bit, then the following Monday and every Monday thereafter I'll be riding him after work :D :D :D

But I think it's a mare, not a gelding...with a name like Foxy... I don't know which breed, but the height is about 168cm. That should translate to about 16.2 if one hand = 4 inches.

I will try to meet her as soon as I can of course... I hope we'll get along great... Haven't ridden mares much, only Mira the school mare for the last few weeks, and found her to be very insecure.
But Foxy is said to be a schoolmaster medium level dressage horse, so she'll be fine I'm sure!

Anyway, I'm sure I'll be allright, especially as I know I can always rely on you guys on NR for advice!

Thanks for the encouragement! And the flattering (although untrue) comment from green ex-Kiwi Kat (who really IS a natural born rider) :cool:

[chapsi]

Hi Olav,

You are a fast mover, aren't you? You never stop to surprise us.
Go for it, the threads of destiny are already drawn from the day we are born.

[jUmPingIsLifE]

Olav, that is SO awsome! i hope everything works out perfect for you, that would be so exiting... and great for gaining horse experiance in all differant aspects.

[CityGirl]

What a great opportunity! I'm sure you'll do a wonderful job w/the horse & it will defintely take your riding to the next level. Btwn a 1/2 lease & lessons - you'll be off to the A circuit in no time at all!
Enjoy:D :D
PS - It's not a matter of how long you've been riding - its a ? of how much you want to learn! If you're not afraid to ask for help, any horse you ride will be all the luckier for it:D

[horsemad]

That is brilliant Olav! Don't worry about feeling you aren't experienced enough - as others have said, the owner wouldn't have asked you to share unless she thought you were a capable rider.

It is quite scary making that transition from just taking lessons on a riding school horse to looking after and riding your 'own' horse. I was in a similar position to you almost 2 years ago - I was asked, completely out of the blue, if I wanted to share a horse. I had that panicky 'I really want to, but I'm not good enough' feeling - but agreed to it anyway. It was the best thing that ever happened to me because it let me know that I COULD cope with looking after and riding my 'own' horse. I was even luckier in that I was able to buy this horse - so I have realised my childhood dream of having my own horse (something I thought would never actually happen!). So who knows where this will lead for you!

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

[Kit Kat]

*bats eyelashes* Oh stop it Olav ...... no, go on :p

[kedwards]

Great news, Olav! That sounds like a perfect horse for you!

For what it's worth, I think the fact that you are so concerned about how you'll do is a good indicator that you are exactly the sort who will do well. Sounds paradoxical, I know, but it is the people who don't think twice about their suitability who I really worry about. In contrast, the people who fret and worry at first are often the most sensitive riders (or horse owners, or parents, etc.)

[Sarah B]

Hey Olav - keep us in touch with your progress!

I know I felt that my knowledge of horses and riding really only advanced once I got my own horse - it takes some time to get used to the idea that you do not have to ask if it is ok to ride, or book up or anything! Try and take her in the menage or a small paddock and get to know her as a 'person' - play with her doing join-up type exercises and stuff - there is nothing quite like the feeling you get when I horse chooses, without any ropes or lines, to follow you around, walking, running or stopping when you do and jumping over little jumps next to you!:D :D :D

Best of luck!

[Jodie & Ru]

Hi Olav,

Don't worry...I was in the same situuation as you about 6 months ago, this is when i started shaing Rupert and now i'd never look back. I love him to bits.

I found it so strange to start with, thought this horse was far too delicate for me and i was frightened that i wouldn't be good enough for him, him being a youngster. We have lessons every week though and are now coming along nicely. I think as long as you're sensible and are ready to take on the responsibility, you'll have a wonderful time.

Good luck and keep us informed of your progress. I found everyone on here really helpful if i had any questions, so keep posting.

Take care

J

[OlavS]

Thanks for all the advice and reassuring, guys!

I hope I can play with her and bond like Sarah B suggested. I'm sure it will take time, though...
BTW Where can I learn about this join up thing, then? From what I gather it's something in the NH/Parelli genre, and like mimicking lead mare body language or something?
Or maybe I've got it all wrong, no offence to the NH/PP crowd ;)

I have asked the new owner if she wants me to read any books or anything else in order to prepare so that I can recognise if the horse is ill or injured. But I haven't asked about training, all I know is that it's a dressage horse she bought to learn loads of dressagy things.

[Sarah B]

Hi Olav

If you look up Intelligent Horsemanship on the web you come to the Monty Roberts/Kelly Marks website which has good information and some courses you can do. Or look up Mike Peace, Richard Maxwell, Adam Goodman/Nicole Golding. They all have websites or books and videos full of great advice and most run courses or seminars.

I have just done a 'clinic' over a weekend with Adam and Nicole and have learnt loads! I also read and watch videos and then go play with my boy! The experts do make it look easy, but with a good natured horse who is tolerant of your mistakes (:D ) you can learn so much just playing and watching! Horses communicate mostly by body language and once you start thinking about what you are saying to your horse by the way you move and behave around him(or her in your case:) ) you can really bond with them and they react much better to you!

Look forward to more updates!:D

[anuvb]

Just to add... I'm glad that you are going for it! As a horse owner for about 15 years or so now, I'm not sure that you ever get over the the nerves of are you up to it - there are always questions to answer and new things to learn, and even if you feel like things are going perfectly there will always be something around the corner which makes you question you, your ability, your horse and the relationship that you have with that horse.

Horses have a fantastic way of making you feel both strong and masterful, but also very weak and vulnerable at the same time, which is why they can often make you feel not quiet ready for what they offer. Maybe the reason I still get this feeling is because now I am an adult I am not only morally, but also financially responsible for my own horse, whereas before my parents were responsible for it's overall well-being - I don't know. However, in one sense I hope that feeling never changes - for me it's that part of the joy of horses - they are imperfect beings just like we are and like most of life it is something you just have to deal with and learn from it.

Ultimately, I think at some point you just have to take the plunge. It's good that you have this opportunity - it really is the best way to get a taster of the real thing - and I hope that you enjoy the extra time with horses as much as I do.

[KarinUS]

So how much longer will we have to wait for a pic? ;)

[OlavS]

Well, she's getting the horse tomorrow, and probably take it to the new yard, not the one I'm normally at. It's not far away, but I've never been there.

Hopefully I'll meet her over the weekend, or maybe I'll take a trip over in case she's there :D

Anyway, I'll be sure to keep my camera in the car so that I can take lots of pictures when the opportunity should arise ;)

[kedwards]

Yay! I can't wait to see the pictures. Personally, from what I've seen in your various postings, I think both horse and owner will be lucky to have someone like you as a sharer.

[OlavS]

Thanks kedwards *blush* :o

Well, I went to the stable today and there they were, the new owner and Foxy! Turns out I was right the first time when I though it was a he :p

Well he is a German riding horse, brown with a stripe down his nose, and black tail and mane.

He was well behaved, not too stressed considering it was his first day at a new place. And he seems to have beautiful, large movements in trot. Haven't seen him canter yet or be ridden, the owner doesn't have a saddle for him yet... But she showed me the ropes, like where the food is, equipment is kept etc.
It's quite daunting with having to feed him, groom, muck out, ride, groom and feed without supervision! I've never been to this yard before and I don't know anyone there obviously. She wants me to ride him on hacks, but I'll have to ride with one or two others in the beginning. Failing that I can ride in the outdoor arena, which I can do on my own.

Now the only thing I'm worried about its that he is supposedly very lazy and needs a firm hand to keep him from taking the day off. I always do best with the ones that have got a rocket up their bum, but we'll see. :)

Unfortunately I didn't take enough pictures to make sure I got a really good one. But here's the best one.

[Emma_G_NZ]

Ohh he is beautiful, I love his stripe!

[Tommy Matterson]

Hey, he looks great. Congratulations. I'm very jealous. I'm sure you'll have fun getting to know each other.

I know how you must feel about all the responsibility you have taken on board. The other day when I turned up for a lesson I was asked if I would prefer to go on a hack, I said 'yes' and was then told 'Ok, then, saddle up Shadow and we'll see you back here in an hour'. I didn't know she meant for me to go by myself!

I must admit I was a bit nervous wondering whether Shadow would behave differently when not following another horse. Luckily he behaved impeccably. He even told me whih path to follow when I got a bit confused with the directions!

Anyway it was a cathartic experience and rid me of any doubt about owning a horse. I hope that, at the latest, by this time next year, I will be posting pictures of my new horse on New Rider. Fingers crossed.

[kedwards]

He sure is a handsome boy! Good luck with him.

[galadriel]

Congrats Olav! :) I am sure that you'll learn tremendous amounts getting to ride a non-school horse. I found that when I have a chance to ride more than just in lessons, and to "feel" things out, then my riding improves immensely. Also the chance to work on things you learn, independently, to practice...and to ride a horse who really can hear your aids...it's fabulous.

[OlavS]

Galadriel! How nice to hear from you again, I hope everything is going OK with the new house, and of course your horses?

Tommy, you are a brave soul hacking out on your own. But I guess it was nice in that you proved that you could do it!

I can understand you wanting a horse of your own - having spent all day helping rider of our club team compete in a huge SJ competition I can't help feeling that some day I'll be there with my own horse. Trying to get him/her sorted while being distracted by all the nearby talent in tight breeches, long boots and long blond hair :D
And people wonder why there are so few male riders at low/medium level - it's impossible concentrate! No wonder all the top riders (where there are lots of men) have their own assistants to help out with grooming and that.
In the mean time I can always keep helping the girls like I did today. Well, I was mostly standing there holding the lead rope while they did the actual work. I wanted to help, but I figured that screwing studs (into the shoes for grip) was better left to someone else.

Oops, drifting slightly off here :o

Annyway, the new owner rode Foxy bareback through the woods today, and he behaved like an angel. She'll get a saddle for him this week, so Monday week I should be riding him for the first time! Yeah!

[Tommy Matterson]

Yeah Olav. I get more and more jealous the more you write. Mind you, I must admit I am a little concerned that all I think about when I am around horses is horses. It's usually in the car on the way home that I think 'hold on a sec, some attractive woman was speaking to me earlier'. At the actual time I was staring at some horses leg checking for splints and the like - oblivious of, eh, everything else. I need therapy.

[CityGirl]

Oh- he's absolutely GORGEOUS!!!! I foresee a brilliant partnership for you two. More pics, more pics!
BTW - given the pics that you posted on another thread of a very early jumping lesson - I'd say there's an awfully good chance we'll be hearing about you riding in the SJ competions sooner rather later;) :D

[OlavS]

BTW - given the pics that you posted on another thread of a very early jumping lesson - I'd say there's an awfully good chance we'll be hearing about you riding in the SJ competions sooner rather later

Well, I've decided to enter the club SJ competition this weekend, but not on Foxy of course. Must get to know him first.
The lowest class is 80cm (2foot 7 I think) so that's what I'll do. I might get a bit nervous, as I've only done one SJ competition before, that was only 60cm/2 feet. I have jumped 80cm a few times in that private lesson I got....or so my instructor assures me.
But given that we warm up before hand probably on 70cm I'll be allright.

Besides, with any luck I'll get a horse that I can just point at the jump and he'll do the rest, as many of the schoolhorses love jumping :D

I helped the owner out this evening with Foxy, giving him his food, grooming etc. We left him for a while in his box, and when we came back he was lying down with his head up, all covered in wood shavings. It was the most adorable thing I have ever seen! Of course I forgot my camera :rolleyes:But I'll get some more photos taken soon, promise ;)

[CityGirl]

Wow - this weekend - I didn't mean that soon!!!!! Fingers crossed - I'm sure you'll do a great job & have lots of fun.:D
Pics of that too please - I'm a demanding one:D ;)

[KarinUS]

Oh he is gorgeous. I bet he will be able to offer you some wonderful experience.

Congrats!

[Kit Kat]

Wow Olav! ... nice as*!! He looks like he is full of character - he's got that look in his eye :D Post pics of you riding him just as soon as you can ok? Or jumping - even better! Good luck on the SJ this w/end! :D Kat

[OlavS]

I can't do the jumping after all, as the schoolhorses are too tired...at least that's what we were told by the stable manager a few hours ago.
Most of our schoolhorses have been trekking in the mountains all summer. Which means they will have been walking probably 4-5 hours a day with some trotting and the occasional canter. I would have thought they would be incredibly fit after such training.
But the stable manager is saying otherwise, which is ok with me - after all she knows the horses best, and it's her bum on the line if the schoolhorses are too tired, injured or sick to do lessons through too many competitions.

Ah well, there's always next time... I hope. At least I'll get to ride Foxy after he's competed, just walking him though as he cools down. I hope he's a good boy! Fingers Xed IO might even get some more pictures taken! :)