Helping with Tack etc...

[Purple Hugs]

It's early days in my riding, only on my 3rd lesson. I'm 33 and I'd love to learn how to tack / untack and deal with a horse more. I've no idea! hehe I don't even mind mucking out etc.

I'd love to share a horse one day - no hope of having the time or money to have my own as a foster carer on a low income.. So sharing is my best option but am concious that all owners want an experienced rider and I'd need the ability to care for a horse.

My question is whether my RI (manager of the small stables I ride at) will think I'm rude or daft is I ask about helping prior to a lesson and after? Or on other days when more convenient.

Thanks,

[Showjumper]

Most riding schools tend to be delighted to get someone else to do the work for them, and their staff would probably love to teach you. No harm in asking, good luck! :)

[Purple Hugs]

Ok.. maybe I'll pluck up the courage to ask tomorrow! :D I'm more nervous with humans than animals sometimes! :o

[jovi_y2k2]

there are also some great books out there for beginner riders, explaining all the basics of tack and horse care etc

[Samantha1980]

Does your yard run stable management courses? Or own a pony days? Ask to do one on a weekday when the kids are at school and the yard is quieter. This would allow you to get to grips with the basics and make it more fun when you start to help out.
if your school is also a livery yard helping out is a good way to meet share horses when the time comes. Good luck. :)

[Purple Hugs]

Thanks,
The stables I use is only for lessons, no livery etc. It is v.small, 2 large horses and 3 ponies for children (small). The RI has other horses of her own but are kept off site.

I'm not sure if I'll 'outgrow' the stables but may look around for this type of day.

We have a college about 7 miles away that run courses but time would be a problem there.. as evening classes mean leaving my hubby alone at bedtime... kids to bath etc! ;)

Thanks for the tips, I'll have a search on this site and the net too. :)

[Bay Mare]

I used to ride at Contessa and also worked there at weekends. I had asked about Stable Management lessons and the YO approached me and asked if I wanted to help there in my free time which I did. I learned SO much and really enjoyed it even though it was hard work (being a busy riding school things had to be done within a certain time) and we even got to look after the competition horses too :)

Because I was working there I got a free group lesson a week and a stable management lecture once a week. In addition to this I did my NVQ in Equine Studies through them.

I'm sure that your RI will be delighted to get you helping out, don't be shy, they won't think bad of you as it shows that you're interested in the whole package rather than just going to ride for an hour a week.

Good luck x

[Purple Hugs]

Thanks! that's great to hear you got on so well. :)

[wanabe]

I understand exactly how you feel. I've just had lesson 15 so I can tack up and untack now -- and am happy about knowing how!! :)

But, yeah, I want to muck at least ONE stall in my life. :D I also thought it would be fun to oil some of the bridles and saddles (do they oil saddles? LOL). My plan is to wait for a day when my lesson has been washed out because it's raining and ask my RI if I can do those things -- presumably no money will change hands. (I'd feel kind of weird PAYING someone to muck and maintain their equipment. LOL)

I can think of more unpleasant things to do than being inside a stable on a rainy day. :cool:

[ponylover88]

...

[Purple Hugs]

hehe good to know I'm not the only one then! :)
I'm a pretty hands on person, my sister is a vet nurse (although works in London so doesn't 'do' horses), and I've always had an interest in animal care anyhow. Just never made it to college... :rolleyes:

If I can mop up baby puke and 'muck' I'm sure I can do a horses! it's just bigger! hehe

Can't wait for todays lesson. :D

[Bay Mare]

If I can mop up baby puke and 'muck' I'm sure I can do a horses! it's just bigger! hehe

Can't wait for todays lesson. :D

Urgh, I can't do baby 'muck' at all, give me a big dollop of horse pooh any day (doesn't smell as bad either).

How did the lesson go? Did you ask about stable management?

[Purple Hugs]

lol! just shows size doesn't matter...

Yes I asked! Plucked up the courage! :D
Am going to look at booking a 2 hour course to learn the basics, then can help out as much as I want! :D

Horse muck here I come! :p
Posted my lesson on another thread in this section - lesson 3 title. :D Won't repeat, but had a fab lesson and can't wait till my next on tuesday.
My daughter is thoroughly enjoying riding too, and looks the part in her new gear. Bless her! :)

[wanabe]

The book "Horses for Dummies" is really excellent for the non-riding related information on horses. :cool:

[Purple Hugs]

Thanks, will have a look at the library next time we are there. :)

[Samantha1980]

Have you started helping out yet?

[Purple Hugs]

I untaked the horse I ride (Kappella) yesterday :D But haven't had time to book the course yet. I'm a foster carer so time is a bit tight sometimes! :rolleyes: but am planning to book it when I go to my next lesson on Tuesday. :) Hubby is ok with me doing it too, so hopefully I'll be of some use when I help out then! :D