Hubby will groan... BUT... I'm off to see a share tomorrow! [Archive]

Purple Hugs

12th Feb 2006, 03:49 PM

OMG.. I'm buzzing from excitement!

I've contacted a few shares in my area but never gotten anywhere due to distance or lack of ability...

Till now!

I'm off to see a 17 year old 16.3hh (big boy) gelding. His owner sounded lovely. She's owned him for 3 years he's only ever had 3 owners, and she got him as a novice herself. Well, she thinks he'll be great for bringing me on, and I can have lessons on him at his yard too if I want. She said the hacking is fantastic in the area as his yard is set within over 60 acres of land!! :D

Oh my.. I can't wait but I'll be sooooo nervous! :o

Good thing is, him being big shouldn't matter that I'm big. I didn't ask her about my size (14st) so fingers x'd it's ok.
She said I can have a ride, we'll have a chat and go from there. She's had a sharer for him, but she's moved away so is looking for someone new.

Don't worry... you just KNOW i'll be here to tell you how I get on!! :p

*Sez*

12th Feb 2006, 03:54 PM

Ooooh good luck! I hope they're both spot on for you :D

vimto92

12th Feb 2006, 04:03 PM

You lucky person!
Tehee:p Good luck! Hope he suits your needs and you suit his:)

Sarah1710

12th Feb 2006, 04:11 PM

Good luck!! I went to see a potential share horse on Friday, it went really well (although I was very nervous), and I now have a share horse who I couldn't be happier with!!:D

Here's hoping it goes just as well for you tomorrow!

pedilia

12th Feb 2006, 06:29 PM

Good luck- don't forget your camera:D

Purple Hugs

12th Feb 2006, 07:01 PM

Thanks everyone!! Can't tell you how excited I am!
And Hi Sez!! haven't seen you about - as i've not been about much recently.

Hubby asked if I minded him coming as wants to make sure it's all ok too. I said it'd likely be ok, only thing is though.. if he comes.. so do 3 children!! :eek: so hoping it won't scare the owner off... she said it has a lit menage so they'll be able to watch from the fringes I suppose. :o

Do you think they'll mind!?

He was ok about it, just kind of laughed when I told him.. ;) he's known it's been coming.. and the last one I almost went to see was 30 miles from home so he's counting himself lucky this is ONLY 10. :)

Was thinking perhaps I could have 1 lesson a fortnight rather than weekly if I have a share to ride.

What do you reckon??

And would that be better on share horse rather than RS pony?
gosh.. so many questions! :p

smudge

12th Feb 2006, 07:01 PM

Good luck and fingers crossed.

Liz

Purple Hugs

12th Feb 2006, 07:04 PM

Purple Hugs

12th Feb 2006, 07:05 PM

Good luck and fingers crossed.

Liz
Thanks Liz! and Your on a roll on posts now.. see told you!
I've just pm'd you. ;)

Purple Hugs

12th Feb 2006, 07:06 PM

Good luck- don't forget your camera:D
ooh great tip!! i'll have hubby to take pics then too... ahhh he has a use!! :p

I'll remember to post them.. promise! ;)

Purple Hugs

12th Feb 2006, 07:07 PM

Ooooh good luck! I hope they're both spot on for you :D
THANKS!!!! i'm briming over with excitement!! Just gushed about horses all the way back from picking up hubby from a band session.. I did FINALLY remember to ask how it went!! hehe see still a supportive wife! :p :D

Purple Hugs

12th Feb 2006, 07:18 PM

http://www.horsemart.co.uk/DisplayHorseDetail.asp?AdvertRef=HM602B5AH
Thought i'd post you the advert.. but no stealing him!! :p :D

larainet

12th Feb 2006, 07:31 PM

hi, really hope it works out, but i have a horse in herts, not looking for a share but am struggling a bit so if the right person came along i would consider, so if didnt work then let me know.
sorry didnt want to sound negative as really hope it works out as have had horses on share and know how hard it is to find the right one. :)

Sarah1710

12th Feb 2006, 07:36 PM

congrat's on the share!! what sort of questions did you ask? or they ask? :o
Just simple things really, the owner asked me about my riding ability, how confident I was around horses, whether I was used to riding horses of his size (he's 16.3hh), what I wanted to do with him, and other general information.

Make sure you ask about any medical condtions the horse has and any special care that he needs, and find out how she likes things done as these seem to vary greatly from yard to yard. Find out about general stuff like prices, how many days per week you would share him, what she is happy for you to do with him, his routine, etc, and anything else that you think of along the way.

I went up to the yard on Friday to meet the owner and the horse and had a chat about my abilities and about the horse. I then went up on Saturday, the owner helper me to groom and tack up, showing me how she liked things done, I then went out on a hack with the owner on a different horse and one of the liveries where she assessed my riding and how I handled him. That went well, we got back to the yard and she watched me untack and rug up, we fed him and turned him out, then I helped her with mucking out, haynets, feeds, and general other stable work. I was then invited to go up to the yard again today.

The owner allowed me to do all tacking up, grooming, etc, just checking to see I'd done it correctly, I then rode out with one of the liveries along a different route (and had a fantastic time!:p ), came back to the yard, owner watched me untack, rug up, feed and turn out, and decided that she was happy with how I handled everything, and we confirmed prices and how often I could ride/go up to the yard.

It went amazingly well really, compared to all the others I have been to see previously. I get to ride 6 days per week paying £10 per week plus half of shoeing. I also get to ride one of the liveries horses on the one weekend day that the owner rides the horse.

Good luck, you'll be fine. It is a bit daunting at first, but after beginning to get used to the routines and the horse, I love it!:D

Phew, that was long:D

*Sez*

12th Feb 2006, 07:54 PM

I wouldn't worry about taking the troops with you! It is only natural that your OH will want to meet the "other man" ;) who will be taking over your life, and lots of people don't have childcare so I'm sure she'll understand.

I find riding lessons so much more productive now that I have my own horse, as you can work on both your own riding and your horse's performance without having the bad habits of lots and lots of other riders to undo as well. Don't get me wrong, I used to love riding at RS, but it was quite frustrating that the horses I rode a lot were difficult to teach new things to because they were so used to walking around the school in circles!

The only word of caution I would give is make sure you can have a written agreement with your usual days and costs clearly written out, so that you know exactly where you stand. I'm sure that from time to time there will be some flexibility on days (I.e. you might swap a day if one of you has something urgent on your normal day) but as long as you know what your usual entitlements are and where your money is going, it should be fine :D .

He looks lovely and a bit like my boy! :)
Let us know how it goes!

Purple Hugs

12th Feb 2006, 08:04 PM

Purple Hugs

12th Feb 2006, 08:08 PM

Sez thanks!
I feel better about taking them now. Figured if she didnt' mind then occasionally Erin could help me muck out etc. :) it'd be good for Erin too. ;)

Will bear that in mind about the agreement. Good thing is that she's had a sharer already so perhaps has already crossed that bridge before.

I'll also bear in mind your comments on lessons. I have riden about 5 different horses in the last 8 weeks and have begun to notice some are ready for action and some really do just want to put their head down and plod around the track in the menage.

The great thing about the livery this horse (name uknown...:o ) is at, is it's acreage of land.. and the owner said the hacking is fantastic! I'd love to be able to hack without hitting roads! Drivers are bad enough when you're in a car, let alone on horse-back!

Anyway.. tonight I'll be dreaming of horses! :D :p

Purple Hugs

12th Feb 2006, 08:13 PM

Phew, that was long:D
Thank you!!! :) And wow that's a great deal. you must be thrilled!

I'll take a note of things to ask.. as will likely go all daft and googly eyed! :o hehe Along with nerves it won't be a pretty sight! :eek: :D

NoviceNic

12th Feb 2006, 11:13 PM

Ooooh he is a real sweetie. I hope it all goes well for you. Best to take the family I am sure she wont mind. It shows that you will be supported by your family and that the horse will get lots of love and cuddles. Horses and kids mean spoilt..;) I really hopes he is the man of your dreams it sounds very promising. The fortnighly lessons on your share will be a brilliant idea as you can learn how to ride him. Lots of good vibes for you and fingers crossed.

<<<<<<<<<<<<xxxxxxxxxxxx>>>>>>>>>>>>

Dina

13th Feb 2006, 06:51 AM

Hes gorgeous and sounds really lovely:)
Best of luck!,I hope it all works out.

Purple Hugs

13th Feb 2006, 07:56 AM

Horses and kids mean spoilt..;)

:p what a great quote!
Mind if I put it into my signature? :cool:

Thanks everyone for your kind comments. I really hope this is it!! but either way it's a step closer than I've been before. :D
I'm spending my last day with a foster child today, she's been with us for a year now, so it'll be nice to have something positive to do at the end of the day. She'll be coming with us so it'll be a nice family thing. :)

cloang

13th Feb 2006, 08:02 AM

Hiya

Sorry late catching this one, chloe's birthday party yesterday, so a bit hectic:D .

Good Luck and I will make sure I log on later for an update

Good luck purple hug sent to you
ang

danielle:>

13th Feb 2006, 08:06 AM

How exciting! He is lovely looking and sounds perfect from your posts, so I hope things work out! :D :D I think fortnightly lessons sounds fine, thats what I do with my share pony, Jester. One week I will have a lesson on my share, the next week I will have a lesson at my RS. This works great, as with Jester I more work on keeping him relaxed and not letting him get worked up about things (he's an uptight little pony, poor boy), so I don't really concentrate on my position.

With RS horses, they mostly just plod around safely, so I can try to improve my position. I also feel that if I was to just ride Jester and not have lessons at my RS, I would become used to riding one horse and one horse only, as I have to ride him quite differently to other horses.

Sorry, I have blabbed on a bit. Good luck, and definetely don't forget the camera, we need more pictures of the handsome lad! :D

ETO: Oh, and a 16.3hh will hardly feel 14stone on his back, so don't worry about that! I might have missed it in the thread, but when do you go to see him?

Purple Hugs

13th Feb 2006, 09:26 AM

:) hi and thanks! Have just pm'd you cloang. :)

I go to see him tonight at 6.30, so it'll be a bit after that I post, as will need to get the girls settled to bed when I get in. ;)

That sounds a good way of having the lessons Danielle. :D I'll have to figure things out.
I figured my weight would be ok on 16.3hh as have riden anywhere from about 14.5 up to 17.3 but 15-17 is the main range. Good thing is he will be ok to carry me for a hack too - given that it'll be harder than a half hour lesson. :D

ooooh.... I can't wait... !!! :p

Gill

13th Feb 2006, 10:08 AM

Hope it works out for you! I'm sure you will tell us all about it.
Gill

Purple Hugs

13th Feb 2006, 07:49 PM

I forgot my camera! It went so well... but there's a but.. I'll get to it in a minute.

Horse - Woodie - is FANTASTIC!

I watched owner ride him, and then had a ride, he felt to the touch like silk, really lovely animal.
He rode a dream, he wasn't jumpy or anything, and I got him into trot without carrying a crop or anything. I was as nervous as anything but he was wonderful. Stayed in trot till I asked to walk etc, oooh I could go on.

The owner is fab, she's my height, my sort of weight ;) and really friendly, her friend was there, and willing to hack with me. They were both willing to help me settle into yard. YO does lessons cheaper and longer time than my RS. etc etc...

Now the BUT

He's on full livery and therefore the share 'cost' per month is £200! :eek: :(
I'm absolutely gutted, I really am close to tears on this. I'm going to sleep on it, so that when I call her I am less likely to cry. I'd love this share, and have a feeling it IS the share for me, but I simply can't commit to that sort of money every month. That is the issue I have with horse ownership. I was prepared for about £100 a month or slightly more but not double. Also I'd love to be hands on, rather than turn up ride and go home.

DH has been great, re-assuring me there is a horse out there for me, and all in good time, I can hack soon with RS, have longer lessons, able to help out at yard still etc etc, but you'll know how I feel.. :(

*Sez*

13th Feb 2006, 07:56 PM

What a shame! :( I'm so sorry.

Your hubby is right - there will be one out there for you. I agree with you about wanting to be hands on. Doing jobs for Salsa, grooming him and spending time with him are some of the best parts of having a horse. In my view, if I want to turn up and ride I'd go to a RS. I know full livery works for some people, but it's just not for me.

Good luck with your search and let us know how it goes.

Purple Hugs

13th Feb 2006, 08:31 PM

Thanks Sez - i'm sure i'll feel better come the morning. And you are right about full livery. I don't think i'd be happy 'just' riding. I really enjoy helping at my friends stables and am gaining more confidence because of being around a mixture of horses. :)

vimto92

13th Feb 2006, 08:40 PM

Aww Purple Hugs..:(
But there is bound to be a "perfect match" out there someone. Keep searching and make sure you are ready for this.

BeachRiding

13th Feb 2006, 08:41 PM

Aww, that's too bad, could you offer part share, and you pay less than what you were asked?

Purple Hugs

13th Feb 2006, 09:47 PM

thanks both. I don't think part share would help as wouldn't get what I need/want out of it. I'm sure I can find the right match somewhere.. sometime. :rolleyes: I'd really like to be hands on with the caring, and riding.

Will need to be patient. :o

smudge

13th Feb 2006, 10:28 PM

Aaaw what a shame hun, I know it doesn't help now but you will find something that is more suited to you and you'll not look back.

Liz

jools

13th Feb 2006, 11:39 PM

Good luck for the future..

I'm in the same situation as u,I've found a part loan quite near where i live,but its the money side of it thats stopping me....

She wants 25 pounds a week for 3 days riding,and this isnt hands on either because she has said she'll be doing all that as she has another horse at the same place.

So I dont know what to do either

Purple Hugs

14th Feb 2006, 07:28 AM

Tricky isn't it! it all equates to what we want out of our money really. And waht the limit to our money is!! 'Cos there is always a limit.

I feel better this morning, but have hardly slept.. and when I did it was dreaming of riding Woodie!! :o

Ahh well, Off to get on with the day.

I go riding in 2 days, and DH is paying for an additional lesson as a valentines present. Bless him! :D

Good luck for the future..

I'm in the same situation as u,I've found a part loan quite near where i live,but its the money side of it thats stopping me....

She wants 25 pounds a week for 3 days riding,and this isnt hands on either because she has said she'll be doing all that as she has another horse at the same place.

So I dont know what to do either

Purple Hugs

14th Feb 2006, 07:29 AM

Aaaw what a shame hun, I know it doesn't help now but you will find something that is more suited to you and you'll not look back.

Liz
Thanks liz.. and you are right. ;) All in good time, and Graham said last night.. I won't always be a novice! :D hard to believe that sometimes though! lol

Ross

14th Feb 2006, 08:03 AM

I'm really sorry to hear it didn't work out :(

Don't forget though, that just because the horse is on full livery doesn't mean you CAN'T do anything - it just means you don't HAVE to do it. Because of my work commitments, I kept mine on livery for years - but I always did stuff with them when I was around, and often helped the YO feed, do waters, etc.

Hope you find something just right soon :)

Ross

Gill

14th Feb 2006, 09:17 AM

Sorry it didn't work out, but you have made a sensible decision.

You might as well have your own horse as pay out that much to share someone elses.

You could have five grass liveries at my place for that amount, so keep looking.

danielle:>

14th Feb 2006, 09:36 AM

Sorry to hear it didn't work out :( . I also wouldn't be happy having a share horse on full livery, I enjoy doing things for Jester just as much as I enjoy riding! And £200 a month is pretty steep, even if they are on full livery. Keep looking, your perfect horse is out there somewhere.:)

Purple Hugs

14th Feb 2006, 09:49 AM

Thanks everyone! :)
I've phoned the owner, as sleeping on it didn't solve the issues, but i'm a great one for chewing things over before making a decision.

She was really understanding. There you go.

Have spoken to hubby about poss ownership further down the line, as YO where I help is best option and really only about 1.5miles away. So will have to aim for that, and start saving pennies!! ;)
I'd love my own horse one day anyhow, just thought sharing would save the me the outlay/worries if horse became ill etc.

Thanks again. :o

jools

14th Feb 2006, 01:17 PM

Well I hope you find what your looking for in the future,I havent heard anything anything else from the one that got in touch with me,so I may leave it for the time being....until something closer comes up.

Im fortunate to be able to ride everyday because I'm studying my BHS Stage 1.

Purple Hugs

14th Feb 2006, 01:49 PM

ooh I looked at that for last january start, but am not up to the required minimum riding yet.

I'm just going to chill for a bit and see where my riding takes me so to speak. I spoke to my friend and livery there (grass livery) is £25 a week so not bad at all :) he'd be great for helping in the search for a horse too.

In the meantime I'll enjoy my lessons and work on becoming a better rider. Chalk this up to expeirence, and knowledge. :cool:

jools

14th Feb 2006, 03:19 PM

nelle

14th Feb 2006, 04:50 PM

Purple Hugs

14th Feb 2006, 05:11 PM

I started the stage 1 from absolute beginner,so what riding experience did u need?

I had quite a few lessons on the lunge to get my balance up to speed and now I'm riding with the Stage 2 riders. They're starting jumping soon :eek: and our tutor says I have to join them :eek:

Oh, our nearby college does a stage 1 but you have to be able to canter, walk, trot and trot over poles before can do the course. Might be because it's an evening course I suppose.

Purple Hugs

14th Feb 2006, 05:15 PM

HI Purple Hugs

That is such a shame - I'm really sorry it hasn't worked out for you this time, but it will, don't worry, and in the meantime you are still having lessons so your riding is improving (I'm keeping up with your posts!) and that will give you much more choice over the coming months.

Are you still helping out with the mucking out and stuff at the yard nearby?

Nelle
:) Hi Nelle,
Does that mean I post too much!? hehe
Yes I am, still helping at my friends yard. :) I love it.. it's great for getting your confidence up when dealing with horses!
Don't get me wrong there is still a stallion I won't go near apart form to look at and say 'ooh he's so handsome' ! he's 2, and boy is he a handful when it comes to picking feet etc!

I'm more comfortable grooming and picking feet. I now know how to put a head collar on without trying to do it upside down!
And can even tie that funny knot you all tie!! hehe Never was good with knots! :D

It's funny grooming a horse called bob, as he has a habit of 'barging' me when I first want to pick his feet, but gives up now as I barge him back.. feels like he's half sat on my shoulder sometimes!

In the meantime.. not long till I ride again on Thursday - and I got a bonus ride last night!! ;)

jools

14th Feb 2006, 10:24 PM

Oh I see,i work from 8.30am - 2.30pm Tuesday to Friday and I've only just started to canter....jumping when the weather is fine....eeeeeeekkkk

The woman with the part loan has been in touch tonight with some more information on the horse,she's called Candy,she's a 16h schoolmistress and has been out of work all winter.

Here's a pic of her

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c327/JOOLS27/candy.jpg

Purple Hugs

15th Feb 2006, 07:58 AM

Oooh she's lovely looking! About the same size / colouring as woodie (the share I looked at).

Are you going for a look/ride? or decided against?

Good luck if you are going :)

Sarah1710

15th Feb 2006, 05:35 PM

Sorry to hear it didn't work out with Woodie, £200 is very steep... I'm only paying £50 per month!

The right horse will come along some day, I dread to think how long I was looking for until I found mine.

Purple Hugs

15th Feb 2006, 05:41 PM

Thanks, that's a great deal you have! :)

No doubt something will come up in time. ;)

jools

15th Feb 2006, 07:22 PM

She's just been in touch again,and asked what I wanted to do with her,she doesnt want her jumping because she has a sore tendon,but the only snag is she wants the Saturdays to hack out,which was the only full day I'm free :(

She's asked me to ring her tomorrow if I have anymore questions.

Now I dont know what to do

Purple Hugs

15th Feb 2006, 10:09 PM

Have you ridden candy yet? I'd definately meet and ride first and then maybe you could negotiate a month trial, so that if you can't fit around owners requirements for hacking on saturday at least you can walk away, having had a months trial. :rolleyes: Might be worth thinking about. :)
How much are you paying for the share? or will you be?
She must be keen to be contacting you! ;)

jools

15th Feb 2006, 11:35 PM

No not ridden her. She wants me to ring her at work tomorrow and she'll answer any other questions I may have.

I asked her about a contract and she said she'd never loaned one of her horses out before and it was all new to her,she said if I didnt like the horse I;d have to give her a month's notice so she could find someone else for her.

She wants 25 quid for 3 days and all she wants me to do is ride her,I'm only really a novice myself,can walk,trot,canter.

She's said Im welcome to see her even though she is knee deep in mud,fat and hairy and doesnt resemble her pics.

The only thing she doesnt want doing is to be jumping her on hard ground or any big jumps because of a tendon problem,she doesnt want it aggravating.

I think the woman is more concerned about the financial side,finding someone who can take her on,may be desperate to find someone a.s.ap.

What did you do on Woodie when you went to see him? Did you trot and canter?

Purple Hugs

16th Feb 2006, 07:16 AM

Well, if you have a suspect she's just in it for the money you are probably right. is that £25 a week?

You'd need to meet horse, get a feel for her, tack her up, if she's been left in the field, then she'd need bringing in by you too. So all things you'd need to do to be able to ride her. Also groom / pick feet if she's in a muddy state.
And definately, definately watch her ride, then ride yourself before you take a horse on!
I'd be wary of the tendon damage becoming worse.. but I'm sure if you posted all this in the other section others would give advice too.

As for Woodie. he was already tacked up, but I un-tacked him and tightened up his girth before riding. he had 2 kids and myself petting him before we went in and wasn't totally relaxed.

I led him to the menage in the dark, and the owner rode him first. I then mounted and rode him but only walk and trot, change of rein etc. I can't canter yet, so wasn't going to try it!! he looked smooth in canter though.
I did half halts and halts to go back into walk etc etc and he was perfect all the time. Didn't need a crop to get him to trot or anything.

All in all a lovely ride. Hence my feelings of loss after having to face reality on the cost front. :rolleyes:

So.. if you feel uncomfortable or nervous after having riden the horse, I'd ask myself if this will lead to loss of confidence? because if it does then it won't work.. and you'd be daft to take the horse on.
The owner shouldn't put pressure on. If she has someone else, then that decision is for her to make on sharer - not for you to have to say yes without seeing / riding horse.

Sorry. have gone on! Ask in the cafe area and I'm sure the others will have some great advice. ;)

Good luck!

jools

16th Feb 2006, 10:00 PM

She's emailed to ask me to go up Sat or Sun so I can have a proper look at her in the daylight,and also she's asked me to hack her to see if I like her.

Now all I have to do is persuade my partner.

Purple Hugs

17th Feb 2006, 11:04 AM

well that sounds a bit more promising.. :)
Now as for your partner.. that's a whole different hurdle, if anything like my hubby.. he has concerns over how much of a commitment it is, financially and time wise too. But then we are foster carers - we have one daughter of our own, but foster up to 3 other children and are mostly 'full' all the time. So he is left holding the baby literally if I'm not around. :p

It's important that he support you, so might be worth taking him along, so he can have an opinion, and perhaps help you make the decision. :D

Good luck!! Bet you'll be full of excitment and nerves.. I know I was! :o

jools

17th Feb 2006, 03:35 PM

I've done it,phoned the woman,she sounded really nice on the phone,arranged to meet her near the stables in the morning!!

I'm excited!! just my partner isnt :(

Purple Hugs

17th Feb 2006, 04:03 PM

good stuff! hope it goes well, I was more nervous about meeting owner, than meeting the horse!!! :o

Is your partner a horsey person? My Hubby isn't, and was really concerned over the time commitment. As it turned out it wasn't the time that was in demand! :rolleyes:

Have a chat and see if coming with you will help and offer to make the decision together - depends on whether your partner would be fair here though.. Might at least be worth chatting about the pro's and con's from both of your points of view. ;) could just be supressed concern.