Yet annother newbie

[Libbyo]

Hi

I thought as I posted for the first time today on the underwire bra post I should introduce myself.

I'm Liz and I own a 13 year old black irish cob called Pinnochio, often called Nokes or Nokie.

After a very long illness Christmas 2004 my Dad died, and his illness ( I was his carer) took a very high toll on my own health. I crumbled to bits for a while.

During the first few weeks, hubbie did not know how to cope so nagged me loads to do something. I chose horseriding. I had done this from the age of 3 till 12 when I took up serius competive trampolining. No time to do both sports.

For Half an hour a week I trundled along to the riding school. Loved every minute. Only struggling on personal black days or the day they decided to change my ride from Cob to horse.

I asked to be swapped back. Much shock, that I wanted the aquward cob rather than the nice horse!

Well to cut a long story short the school supported my wish to find a share. I cannot share Im too selfish and supported me through buying Pinnochio.

Pinnochio is 14.3, it was Dads money that bought him, and deal was settled vetinary passed etc on the aniversary of Dads death. so Pinnochio is very very special.

He is a toad though. 3 weeks ago I decided to hack out on my own for the first time. He had a major spook and we came home rather fast.

10 days ago he spooked in the school. I fell off. Owch.

On Saturday, i feel off again, spooked at canter.

Ive been riding on hiom yesterday and today. im very spooky, and bruised, it hurts, but he aint going to beet me.

The livery yard where he lives is fab. They look after me so well. I love them all very much. One of the trainers has decided to make me her new project. She started today. We will learn together me and Pinnochio.

Oh I have also asked annother girl to ride him twice a week. She will hack him out alone once and once in the school. He will get some retraining from her, and I can watch.

So thats us. Wish us luck, we need it. Oh Im 43.

I would love tio catch up with riders of similar ability locally. Im in West sussex ( the surrey end)

Libbyo :)

[Imp]

Hello Libbyo, I'm in Kent, I'm 43 too, my parents live in Guildford so we're fairly geographically close.

What a lovely storey, you sound like you've got a handle on your boy, he sounds more characterful than dangerous :p It's nice when something good comes of something sad, I am sorry to hear your dad died though.

It is inspiring to hear of your story with your boy and your determination to bring him on and learn with him, don't give up your dream :D

Got any pics?

[Pandora]

Hi Libbyo
Welcome to the Forum. It's a great place to visit. I only joined less than 24 hours ago and I have had so many kind comments, advice and friendly welcomes I feel like I've been here forever.
When I introduced myself in another thread I explained how I bought the 'wrong' horse for me. I actually bought her just after my sister died of breast cancer in her memory, so it really hurst when I had to sell her on. She will always be the special horse in ly life but also helped me to cope with the loss of my sister. I wish you all the luck in the world. And I'm sure everyone here on the forum will make you feel as welsome as they have me.:D

[Alle]

Hi Libbyo and welcome to NR! :) Pinnochio sounds like quite a character..any pics you can share? :p

[domane]

Hi Libbyo - Welcome.

I'm 42, have a 15yo dark bay irish cob mare who is a poppet. Had her since November so we are still getting to know each other but she seems to have accepted me well and does as I ask most of the time!

Turning to horses if it's in your blood seems to be quite a common way of coping with the grief of losing someone close. Sorry to read you have been hitting the ground a bit recently but as a "project" you should go far!

As Alle said.... we like photos too.... :D

[Little Dolphins]

Hello Libbyo! I'm in Surrey, not far from G'ford, more than 43, and bought first horse in December, tho she didn't arrive till Jan. I'm so sorry to hear of all your struggles with sadness and health. I had a year out of work about 5years ago due to a meltdown; it's hard. I have anxiety issues, and guess what? Like you I have a good friend and excellent rider taking my mare forward by riding her a couple of times a week, as I am taking things in v.gradual steps!! I think you are SO brave having taken some tumbles yet continuing to persevere;)
The best medicine for me- and I wish I'd been able to come back to horses sooner- is the freedom of the yard and the sights, sounds and smells. Dont you just love hanging out in the atmosphere?

[Gill]

Good luck with your special boy. You will like it here I'm sure and we will enjoy hearing all about your adventures as you grow in confidence together.
There are lots of older riders on NR, which is why I feel at home.

[Purple Hugs]

Hello and welcome!
Sorry to hear about your dad, and your suffering since, but it's great news you have Pinnochio and the resolve to work with him! ;)

I'm 34, been riding since August and loving it, just entering into a share/work exercising horses at a RS/horse rescue yard. :)

Look forward to seeing you around alot more.. it's addictive here!

[Libbyo]

Hi and Thanks every one. what a welcome. I think I will be here often. Rain stopped riding today. Pinnochio hates it. As every one was at Royal Leisure jumping, I cheated and turned him out in the sand school. He had a ball. Well that is until he realised a it was raining and b there was no grazing. He lasted 25 minutes, then his calling me contiuiously ( you would think he is crossed with a donkey!) drove me nutty. ( I was cleaning tack) so I let him come in. One happy sandy pony.
What did I do before him? I cant remember.

Libbyo :)

[ANN H]

Hi Libby, My name's Ann and I have Misty (12 yo Section D mare). I'm 48 today and got back into horses when I was about 40. Similar situation to you - mum died of breast cancer nine years ago and I got back into horses thanks to money left to us by her. I'd always pestered her for a pony when I was a child and knew it would happen one day!! Sounds like you're having fun with Nokie. Welcome and happy riding. We'd love to see photos.