The Horse? The Riding? Or Both?

[Whatanejit]

I've been thinking over the last few days about my horsey life before and after Cooper.

Me and OH loved to be in the saddle yet turned up really early to the RS/trekking centre to groom and tack up and stayed later to clean off, hose down etc.

Our friends used to say - it is great that you have riding as a hobby but it is so obvious that you are really into the horses too.

I never really thought about what that meant at the time.

However, since owning Cooper and meeting so many horsey owners I can see what they meant.

There are people who want to ride and get to know and be with their horse.
There are others who are happy to have their horses as pets, never ride but religiously DIY their needs.
Then there are others who want to ride and that is it .

The latter seem awkward on the ground, have no intention of trying to understand the horse and just want to win/ride/ on their machine.

Since Cooper has been on rest for a month we have had a few say - shame you can't ride him - but they havn't actually asked HOW HE IS?

We still love to turn up, groom, cuddle, have lunch with, feed, turnout catch - I think you get the drift.....

I just wondered where do you see yourselves in the above list?

Have you experiences to share of others who have puzzled you re their involvement with horses?

[coss]

i would class myself as your first example. the health of the horse is most important. i get quite concerned about having my mare shod as she seems very tense and pained when the farrier is working, she leans on him terribly and sometimes will only put weight on two legs, i wonder if it is for my benefit or hers having her shod but i know without shoes she would be likely to get foot absesses and be lame more often due to her age. It is important for me to ride but if i can't for whatever reason i will just spend time with the horses sometimes. it annoys me when people are just after the red rosette and don't care about the horse, i have seen a few riders "go through horses" as they aren't winning!

[Giveitago]

I'm the 'ride the pet' kinda person. I love a cuddle but I like to feel the wind in my locks too. I especially enjoy reading the body language and trying to find out how the horses are feeling- what they want to do.

For instance, today my neddy stopped at a stream and had a drink. This is very unlike him as he's usually too busy keeping a look out for lions. Therefore, I learn that he is much more relaxed than normal and trusts me to keep an eye out instead. Also today, he gave me a really weird look when I was fussing about with a rug under his belly- he is really nimble and was able to reach right around and say-What the ... are you doing under there. He didnt have a headcollar on but knew that he needed to stand for me. From a riding point of view we had a lovely time in the cool sunshine today meandering along some country paths enjoying the scenery but was also able to encourage some nice balancing work too.

When you call him from the field he canters over, stops, has a pat and then follows to the gate. He also whinnies when you bring his haynet and then weaves when he's eaten it all to ask for more- wouldn't miss it for the world!

Every day is different.

And my mare-just dont mess with a woman who knows her own mind!

[Peace]

I only signed up for riding lessons so I could learn how to take care of horses.:o When interviewing schools, I always made that clear, i.e. "I want to catch, groom, tack up, turn out, etc. so I'll know what to do when I have my own horse."

I like riding, I really do. But I mostly learned to do it because I thought it was a required skill for being a horse owner.:)

So I guess I'm in your first category. Although if for some reason - God forbid - I could never ride again (or drive? are we including driving?) I'd still have horses.:)

[Bronya]

Mysti's my pet but I love riding her too. It is more fun riding her because she's my little girl, than it would be riding any old horse. We feel like a proper partnership, we know each other so well that we compensate for each other.

I bought Sunny to try to give her a good life. She's my OH's pet, but I do like riding her.

[coss]

I know what you mean about mares! Dawn knows everything she needs to know and is an angel (touch wood) most of the time but she knows i'm a soft touch and will give her food if she just stands, harry on the other hand will wicker at me, nuzzle me and say please (lift a front hoof) when i ask so that he can get a treat, i tried to teach this to dawn but she will only occasionally do it as she knows the food will come anyway. i like the horses to have a character that you can listen to.

[CurlyWurlyRach]

ive always liked teh care side more than the riding. my YO thinks im nuts to stand and groom for 2hrs solid!
Riding can be wonderful but its not my be-all and end-all.

[skewpie]

Hi everyone this is my very 1st post! I thought Id put it in the "mature riders"
thread as I certainly fit into that category,darent tell you what that is but its more than some Ive seen in the members list! Ive been reading the messages for a while now so thought Id stop being a voyeur{felt a bit like that!}and participate,you all seem a nice bunch,I find it amazing how we can all ramble on about horses for hours on end no wonder my normal friends get glazed looks when I start - praps thats why they dont ask me how my horses are!

Unless you ride a lot on the roads I wouldnt bother too much about shoes,if you keep the feet checked over and trimmed they should be fine
I also spend hours with my girlies just talkin to them when the jobs are done I think thats just as important to them and us as riding as a reward almost for the work we put in together,they dont care *** colour the rosette is,if I think theyve tried hard ,done well or better does it really matter what the dressage or show judge thinks?
Am I doin ok ?gonna stop rambling now ,need chocolate but without the biscuit {cos thats the fattening bit}

[LindaAd]

There are people who want to ride and get to know and be with their horse.
There are others who are happy to have their horses as pets, never ride but religiously DIY their needs.
Then there are others who want to ride and that is it .



Well, I think most people on here would say they were your type 1 or 2 - no-one's going to admit to treating their horse as a machine, are they?

But I'll admit that I like doing everything with my horse because what I like is riding. When Barney was lame and on box rest, I was quite happy to look after him for a year and take him for his twice daily 10-minute walks, and do his stretching exercises, and we did a lot of groundwork too - I was really proud of him when I took him for his X-ray, and they said "Do you think you can get him to back into that corner?" and I just pointed and he put himself where I wanted - but all that is pointless to me with a horse I can't ride. I don't want My Little Pony.


Linda

[NoviceNic]

I'm number 1. I love to muck him out, spend invaluable time grooming and cuddling Captain. Kisses at the end of the day.. I do get a massive buzz from riding as well. I know someone who never rides their horse. But she would never part with him as she gets such a huge buzz from caring for him and kissing,cuddling.

I cant see why just wanting to ride a horse and not do the DIY is treating a horse like a machine. In most full livery cases it is usually down to the individuals work-life balance. If I worked 5-6 days a week then I would resort to full livery so I had more riding time.. You would still be grooming them before you rode and giving them cuddles and kisses. The only difference is the lack of mucking out and feeding.

[jUmPingIsLifE]

noone understands why i cry myself to sleep some nights "because i miss autumn and tahoe"

they say "your horse is gonna be there when you go home... he doesn't care you are gone" they are thinking "oh my god this girl is crazy, how can she love the darn horse that much?"

If my horses went lame and i could never ride them again i wouldn't love them any less or spend any less time with them. I would still think they are the most perfect horses ever and count myself truely blessed.

i love caring for them myself, even when i boarded tahoe i fed him, cleaned his stall and turned him out myself. I kept check of temp and vitals so I would know when something was up. They are my horses and i want to care for them and love them in every way possible.

[SupaTania]

Love to ride, and every aspect of horses, including the mucking out (i regularly pat myself for a job well done!)

But i must say, I CAN NOT IMAGINE life without being in the saddle. A friend of mine is expecting, so hasn't ridden in 7 months, and i just don't see how she can cope. Although she visits the ponies, and pets, and gives carrots, it must be tortue not bein able to get on.

Although, if for some reason i would never be able to ride again, the horsies would be my pets.

[LindaAd]

A friend of mine is expecting, so hasn't ridden in 7 months, and i just don't see how she can cope. Although she visits the ponies, and pets, and gives carrots, it must be tortue not bein able to get on.

.

I think being pregnant affects your brain and changes your priorities .... I know when I had my second baby, long before I had my own horse, someone offered me a ride on a lovely Fell pony but I just didn't feel like riding, probably for the only time in my life .... It was only later, when I discovered I was pregnant, that I realised what was going on ...

But it's not the same for everyone - some people go on riding right up until they're too big to climb onto the horse.

[Chinarider]

I'm beginning to think I belong in group 2, the riding I can take it or leave it :o Although I hacked out my daughters pony yesterday and had a lovely canter, it really gave me a buzz, something i havent felt in a while.

i spent 2 hours yesterday watching the team doing gymnastic exercises , you know the kind of thing, grid jumps, 4 bounce jumps one stride to upright, one stride to spread ....... then the horses had a little buck and kick :p the time just flew by :D

I can easily spend 5 hours at the stable just pottering about , is that sad ?:confused:

[julia gulia]

I love it all ! I love to ride, I love to care for and I love to do the barn chores. I consider all of my animals as family members and make the commitment to them that I will care for each and every one of them for life. I had many a person give me a hard time about buying my present horse Barney who was twenty three years old at the time . It was hard for them to understand that I loved him...who he was...what he had given all his life. It wasn't about what he could do for me...more about what we could do for each other:) .
We are very happy together;)

[Belle1]

I cant see why just wanting to ride a horse and not do the DIY is treating a horse like a machine. In most full livery cases it is usually down to the individuals work-life balance. If I worked 5-6 days a week then I would resort to full livery so I had more riding time.. You would still be grooming them before you rode and giving them cuddles and kisses. The only difference is the lack of mucking out and feeding.

Well said NoviceNic.

I keep Tali on working livery, so I don't care for him entirely myself because I work long hours and have a long commute. My health is no longer up to combining these hours with DIY livery, but just because I only see Tali once a day and don't muck him out very often doesn't mean I love him any less. When I am at the yard I tend to do much more than any of the other liveries - both with Tali and odd jobs with other horses on the yard.

[Imp]

I'm firmly in your first example there Dee :) 'want' being the word of the moment for me.

I've simply loved the past few months caring for Megan. I have adored bonding with her, learning her funny faces and how they attribute to a mood or request from her, just BEING with her. I even enjoy stable and pasture management and the smell when I get into my car to go and see her makes me happy (I think I need therapy) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/lynda788/SMILIES/confused3.gif

To be honest though, if I'm told I have to stick to walk for the rest of my life then I'll do that and get somebody to help me see if she'll drive so that I can keep her fit. I just need Megan in my life.

In summary, I love having a horse, I feel complete :p

[No_Angel]

I like to ride, and when I was younger loved it even more, but since breaking my collarbone and having lots of time off, I wouldnt mind just having my horses and not riding them, my mum feels the same. They get plently of love and food, but I dont think its the be-all-and-end-all not to ride.

[Mehitabel]

i'm with linda. if i couldn't ride i wouldn't have a horse - i'd still (if i was physically able) teach and be around them, but i wouldn't keep one to pat; they're too expensive for me to have just as a pet.

i've done the looking after - 7 years working at the yard in charge of 70 of them - and it holds no thrill for me these days. i wouldn't do diy livery.

[teabiscuit]

some days if i've had it with the world and his wife, i just get the horses in and brush them and scratch them and talk to them, and all the stress disappears.
i love to be aboard, but just being with them is important too.
wouldn't want to be without either aspects.

[Little Dolphins]

Think I'd class myself in the "Love It All" section.

As a kid i just wanted to get on that pony and ride.

Now, I like all of the connections with horses and people you get everyday on the yard. Even when 'things go wrong' with horse and self.

people say "oh it's a shame you're not riding much" but they don't see inside my head and count the ways I'm learning.

:)

[Afellpony]

I suppose you could class Falcon as a 'just a pet'. I ride (at the moment) just twice a week, if that. Often I just take him for a walk with me in hand and he seems to enjoy that. I rode him last Sunday in the school and he was the best he's ever been. Hopefully, I'll be riding him again this weekend (weather permitting). The Y0's daughter rides him twice a week as well.

[jenren!!]

Love to ride, and every aspect of horses, including the mucking out (i regularly pat myself for a job well done!)

But i must say, I CAN NOT IMAGINE life without being in the saddle. A friend of mine is expecting, so hasn't ridden in 7 months, and i just don't see how she can cope. Although she visits the ponies, and pets, and gives carrots, it must be tortue not bein able to get on.

Although, if for some reason i would never be able to ride again, the horsies would be my pets.
I think i can say the exact same thing for myself.

I love the satisfaction you get when you bed your horse down and keep them warm, i get a real buzz from that, but i dont think id be happy with just having a pet, i would want to ride as well. I wouldnt be selling Aramis if i was ok for a pet - i want something to ride as well :o.

I actually got into horses wanting to ride, but i did this combined with learning to look after them. Riding is what i love best.

[rubysmum]

at the risk of being a bit unpopular - i really don't see horses as pets - in the same way that i dont see cows or sheep as pets - my horse is a working animal whom i have responsibility for - i hope that i take good care of her & try not to get too much in the way of her real life with other horses & her complex herd relationships - i really like to ride her - maybe cos i came to horse ownership late & havn't had time to get blase about being able to ride when i choose to - the people i really struggle to understand are the liveries who rarely do anything with their horses - seems to be a v expensive status symbols or do they just forget about them

[colettybetty]

I'm with the first group, I love looking after my two and riding them.Everything I do, is done with their mental and physical well being as the first consideration. Malachy likes to hack out, but will happily school or jump if not asked too often, he's happiest if not ridden too hard every day and loves to be fussed and loved.He would happily give rides to tots all day, as he loves kids. Fox loves to be ridden with lots of variety, but enjoys attention and fussing too.
However, when my previous mare was ill, I didn't want to ride any other horse and would happily have looked after her forever, because , for me the bond with them is the most important thing.
The girl in the stable next to me sees her horse as a means to her competitive career, although he is looked after physically well enough ( and certainly better than the My Little Pony brigade ). But she did say ruefully the other day 'I don't think he likes me, we don't have a bond ' I thought thats sad, because I think he'd love to have a thank you pat and a rub and hear her say 'you're so special, my lovely lad', but in 3 years, I don't think its occurred to her.

[nicolaj]

I have come across the odd person who just sees the horse as a machine and just get on a ride, not really too bothered by the care and handling on the ground. In fact, they were quite scared of their nutty horse's antics on the ground, but as soon as they were on really enjoyed the prancing and pratting about as if it was clever.:mad:

Agree with other's comments, just because somebody has a horse on full livery doesn't mean they don't care, just don't have the time to do the 'chores' and would rather spending the time riding and grooming or just 'playing' with their horse.

I HATE mucking out, so have a horsey that lives out.

I enjoy riding, but have got stuck in a very deep rut at the moment, so not enjoying it at the moment. But also like the other side as well such as grooming and just giving him some fuss in the field as well, just to say hello I'm still here.

Suppose it depends on why you have a horse, competition riders would view them very differently, they are 'machines' but are looked after as well. My horse is a 'pet' but has a purpose, i.e. to ride him, I have a friend who has a few horses I could just look after and groom and such like if I didn't ride so save the expense!

[Peace]

I had many a person give me a hard time about buying my present horse Barney who was twenty three years old at the time . It was hard for them to understand that I loved him...who he was...what he had given all his life. It wasn't about what he could do for me...more about what we could do for each other:) .
We are very happy together;)

Awww.:) I love old horses - you know Bram is the light of my life. Although I have to say no one gave me a hard time about buying him - actually, they all breathed a sigh of relief as they thought I suited a twenty-something much better than my mischeivous little paint horse.:o I don't reckon I can say it wasn't about what he could do for me either - I named him after Abraham Lincoln, because he emancipated me from being afraid to leave the round pen.

So you are far more altruistic than I am.:) What's the story behind Barney? How did y'all wind up together? I love old horse stories with happy endings.

[Skib]

But you didnt invite me to come back and groom him, did you?

[julia gulia]

They bought him and one other horse when a farm (which offered trail rides ) closed down .He was the type of horse that most people "overlooked" He was about eighteen years old at the time and was skinny and very sway backed. Many horses came and went there...if they didn't "earn their keep", they were gone...no one ever knew where exactly they went and we didn't ask. I noticed him straight away..don't ask me why. He was a beautiful jumper (even with his conformational challenges) he was brave and tough and level headed. I know that I have posted this before but I am convinced that he chose me..I will always remember a friend of mine saying that she believed he was waiting for someone to see inside his weary soul...someone who would notice him. I groomed him every day, put him on a supplement, got him a distinguished and warm coat to keep him warm in the bitter winters. Just that little bit of care made an enormous difference for him. He blossomed:) .

I always worried about him though...he was jumping six days a week, I promised him I would always take care of him. Then the day came when the time was right and I was able to buy him. I had him trailered down to Georgia . My friend who put him on the trailer (I was already here waiting for him) said that he looked so worried and heartbroken when he realised that he was on the move again....he was no stranger to livestock trailers.
The look on his face when he saw me on this end was eerie to say the least.
I guess the phrase "You can't chose who you fall in love with" is true!
He is my "favourite Horse":D

[teabiscuit]

ah julia what a lovely story, i have a tear in my eye.
lucky Barney to have you as his person.

[Peace]

Julia, what a great story.:) Made me tear up as well.

It's funny, but my YO always said Bram fell in love with me at first sight. It actually took me a little longer to reciprocate - but then Bram always has been smarter than I am and I'm not surprised he realized what a good partnership we could have more quickly than I did.

Like you, I bought Bram so he could retire from schoolteaching. I taught school myself for a year and a half and loathed it. One day, I watched him deliberately dump a little girl who was trying to make him jump a crosspole, and I could tell he felt the same way I had about it.:)

I'm so glad Barney found his forever home with you, and won't have to move around anymore.:)

[julia gulia]

"It's funny, but my YO always said Bram fell in love with me at first sight"

I so beleive that your yard owner is right! :)

[Whatanejit]

NN and Belle 1 just to clarify I wasn't suggesting that DIY is more caring than part livery.

I was just stressing that some people do the whole DIY thing on a horse that they can't or don't or won't ride and so, to me, are really into the love and pet side of things. The just having a horse thing. Do you see what I mean?

I keep Coops on part livery due to time constraints too. Doesn't mean I love him less than the DIY er.

Hope that has cleared the emphasis of the thread up.

Thanks for the insight into your relationship with your horses folks. Some very touching reading in these posts.:)

Nothing wrong with seeing them as a working animal either.

[Widget]

I think im a combination of the 3. Now I have my horses, if they were too old/ill to ride I would still keep them as I am responsible for them for life. That said I would never go and buy a horse I couldnt ride as I dont see the point in me having it for the sake of it. Although I would always groom and fuss as well as ride, if I could afford full livery I would have it. And I would spend all the saved time doing something non horsey I think.
I love my horses and if they died I would get another to ride and love, but I like doing other stuff too.

[jUmPingIsLifE]

I will add though that i wouldn't go out and buy un-usable horses. I love my horses already so if they became unusable i wouldn't mind. Mehitable is right, they are to expensive to just 'look at'

[Mehitabel]

I will add though that i wouldn't go out and buy un-usable horses. I love my horses already so if they became unusable i wouldn't mind. Mehitable is right, they are to expensive to just 'look at'

oh yes - the old git will have a retirement home with me, if he is happy retired when the time comes. i certainly couldn't begrudge him that.

[rowdent]

I got into horses, because I loved horses.. Horses were my world.. I was happy just to be with them.. then I learned to ride and it was even better..

Right now I am sharing a beautiful girl, who I am learning more about daily.. we are gradually building up a relationship.. and THAT is what I love about horses.. that's something you can't get with ANY other animal I don't think.. it's MORE than just the riding, it's MORE than just looking after and bonding with an animal..

Sometimes (like with a person) you just click with a horse don't you? Sometimes it takes a while (like with a person) to become friends with that horse.. but Always it is a deep relationship, whether it be good or bad, it is NEVER indifferent.. they are all fabulously individual characters.. and I adore that..

The more I get to know Misty, the more I love her.. the more I love her the more I want to be with her.. even if it's just to groom, or do things for her.. I bring her a carrot to fetch her from the field, it isn't necessary.. she is never hard to catch.. but I want to make her happy..

The riding is just the icing on the cake.. I love riding, always have, and would ride at stables if I had to, but the relationship side is the bit I missed when I did that..

Sorry waxing lyrical LOL.. but it's something I missed terribly when I was away from horses.. not just the riding.. but the friendship the bond between two friends.. I used to dream about my old horse.. and it wasn't always riding dreams.. mostly it was bits about being with him...when I woke I would be sad.. crying as I missed him..

[Selle Francais]

:eek: [QUOTE=Giveitago;1037564]I'm the 'ride the pet' kinda person. I love a cuddle but I like to feel the wind in my locks too. I especially enjoy reading the body language and trying to find out how the horses are feeling- what they want to do.

I'm with you there - I look out for my boy, and woe betide the stables when I find something wrong - but fundamentally he is there to ride with - he and me together having fun - what else does a horse do? I really can't abide all the primping and preening - frankly neither can he, he likes a groom, but after 10 minutes he's saying "Can we go now, please, I'm bored" So we have a quick scrub up and then we go off and do fun things together - that IS the point, isn't it?

And as for the colour of the rosette - he knows precisely whether he has won, or how well he has done relatively, and his whole demeanour reflects his view of his success or not! Mind you - he does have a lot of Arab in him, and we all know what they think of it all!

Sorry guys, but loosen up - we love our gees because when we ride them it makes us into something outside ourselves, something bigger and better, so let's not get distracted from the fundamentals here. :)

Sorry - bit of a rant, but I sometimes feel we can lose sight of the objective because we all care so much.:confused:

SF

[loopyh]

I just love to be around horses its really daft but I could go to the stables not really do anything but just be around them. I would love one day to have one of my own to muck out etc. I do get twitchy if I haven't ridden for a few weeks though and will spend money I don't really have just because I need to get in a saddle - its an addiction!!!!

[coverblown]

OH DEAR

I'm a number 3. I love to ride..........

I haven't got my own horse. I would love to some day but right now I haven't got the time.

I turn up to the riding lessons - if the horse (pony for me) isn't tacked up I'll happily do it, grooming him before and hosing him down / turning him out, after; hopefully giving him or her ( as you can guess I ride different horses and ponies) the best attention and empathy possible from a RS pundit like me..

Then I ride, again as sympathetically as possible. I ride twice weekly, probably two or three different horses, all of whom I love to bits. Untack and put them away, rug up where appropriate........ but not if I don't have the time

Daughter rides with me, on occasion hires one of the ponies to compete, She cleans, grooms and brushes him to the best of her ability (nobody has told her how, and pony is always in demand by school so little time available) rides him beautifully (I think), ensures he is confortable after the comp and turns him out. She has lots of gear for him. Cooler, girth guard, white numnah, as well as headcollear, lead rope and brushes.

But we do it for the riding........... is that a huge problem??

[Little Dolphins]

When I first joined NR, pre-ownership, I read posts like "How often do you ride your horse?", and was a bit puzzled by replies that went: "Oh, sometimes I just groom and don't ride".

I was actually quite amazed people with their own horses didn't want to go riding on them at every opportunity!

Now I see what they mean, very clearly. Having been starved of horse company for too many years, riding lessons or hacks were the only way to savour every last drop of an hour with a horse.

I am very fortunate now not to be hurried away from a wondrous animal, but to be in control, more or less, of the time I spend with it.

Therefore, caring for/ cleaning/ feeding/ etc find a balance of importance in the whole deal. Even standing and staring. Yeah, I'm allowed!!!:D

[Selle Francais]

Good on you AAH - I did that for years before I became a livery and it is fantastic riding all those dear friends - but you have got it absolutely right!

You love them to bits, you care for them (more than you can sometimes admit) but I still think riding is what it's supposed to be about.

SF

[colettybetty]

RIDING is what it's all about (as you so eloquently say yourself, AAH)

SF
With respect, not for me.I love riding my horses, they are ridden most days, and certainly in preference to shampooing- we like mud !But, the reason I love riding them is because of the relationship we share.I just love being with them and have to tear myself away. When I put Fox back in the field after riding and feeding her, we stand there watching each other over the gate, not wanting to separate. When I arrive to get her she winnies and trots over to greet me. The relationship,different with each horse is what its about for me and I'll keep them in their unrideable retirememt when the time comes.

[alpha1]

IMO (and really not wanting to be rude) I don't think that the 3 alternatives are very meaningful.

I would honestly find people who just want to pet an animal, rather than ride, and choose a horse as that animal, a bit odd. Why not choose a dog, which is far more responsive ? or a rabbit, guinea pig etc, which is much cuddlier and less work instead ?

The choice between 1 and 3 seems to depend on what you use your horse for. (I'm guessing that "spend time with" really means that you like your horse). For most of us I guess we like our animals, including horses, but I would have imagined that the main point of a horse today has to be to ride it, drive it, show it, etc (whatever floats your boat).

But I would also think that if you are a top competitor, however much you may like an animal, if it can't do whatever it is intnded to do, then you have to get one who can.

BTW we have 4 horses / ponies, and anyone who wants to look after them is more than welcome. More than that, if you are fairly sane and normal, I would pay full board and lodging, and you could cuddle and clean as much as you wanted !

[Whatanejit]

Hey Anne,

There is absolutely nothing wrong with what you said. Like LD that is how I was before I got my boy.

Selle Francais - you seem to be ranting over something but I am not sure what has annoyed you on this thread.

Alpha 1 - there are many more alternatives to the 1,2,3 and people can add their own mix.

[asha]

I love riding and I also love caring for my horse.

However I do think you might be being a bit harsh on the 'machine type owners'. Some people have to make a very tough decision to have their horse PTS for insurance reasons. I know of such a case where the owner was devastated at having to do so, as yes the horse could have been a very light hack. The problem was that she wouldn't have been able to buy another horse if not. Riding and competing is what she lives for.
Moral of this story, always insure for loss of use!

[Skib]

as yes the horse could have been a very light hack.

I was told via the grapevine that a horse I had ridden just once, one of my favourite RS horses, was in need of a home and could be used as a very light hack.
When one hears this it may be relatively meaningless unless one does indeed need a horse as a pet. I am in my sixties. I am not a big woman nor over-weight. I am also a very cautious rider. So it sounded fine.

But when I spoke to the RS it became clear that the horse would not be able to work in any normal sense of the word. Nor could it be turned out.

A horse that has worked for its owner well for many years, but is no longer fit for work, deserves a good retirement. And vets soften the opinion perhaps by suggesting a horse can be used for light hacking. But my RI would argue that if a horse is unable to move freely and behave like a horse, then owners should bite the bullet and have the horse put down. There are too many people looking for buyers or sharers for horses that are no longer fit for the riding that they, the owners want to do. The sad thing is that their horses are not fit for the hacking I want to do either.

If I classify myself, Dee to add to your survey: I want a working horse - not a pet. I want a horse that is an intelligent living creature not a substitute for a teddy bear.
When it comes to communicating with any horse, and controlling it, I make no distinction between riding, and ground work. To relate properly to any horse, - at a basic animal level - I prefer to groom it, tack up and feed it etc, though with RS horse the opportunity may be limited.
Like a Victorian lady, I am happy to have other people do the heavy or boring stuff like mucking out, lifting saddles, clean tack, and look after the horses when I am away.

If I bought a horse I do not think I would change. I am quite surprised to read that you have. And wonder if it is only women with our maternal instinct?

[Little Dolphins]

If I bought a horse I do not think I would change. I am quite surprised to read that you have. And wonder if it is only women with our maternal instinct?

This is the thing- it does change your view, like all new experience.

To pose an analogy:- if you are a trained teacher, working with children, then that is your focus. You have to put the care aspect in perspective with the education of their minds.

Then when you bear your own children as well, the total experience of rearing, educating, loving, experiencing great difficulty as well as joy, and NEVERTHELESS knowing they are not dolls but independent beings- then you know the difference. ALL the facets of your care are contributing to their- and your wellbeing.

I'm sure even the soppiest owner realises their horse is not a cuddly toy as they shovel its poo, smell of wee, nurse their bruised and trodden-on toes:D

[Bronya]

Having read all the posts, I have to add a random comment....

I have never understood the 'not riding' thing, for the simple reason that, if my two don't get ridden they are sooo miserable. Mysti actually worries herself into losing weight and Sunny becomes so clingy it's not real. I always feel I have the responsibility of care towards them, and that includes trying to give them a decent life. No point keeping a horse just to make it miserable. So, regardless of how tired or achey I am, I ride. Mysti always, Sunny if my OH can't for some reason. They can just about cope with 2 days off a week max, any more than that and both get upset. I have yet to meet these mysterious horses that don't care - help anyone?

[colettybetty]

this thread has brought up many thought provoking posts, I wish we were all able to sit in the tackroom and discuss !
I think I could be classed as a 'soppy owner' in some respects, in that they get loads of affectionate rubs and hugs and as the saying goes, 'A loved child has many names', so my two have lots of nicknames.Don't think they are surrogate babies tho, I have 6 kids and 2 grandchildren, more than enough thanks !

Was just racking my brains to think of the name of the top event rider who quit at the peak of her career, because her beloved mare, with whom she had so much success, had to retire from competition and she didn't want to carry on competing without her.Not all competition riders see their animals as machines to be PTS when no longer useful.

[Trewsers]

There are people who want to ride and get to know and be with their horse.
There are others who are happy to have their horses as pets, never ride but religiously DIY their needs.
Then there are others who want to ride and that is it .

?

Hmm, I think OH and I fit into the people who want to ride and get to know and be with their horse - BUT we also see them as pets and will keep them for as long as they are not in any pain even if they cannot be ridden. OH gets great satisfaction in caring for his horse - tho he does love to ride him too (but after weeks / months of Joe being lame) this has not been possible, yet he still jumps out of bed each morning to be with him. And me, well, I love riding but I also love caring for them, the riding (I have only just recently cracked on) isn't all about pushing or being pushed into stuff you don't want to do - so am enjoying it all the more at the mo....:D :D

[Trewsers]

Therefore, caring for/ cleaning/ feeding/ etc find a balance of importance in the whole deal. Even standing and staring. Yeah, I'm allowed!!!:D


Good for you:D How nice that I'm not alone tho - I sometimes spend quite some time doing just that....:D

[rowdent]

Even standing and staring. Yeah, I'm allowed!!! :D :D :D I love that LD.. THAT is what makes it for me..:D

[Zingy]

I'd opt for 1 or 2. Certainly I used to be a 1, but would be a 2 with my own horses.

I used to find the riding more important then I do now and realistically rode more when I didn't own a horse! Horse ownership opened up a lot of new things that I could do - groundwork/ long reining etc which I got just as much out of as the actual riding. Then, following a long period of not seriously being able to consider riding, I kind of stopped wanting to do it. Keeping my horse though never came into question - it wasn't his fault he couldn't be ridden and I'd rather give up something of what I want than sell him.

The bug is slowly coming back now though, with the prospect of being able to ride again. But I know I could give up that thought if I had to.

Having said that, I don't think I'd buy something that had no potential other than being a pet. My horses will stay with me in retirement, but they're too expensive for me to get at that stage of their life. In the same way I'd never expect anyone to take on a retired horse of mine - to me if you want something of their working life you should be prepared to take on the afterwards as well.

[Montana]

Aw, Julia and Peace - what beautiful stories. I only pray that my horse gets to a great old age and is still with me, riding or no riding:)

It's funny, if you'd asked me that question a couple of months back, if it was the riding or caring for that was the most important thing for me, I'd have said that just being with him, walking in hand, grooming, watching in the field was the most vital thing, and the thing I enjoyed most.

Since the start of August, Monty has been off work with a tendon injury - and what surprised me most is - I really miss riding him:o Not just 'riding'; I've been really lucky and am exercising a fabulous coloured warmblood dressage type several times a week - on paper, a million miles above Mont's league, but I want to ride my horse!

It's more than just sitting in his back, I miss the closeness we get when we experience new places, overcome new challenges. I miss looking through his little 'devil's horn' ears as we clip clop through the countryside. I miss the level of communication we have built up over the past 5 years, and can't possibly hope to find in another horse, no matter how good that horse is. I only used to ride maybe 2-3 times a week, sometimes a lot less - but hadn't realised how much I depended on that time. Not having the ability to ride, however sporadically, is awful:rolleyes:

We are almost at the end of the long road - I'm allowed back on him for a short time from next week - and you won't be able to get this - :D - off my face!

[Whatanejit]

Absolutely agree with you there Montana - I miss the achievements that we have been making together with Cooper and our riding.

I'm lucky that I have May and still take lessons elsewhere and as he has been poorly it is wonderful to see him looking good and being cared for each day too http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f270/Whatanejit/Smilies/smilienurse.gif.

I definately wouldn't take on a sick/injured horse but I would like to think I would see Coops into his old age. If he did become unridable I would have the option of field livery at a reasonable cost but would absolutely try and afford to take on a second horse to continue riding and experiencing the pleasure of horse ownership.

Either way as long as I am physically able I will continue to ride too on whatever horse.

In my experience or should I say in my opinion, you can read as many books as you like on a subject and follow the words of specialist gurus but nothing will actual prepare you for how you change when you experience something for yourself such as having a child, falling in love, owning a pet and building a relationship with your own horse.

Thanks for some of the lovely stories.http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f270/Whatanejit/Smilies/smiliethanks.gif

[julia gulia]

Aw, Julia and Peace - what beautiful stories. I only pray that my horse gets to a great old age and is still with me, riding or no riding:)

It's funny, if you'd asked me that question a couple of months back, if it was the riding or caring for that was the most important thing for me, I'd have said that just being with him, walking in hand, grooming, watching in the field was the most vital thing, and the thing I enjoyed most.

Since the start of August, Monty has been off work with a tendon injury - and what surprised me most is - I really miss riding him:o Not just 'riding'; I've been really lucky and am exercising a fabulous coloured warmblood dressage type several times a week - on paper, a million miles above Mont's league, but I want to ride my horse!

It's more than just sitting in his back, I miss the closeness we get when we experience new places, overcome new challenges. I miss looking through his little 'devil's horn' ears as we clip clop through the countryside. I miss the level of communication we have built up over the past 5 years, and can't possibly hope to find in another horse, no matter how good that horse is. I only used to ride maybe 2-3 times a week, sometimes a lot less - but hadn't realised how much I depended on that time. Not having the ability to ride, however sporadically, is awful:rolleyes:

We are almost at the end of the long road - I'm allowed back on him for a short time from next week - and you won't be able to get this - :D - off my face!

I know exactly how you feel Montana;) My boy has had an abscess and has been on 'sick leave' for the past two weeks. I get to ride many different horses at our barn (I'm very lucky) but there's nothing like spending time with your best mate. Barney and I had the best trail ride together yesterday...I sat myself down and just exhaled slowly..aaaaaahhhhhhhhhh... Life is good :D It's like a marriage (well, a good marriage ) we just like each others company and can finish each others sentences. He is my comfy chair, my soft place to fall:)

[Little Dolphins]

In my experience or should I say in my opinion, you can read as many books as you like on a subject and follow the words of specialist gurus but nothing will actual prepare you for how you change when you experience something for yourself such as having a child, falling in love, owning a pet and building a relationship with your own horse.



Very true,W'jit. One changes, and one grows, and if not as fast or far as others, one can't change that.

It's all exciting though, innit?!

[Montana]

It's like a marriage (well, a good marriage ) we just like each others company and can finish each others sentences. He is my comfy chair, my soft place to fall:)

Now, see, you've set me off again! It's nice to have the same level of understanding from people here.
Monty is my peace, my relaxation, my happy place when my day's gone wrong. Try explaining that one to an un-horsy husband (even within a good marriage!;) :p )

[julia gulia]

Now, see, you've set me off again! It's nice to have the same level of understanding from people here.
Monty is my peace, my relaxation, my happy place when my day's gone wrong. Try explaining that one to an un-horsy husband (even within a good marriage!;) :p )

Yeah...good luck with that one:p

[Harvey99]

I've given this a lot of thought before posting. My initial reaction was "well all of it of course - the riding, the care, the horse as a much loved pet, getting to know the horse as much as possible".

But, when it comes down to it, it's all about the riding really. Don't get me wrong, now that I have my own horse I love all that horse ownership entails, including just "being" with my horse. If I was unable to ride ever again (and I haven't been able to since January:o ), or my horse could never be ridden again, I would still keep him. He would be loved and looked after into his old age. Because I have a very strong bond with him.

But, if horses had not been domesticated for riding. If one just didn't ride horses (like a sheep, or a cow, or a goat, or any other large animal you can think of that we don't tend to ride). Then I can honestly say I would not have bought a horse to keep for a pet.

Similarly, if for some medical reason I could never have ridden, then I certainly would not have my own horse now.

So, it is the "Riding" that got me into, and keeps me into horses.................

[Skib]

This thread has gone in a differrent direction at times from dees original question.
Some posts suggest that those of us who don't own a horse cant possibly know what it is like to relate to one's own animal. That is true.

But it is not so safe to assume the consequences are significant. People with no children of their own, including gay people, often prove to be excellent teachers with a real gift for relating to children.

I truly seriously am unsure whether my attitude would change if I had a horse of my own because I hope I already treat all horses I ride as if they were my own. Neither better nor worse.

I agree that any horse with whom one has a long-standing relationship (there is a mare I have ridden almost every week for the last two years) falls into a different category: mutual familiarity, a shared history and rapport based on knowledge. Not only do I know the mare, but the mare knows what I have taught her. But one doesn't need to own the horse to have that sort of relationship.
I have a role model in my own RI and big name trainers who work with clients horses. I have seen that a professional horseman or woman gives the same quality of riding and care, their full attention, to the client's horse as they do to their own. In fact one reason I don't own a horse is that riding a new horse or a problem horse occasionally can be more interesting than riding one's favourite all the time.

As to teddy bears. I wasn't being stupid. I have a teddy or two - always have had from childhood, to cuddle and be comfy with like a security blanket. I use teddies as an emotional prop - not horses. But some people do seem to use a horse, and I asked only whether this was more common in women?

Again this has nothing to do with whether or not one owns. I have seen women riding school clients get exceptionally soppy and possessive about their usual horse. I did particularly love the horse that taught me to ride and was so nice and patient with me -tacking up, grooming etc. - when the human beings were scornful.
But I loved him just as I love the mare I ride, in the context of riding. As Montana has said, I love to ride and to think about horses. And if I buy a horse of my own, for the good of that horse, I'd not want to change.

I admit I talk to the horses using words I used with my kids - And use some of the same behaviorist related psychology. But human motherhood of the new infant is not a good analogy for owning a horse.
Detachment is as important as attachment. The real matures on this board know that being a good mother eventually involves learning that your children are now adults with independent lives of their own.

There is a shift (it seems to me) in the Mature section of NR towards those who own horses. Time to think carefully perhaps about what actually separates the owners from the RS riders among us and to be as inclusive as possible. Many top competitors don't own the horses they ride.

[Whatanejit]

This is totally taking us off the thread now but..........http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f270/Whatanejit/Smilies/offtopic.gif

There is a shift (it seems to me) in the Mature section of NR towards those who own horses

I totally disagree with this Skib and I know you have felt this way for some time.http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f270/Whatanejit/Smilies/smiliesnono.gif

I think the matures and indeed the board in general is very inclusive. I joined the board as a non horse owner.

A horse owner can sometimes give poor advice on this board and sometimes a non horse owner who is informed and experienced can give better advice.

But this is not always the case.

It is when people post advice - whether you are a horse owner or not - that is beyond their experience, based on hearsay, what was read in a book or indeed what a favourite guru said that I personally think is unreasonable.

Despite being a horse owner, there are threads looking for help that I would not dream of replying to because despite having read about it I have not experienced the problem myself. I leave it for the more experienced posters to solve and learn from them too.

Contrary to that there are people willing to dish out epistles of what to do and what not to do based on what they have read in a book.

Personally, I think that is unreasonable but it is up to the receiver of advice to decide what to do with it.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f270/Whatanejit/Smilies/nice_day.gif

[neen]

I don't own, I part loan, and I have come across one circumstance which has been completely new to me, and wouldn't be experienced by an RS client -- that of having a horse you can't ride, because of lameness or saddle issues. Before I got my part loan, I had no idea how common this is. New Rider has been a great support for me in that respect, as I've seen other people go through the same unique frustration. It's an odd one -- on the one hand, it leads you to spend time grooming and doing groundwork (which it turns out I love, and which really pays dividends). On the other hand, it can drive you a bit mad. As I realised the other day when I misunderstood something Fluke's owner said about breaking him to drive. I thought she meant I wouldn't be able to ride him for a while, and (while I was kind of intrigued by the idea of learning to drive) it really brought it home to me that I WANT TO RIDE. Even if it's half an hour in the school, bareback while we wait for his new saddle. It's strangely important to me, and I just hadn't realised that before.

Don't think I would have had, or understood, these experiences without sharing -- and I have learned a lot from them. Mostly about patience and dealing with frustration!

[LindaAd]

Sorry - double posting, and I don't know how to delete a post.

[LindaAd]

[QUOTE=Skib;1038948]

A horse that has worked for its owner well for many years, but is no longer fit for work, deserves a good retirement. And vets soften the opinion perhaps by suggesting a horse can be used for light hacking. But my RI would argue that if a horse is unable to move freely and behave like a horse, then owners should bite the bullet and have the horse put down. There are too many people looking for buyers or sharers for horses that are no longer fit for the riding that they, the owners want to do. The sad thing is that their horses are not fit for the hacking I want to do either.

If I classify myself, Dee to add to your survey: I want a working horse - not a pet. I want a horse that is an intelligent living creature not a substitute for a teddy bear.
/QUOTE]

I agree with this, Skib, but sometimes when you buy a horse you don't know what you're going to get ... When we bought my daughter's pony, who wasn't very young, the RI warned us that she'd be hard to sell because as well as being old she was too sharp and whizzy for a lot of children, and not good enough at winning rosettes for a lot of others. So she stayed. We had a couple of sharers for her, one adult, one teenager, but they've moved on and the pony's retired. You could say that with that one we knew what we were getting.

With Barney, you know the story - he's lame, can't be ridden, can't be worked at all, but isn't in any pain, and he's quite capable of being a horse - grazing, grooming his mates, having the odd hooley round the field. So there he is - pasture ornament. The RI suggested we have him PTS, but I couldn't bring myself to do that to a healthy horse. So he gets looked after, groomed, feet trimmed, the occasional cuddle. But although he's a lovely solid presence, I don't really enjoy doing things with him now - if you can't ride them, it seems pointless.

[teabiscuit]

but they don't see inside my head and count the ways I'm learning.

:)

what a fab way of putting it, wonderful

[Nimbus65]

Yes - there's a girl at our yard who owns the loveliest pony. She has a lesson on him once a week and that's it. She shows up, hops on, rides for an hour, hops off and goes home. She doesn't help during the week or on the weekends, doesn't come just to visit, groom or cuddle him and when she competes on him, doesn't come and plait him up, etc.

I think it's sad - not for the pony b/c he gets plenty of love and TLC from the hoardes of little helpers on the yard - but because there are loads of kids on that yard (mine included) who would LIVE at that yard if they had a pony there, and plenty who live there who aren't owners.

N

[Afellpony]

If I had to give up riding tomorrow, I certainly wouldn't give up Falcon. I'd probably try and get him trained as a driving pony. Something Fells are good at I believe.

[horse_lady43]

i love my horses like my kids,i love riding and mucking out and spending time with them,altho some people say i spend too much time with them,i dont mind if i couldnt ride them, i would still spend just as much time with them,just grooming and being with them,they are my haven when everything gets on top of you,i dont even go on holiday as i dont like to leave them.they are my friends,sometimes better then humans .

[Sparkie]

I don't have my own pony, but I am very attatched to some of the ones at our RS, and I spend most of my days at the yard without riding. I have a lesson once a week, then ride the ponies if they need schooling. I like to ride, I wouldn't want to not be able to, but I think I'd find being without horses at all harder than just not being able to ride, and going just for my lesson wouldn't be an option, as I love just having the contact with horses.

You can learn just by watching a lesson I find, I even manage to learn about riding through learning to teach actually, I learnt so much from the two novices I had on Saturday, it reminded me about the basics and how important it is to get these right.

I have seen plenty of group 3 riders though, who get on the horse for an hour, then get off, throw the reins to someone else, and go home. I always try to at least get people to give them a pat before they go, even if they won't help with them, or don't have enough time to. We run competitions at our yard in the summer, and plenty of people turn up, expecting the horses to be ready, then cry/moan when they get a horse they don't like, or one which isn't so good at the activity, and so won't win them a rosette.

[sammyantha]

My first horsey love, called 'Irish' was the perfect example of a feild ornament, or should I say 'stable ornament'! He was gorgeous, Dapple grey, 16hh TBXWelsh (the wrong welsh as his hooves were too small for his body poor angel). His owner bought him because he was a stunner, a stallion, and a talented showjumper. She subsequently had him gelded (wise, but then why buy a stallion?), rode once per week for 15-30 mins, never visited in between or satyed longer/ turned up early before her rides, and had him stabled 24/7 with an hours turnout in the small paddock or sand school per day!!!! He was CRAZY with boredom :mad:

While the weather has been so awful over the last couple of months, I've not ridden much except at weekends. Some weeks though, it gets to Sunday and I realise I have not ridden at all, but my horse-o-meter is full because I have spent at least an hour every night straight from work, grooming, playing with, clicker training and just being with my mare :D

There are 6 other owners at my small yard, and when I first got there only one other livery rode - and her horse was on 12 months rest due to recurring problems with lameness! I admit I did find this a bit strange at first, as I am 50/50 when it comes to riding or just 'being' with horses, I can't live without either. But all the others spend time with their horses and are 'friends' with them, only one of them never rides at all, and that is because her mare is retired with a twisted back.

[Roheryn]

I'm in the first group. I love being with my guy, just hanging out with him, hand grazing him, visiting with him in the pasture, bringing him in to work on his mane or groom him. I love riding him just as much, but since I'm a nervous rider returned to riding after many non-horsey years, there've been times when I just didn't feel up to riding, didn't have anyone to ride with, etc. Those time I'll just hang out with him. Things are better now, I almost always have someone to ride with, or at least there is someone else at the barn somewhere, but I probably spend as much time on the ground with my guy as on his back. All that ground time has helped us when I do ride him, and the more I ride him the better our ground time gets. :)

[horse_crazy]

I love both! I love my rideing and love the horses to! love just spending hours with them grooming and feeding them. and of corse just sitting with them!