horse care

horsedolls · #1 14th Dec 2006, 08:50 PM

after caring for a horse for a while, do you just get used to it? do you just kind of get the hang of it? if so, how long did it take you to get "the hang" of it?

just wondering. <__<

CurlyWurlyRach · #2 14th Dec 2006, 08:51 PM

everytime i muck out i get faster. Ive been mucking out for 5 years mind you

Bobbin · #3 14th Dec 2006, 08:59 PM

You get into a routine and it just gets easier as you find what works best for you.

xx

puzzles · #4 14th Dec 2006, 09:04 PM

yeah - it kind of becomes like clockwork; you learn what needs to be done and just get on with it, to put it bluntly!
when i worked at my 2nd stables for about 3 yrs it was all great, but when i moved and stopped for a couple of months - suddenyl it doesn't take me about 30 secs to rug up - with a routine for everything, you know, folding this bit and that bit - but now it's about 3 mins!

Tanyajayne · #5 14th Dec 2006, 09:47 PM

It must get easier because I can drive to the farm, rug up and lead Bryony to the field, then muck out her stable and re fill water all before I feel awake. At the weekend I sometimes lunge her as well for 10-15 mins then go back home to bed.

applegirl123 · #6 15th Dec 2006, 09:43 AM

When I got my first pony I was very unsure I wouldn't have all the knowledge needed and was so sure i would end up killing it or something drastic like that!! But its amazing how much you pick up and learn in such a short space of time... I don't even think about what I'm doing anymore it just becomes natural... If you ever discover a problem 99% of the time there is always loads od people around to give you their opinion (at my yard anyway) and you find in the horsey world that people greatly rely on others methods and advice.. everyone has had different problems and stuff to deal with with their own horses and so all have numerous experiences of different things...
Now I don't know why I ever doubted myself... I have so much fun with my current 2nd pony and don't know how I could have ever lived without him!! I have about 20 2nd mums up the stables who are always on hand to help me with any problem or query I may have!!

Hope this helps

x x x

Lot1983 · #7 15th Dec 2006, 10:04 AM

I am just starting to lease a horse, after not having my own for many years, and I am writting myself a check list, which boots go where, which rugs at night, how to put his flippin martingale on...

If in doubt write it down, if you can laminate a checklist to put up in the tack room!

When I had my old pony, it eventually came naturally, you should have seen me yesterday, I was embarassing myself with my grooming, I've never been so indecisive over which brush to use before!

Peanut · #8 15th Dec 2006, 10:16 AM

You never stop learning where horses are concerned. But I think it takes a year (i.e. all the seasons and the various highs and lows that go with them) to feel confident in caring for a horse.

Lot1983 · #9 15th Dec 2006, 11:58 AM

Very bored at work so I'm making myself a check list (with pictures)...