Yes i do have a safe place to ride. I usually let my uncle and Nana know when i head to see the horses since its not far from the house. Nana usually will sit on the porch and listen out for anything unusual. I have all the basic equipment, as well as her two Australian riding saddle. I am willing to learn all I can. And i do apologize for sounding aggressive post. But they are my last connection to my aunt. She was like my Mom. If i hadn't stepped up and said I'd take care of the three horses, they would have been split up and sold to whoever offered the most. But i couldn't let that happen.I think more experienced people than us know by experience the dangers/safety/health issues of choosing to have horses in our lives and just want to us to be safe with healthy happy horses. I totally understand that. I also believe there are unknown risks in every day life, like crossing a road, that we face every day and can’t always mitigate - at least you are eyes open and willing to admit what you don’t know - like me!!!
And everyone does have to start somewhere. It is courageous to take on a life challenge that pushes us out of our comfort zones / that’s where personal growth happens. And everyone’s comfortable place to start at is different because we’ll all unique. (And I don’t know what other options these horses had but I’m thankful they are not facing the other awful options that await unwanted horses.) Don’t worry about the fancy stables - some horses in those environments will be unhappy and unhealthy because owners don’t care. And you sound as though you do really care which gives you an edge. It seems like you’re also spending a lot of time being around them - Mark Rashid tells a story where just pitching up and showing a horse consistency and calmness in the feeding process is a huge start to building trust.
Much has changed since I first learnt, over forty years ago. On the ground, I did not realise the importance for my own safety of being able to move their feet. I’ve learnt that and my great joy is if one does startle they don’t jump in my lap! My learning curve has been ENORMOUS. For health my starting point was reading the top five things that can go wrong with horses. Good job I did I recognised mild colic (after Bute for a paddock injury), an abscess from a stone bruise and very early laminitis in my quarter horse. Educating yourself is a great starting point when facing the unknown.
I wasn’t meant to get a young horse or a 17.2 ex racehorse but they are 100 percent the right horses for me. They’re natures are beautiful. And like you they complete my life. They feed my soul when my body wants to collapse in a heap. They are my reason for getting out of bed on lots of days. I’m sure there would be people who think I’m mad given my health and age but it FEELS so right to me. I’m prepared to learn anything I need to to make it work. Like you the other thing I do is really observe them and know what’s normal and what isn’t. And when it isn’t normal I do not hesitate to get help. Building a great help network will be essential for you.
Hence for me why I joined this fantastic forum. I’ve been back reading old posts on topics I need help with and have found them really useful. There are clearly some very knowledgeable people on this site who generously are willing to help people like us.
Sounds like you have ridden before so are not completely new to the basic steps. Do you have a safe area to ride in? And the basic equipment like hat and boots? Do you have someone who can be there when you ride or at least inform when you’re riding and when you’ve finished?
Just remembered I also liked meredithmanor website - bucket loads of free information.