Hey there. I've been riding for around 10 months now, and really want to get more involved with horses. I joined my stable's Pony Club, and went to Summer Camp which I LOVED. Thing is, I only ride once a week. I have no horsey family, and my stables does not allow volunteers. I've tried looking around, but the other stables around me either didn't allow them or had enough. I looked for help needed but found none near me. Horses for loan or share also equalled zero, except for ones at least an hour away. My only option is to get my own horse. Well, unless you lovely people have any other ideas! I've completed Grade 2 (Out of Grade 1,2 and 3) of Horse Care and Stable Management at my stables, and completed multiple Pony Club badges. Is there any other option to get more involved with horses, because I don't really think I'm quite ready.
Is this my only option?
- Thread starter FourHoovesMadeMagic
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Have you investigated local carriage driving clubs? Not riding I know, But carriage drivers are often happy to have a horsy person along to act as groom and helper. Which area of the country are you in?
I would have thought you should be able to find a share, sometimes it can take a couple of months looking to find one though, have you tried local Facebook horsey groups and preloved? Those have a lot advertised on in my area 
Are there any Riding for the Disabled groups near you? They're always looking for help, you'd be around horses - well placed to hear of any loans going locally, and you'd enjoy it.
Could you perhaps post an ad locally explaining you are relatively new to riding and horses offering to help with stable duties for an experienced private horse owner, in return for lapping up some experience and knowledge?
I am desperate for someone just like you to help with my little herd right now - but sadly your air fare across the Irish sea each week would be prohibitive.
I am desperate for someone just like you to help with my little herd right now - but sadly your air fare across the Irish sea each week would be prohibitive.
Im in Surrey too and would second the RDA. Ive been involved with them for around 10 years now and have been volunteering at an RDA in Surrey for a year consistently. We ALWAYS need horsey helpers as they are a huge asset to us. There are quite a few centres in Surrey who would love some help provided you are 14+!
Also join Surrey horse and pony group on facebook if you are on there. I found my current share through there there are other sharing groups for Surrey too which come up if you type them into the search bar. Would also suggest if you are near any tack shops to ask about putting a notice up; my local one Rokers lets people put adverts up in their entrance stairway
Also join Surrey horse and pony group on facebook if you are on there. I found my current share through there
there are other sharing groups for Surrey too which come up if you type them into the search bar. Would also suggest if you are near any tack shops to ask about putting a notice up; my local one Rokers lets people put adverts up in their entrance stairwayIt's actually kind of handy because my 3 year old cousin does disabled riding, so I could help with her which would be sweet :3
And to the people telling me to find a share, trust me, I am looking, but everyone seems to want a competition rider ;-;
I know its frustrating but persever with the searching for the share - ive found my dream happy hacker after looking for about 6 months; i had the same problem finding a horse which was not a competition horse - im just not interested in competing now. They do exist and are out there - my shares owner was just looking for a happy hacking buddy/second mummy for her horse
good luck and i hope you find your perfect horse!
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Oh where in Surrey are you? I live there (near Guildford) and I know at least 4 horses looking for someone to hack them out. PM me if you like.
Sorry to barge in - i didnt realise any other people on here were near me
im near Guildford too! Otherwise i would have asked on here about a hacking share! I guess its always the way with these things that you find out after you are sorted
Ok, that might be a bit far from Shamley Green, but there are loads of horses in Surrey needing ridden!
I'd post a local ad and include the suggestion of coming along to shows as a helping hand:groom.
I used to go with my mate just as an extra person to be beside her while driving there incase anything happened and go get her numbers at the show, hold her horse and take the important photos while she was in the ring! Some folk are crying out for help like this and might not realise it until you offer
I used to go with my mate just as an extra person to be beside her while driving there incase anything happened and go get her numbers at the show, hold her horse and take the important photos while she was in the ring! Some folk are crying out for help like this and might not realise it until you offer
Find your local horsey facebook group and put an ad up there. You are bound to find lots of people wanting help.
I presume you are an adult with your own transport?
I presume you are an adult with your own transport?
There may well be far out from London Jane beyond Guildford or Dorking or out near M3 - but not closer in. Someone on NR was looking recently. At the time I was looking last winter there were cobs (either too wide or too old to canter) or younger, unmanageable horses really demanding a professional level of rider.
I do recommend going along to local shows as a spectator - I went along to watch our RIs compete and was offered a share by someone there. Same with Ale - who was offered a share on her yard. It is the people who know you who offer you horses to ride.
I am in the USA so can't help much with Ideas. I hope you can find something.
I would think places would be thrilled to try to find room for a responsible person that
wants to learn.
I would think places would be thrilled to try to find room for a responsible person that
wants to learn.
I'm looking around right nowI am in the USA so can't help much with Ideas. I hope you can find something.
I would think places would be thrilled to try to find room for a responsible person that
wants to learn.
Updates on sharing:
I don't have my own transport, and my mum can't drive for at least three months due to personal medical reasons, and my dad arrives too late (at least 9pm) to take me there. We did find a gorgeous horse at least ten minutes away for hacking share, but a day after as we were considering it, the DVLA told my mum she couldn't drive for 3 months. We're contacting a few stables to see if they need volunteers during the weekends, then after my mum can drive again, searching for another share (hopefully the horse will still be up!).
I don't have my own transport, and my mum can't drive for at least three months due to personal medical reasons, and my dad arrives too late (at least 9pm) to take me there. We did find a gorgeous horse at least ten minutes away for hacking share, but a day after as we were considering it, the DVLA told my mum she couldn't drive for 3 months. We're contacting a few stables to see if they need volunteers during the weekends, then after my mum can drive again, searching for another share (hopefully the horse will still be up!).
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