Oh no, I've got the horsey bug again!

[PerfectlyChaotic]

So last weekend I had a lesson at a local riding school for the first time in oooo, about 10 yrs +. Was totally pony mad as a child/teenager, used to one-day-event, showjump, pony club etc most weekends on my own slightly bonkers horse until I very sadly lost him :( :(

Now I fear I might have become addicted again and I'm already feeling frustrated about not being able to ride, look after and connect with my OWN horse any time soon!

Will I get my fix with weekly lessons? Am I stupid to ever consider re-starting again after all this time? I'm currently v sore and feeling a bit nervous but lovely instructor was complimentary and thinks I just need time in the saddle to get back to where I was...Oh how frustrating!!

[countingto10]

There's no hope for you I'm afraid . After a 20 year break and 4DCs, I now own an opinionated, hairy, native mare and have a very poor DH. The riding lessons only served to make me want my own horse again even more. It wasn't the riding so much as just being around my own horse again which I craved IYSWIM.

Welcome to the dark side again

[Littlebigbum]

No hope for you

[Lovesswimming]

You've had it, I did the same then the kids joined in. There's no hope so just surrender now

[PerfectlyChaotic]

I am doomed aren't I?!

Getting awfully ahead of myself but it just felt right, you know. Now having to keep reminding myself we can't afford for me to have one of my own at the moment. sigh! The school horse was actually very sweet but it's not the same really is it?

In terms of my riding though, I felt as though my legs were going to drop off... I don't really want to resort the 'give him/her a big kick' way of thinking - how do you adapt your riding to horses that aren't particularly responsive to the leg?

[bonzo77]

No hope at all. Have a few more lessons then put your feelers out for a share. Much better value for money, and will scratch that pony itch far better.

[PerfectlyChaotic]

Thanks, yes I think that'll probably be the most sensible thing to do. How so shares generally work? Is it reasonably straightforward?

Not easy juggling family & horses really is it?!

[Lovesswimming]

I found once the school knew you were up for it they have more responsive horses (I ended up buying one off them, if you did more than squeeze him you'd be going round at 200 miles an hour!) he and other horses were only used once you were ready. Which you will be quite quickly as it will all come back to you, in mind even if not in body! If the school you are at don't have that variety of horses then maybe look for another? Those that offer things like the BHS stages have to have horses that are more responsive.

[bonzo77]

When I've shared in the past I've had "my days" where I rode and did whatever chores were not included in the livery. The owner covered all other costs (vet, shoes, insurance, feed, tack. I paid if I wanted lessons or to transport horse any where. You should really have a contract and your own insurance, though I never have. I found shares on line and by word of mouth. Not sure what the going rate is, it depends I suppose on what the owner is spending on livery etc. I paid £30 for 3 days, horses on part livery, very low maintenance horses.

[PerfectlyChaotic]

Thanks both. In fairness the school seems really lovely and instructor did say they had some really lovely horses but obviously have to be cautious until they've seen someone ride (I'm in no way claiming to be any kind of expert by the way!)

Bonzo77 that seems really reasonable...an awful lot of responsibility to actually own isn't it. In fact the school I've just started with offer a loan scheme so I might explore that avenue first :) I miss the on the ground relationship as much as the riding really.

Lovesswimming mine were both of the twitch your legs and you're off variety, all good fun :)

[bonzo77]

It was sharing that made me realise that ownership wasn't realistic for me. I'd dreamed of a pony since I was 6. 25 years later my dreams were shattered! I'm lucky enough to have casual access to some amazing horses at the moment, ideal as I have a 3 year old, a baby and work part time.

[PerfectlyChaotic]

So you're just a bit busy then?!! Sounds as though you have the perfect set up though.

[stopgap]

I was also a horse-mad teenager, though my parents could not afford to buy me my own horse. Skip forwards fifteen years, and I resumed riding lessons and was soon doing the heady heights of 2'6 SJ on a riding school pony. Fast forward a few more years, and we've just bought a house with plenty of room for horses. I never thought I'd trade in city life, but the horses have finally got me. You're a hopelessly lost cause, I'm afraid :D

[PerfectlyChaotic]

stopgap I really am...I'm totally obsessed again already. If only it wasn't such a blummin expensive hobby! DH rolling his eyes & muttering...

How wonderful that you can keep yours at home :) I'm ever so slightly envious! Have you bought yet?

[Incapinka]

I'm another one... 15 years ago I was eventing at intermediate and hunting all winter and then sold them as couldn't justify it any longer. Started riding other people's 2 years ago, then they started paying me for schooling their horses and teaching them and have just bitten the bullet and bought my own again. So much for not justifying it. You only live once so do what makes you happy!

[PerfectlyChaotic]

You're so right...and for now I'll be happy with a little bit of what makes me happy! Sadly nobody is likely to pay me to ride anytime soon ;)

How excited that you have your own again though - what have you got?

[stopgap]

Perfectly, we have to start from scratch, as the only remaining evidence of horse life on the property is a decrepit wooden barn from the 1940s. We plan to buy a modular barn with four stalls, fence two large pastures and (much later) put in a riding ring. We're adjacent to some fantastic wooded trails, and I think I've even convinced my non-horsey husband that he needs a "husband horse".

[Incapinka]

He came on Monday... 16.2 6yr old failed pointer. So far an absolute sweetheart and just hope it continues! Planning on cubbing on Saturday so that will be interesting. Fingers crossed he stays very chilled

(And I can't quite believe that people are happy to pay me to ride their horses either!!! Big bonus!!)

Keep riding and enjoying it. Whereabouts are you?

[Incapinka]

Love the idea of a "husband horse"!!!

[PerfectlyChaotic]

stopgap Amazing. Good luck with it all, you'll have to post pics! My DH does not understand at all - but loving the husband horse plan :0

Incapinka Thanks, I'm in South Wales. Hope your new boy works out well for you!

[gallopinggranny]

Hello all! I have just joined. I had no idea mumsnet had a horses theme. Well, I have to agree with all the others, PerfectlyChaotic, there is no hope for you. I am now 65 and still have not got over the horse bug, which bit me when I was 10! I came back to pony owning for the third time when I retired! I have a sweet chestnut mare (I always said I would never buy a chestnut mare) who is only 13.2. She is a bit feisty and she was an affiliated show jumper 11 years ago in Ireland (she is now 18 so we are a pair of old girls!) and still loves speed. I haven't done any jumping since I was a teenager. I sometimes think I'd now like a steady type, but it is silly at my age to own two. Anyway I wish all of you all the best with your horses and riding and, sometimes, husbands come round to the idea and fall in love with your horse. Mine did! PS I don't understand all the initials. DD = darling daughter? Also, are there any other old gals like me out there who still ride?

[PerfectlyChaotic]

Hi gallopinggranny, you've given me hope, thank you! I had been assuming that at the grand old age of 34 I was probably past starting to ride again, never mind having my own again. Too expensive really at the moment with a young family, but one day.... I used to have a feisty 13.2hh showjumping pony (she was still going v strong at 18+ too) then an even more feisty TB. I'm now dreaming of a sensible Welsh Sec D :)

And yes, I believe you're right with the initials, but I'm not very expert on forum speak!

[Incapinka]

I've just had my first lesson in 14 years!! Hardwork but rewarding and the instructor was the pretty awesome Sam Griffiths. Another box ticked and now aiming for a mornings cubbing at the weekend... Horse bug strikes again!

[PerfectlyChaotic]

WOW! What did you work on?

[Incapinka]

Improving the canter as the walk and trot are pretty good and then some really useful jumping exercises to improve his shape and first stride after the fence. Was fab and a great experience. I first met him 18 years ago as I was a working pupil during my school hols at the yard he was based. Not going to leave it another 14 years before my next lesson though!

How are you getting on?! Back on a pony yet??!!

[PerfectlyChaotic]

Amazing, lucky you! Sounds as though it's going well?

I'm back on a pony! I've had a couple of lessons and really regretting giving up all those years ago... Also slightly frustrated as I don't really know what I want to be working towards. Riding for enjoyment, obviously, but I sort of want an aim!!