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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

What did I do wrong? So upset

162 replies

Eatcabbage · 17/06/2021 18:18

I’m a single parent and going through some really horrible and difficult stuff at the moment.
One of the very few good bits left of my life at the moment are doing nice things for my child.
I’ve recently started taking them for riding lessons in a nearby village, which they love.
Last week, which was the first ride, I went for a walk whilst the ride was out. There is only one route around the village, so I followed along behind for the first minute or two until they trotted off, and then went for a walk on my own.
This week I went to do the same and was loudly told not to, as apparently other parents have complained.
I was totally taken aback and now I’m really really upset. I’ve been made to feel like I’ve done something awful.
I’m struggling not to cry and would rather never go back, but my child was enjoying riding so much and I’ve just paid a lot of money up front for a course of lessons.
Everything else is so tough at the moment. We don’t even have anywhere to live. I’ve had to walk away from our house because of a serious problem neighbour and it has left me feeling suicidal. I really didn’t need this.
I’m not sure what I’m asking.
Maybe what did I do wrong?
Would it be bad to stop my child from going back because of me feeling upset?

OP posts:
5zeds · 17/06/2021 22:35

You’re fine. Honestly I would have gone for a walk too (and been baffled by being told not to!). Go back. Take a book and a drink and enjoy the fresh air. You sound like a really nice person having a really hard year. Hang in there.

MooseBreath · 17/06/2021 22:38

In the nicest way possible, you are massively overreacting. Your situation right now is really tough and it's making even the little things seem like the end of the world.

Continue your child's lessons, and carry on going for a walk. Give the riding instructor a call and discuss the situation. I'm sure you will find a solution - and sod the parent who complained about nothing!

Flowers
TenBobNote · 17/06/2021 22:49

Where are you meant to wait for the kids to return? Honestly OP I would prefer to go for a walk rather than hanging about for them to return too. I’m baffled why anyone would complain. Was it because you started your walk behind the riders? If so can you wait for them to be out of sight before you walk next time?

I can’t see a problem with you killing time by walking rather than stand around tbh, as long as you weren’t walking over private land? It sounds a crazy thing to complain about!

Go next time and ask the staff to clarify what you did wrong 💐

NoProblem123 · 17/06/2021 22:53

I work at riding stables - sometimes the parents follow and sometimes they don’t.
Mostly they drop & run, or disappear into the cafe.
It’s nobody’s business what you do or don’t do while your child is riding.

Please take care of yourself & carry on as you are Flowers

Myusername33 · 17/06/2021 22:53

If it makes you feel better I let my toddler sit on my knee in the front of the car while we were waiting at my dcs riding lesson and he managed to beep the horn very loudly while the kids were riding past, luckily none of the horses got spooked but I’m sure the riding teacher thought it was me beeping because I saw dc and thought I was a complete idiot.

SynchroSwimmer · 17/06/2021 23:42

next week I would say stand your ground verbally with them, don’t be knocked back and maybe add that you have an errand to do in the village?

TheTuesdayPringle · 18/06/2021 00:39

@Myusername33

If it makes you feel better I let my toddler sit on my knee in the front of the car while we were waiting at my dcs riding lesson and he managed to beep the horn very loudly while the kids were riding past, luckily none of the horses got spooked but I’m sure the riding teacher thought it was me beeping because I saw dc and thought I was a complete idiot.
😂
QueenBee52 · 18/06/2021 15:50

@Myusername33

If it makes you feel better I let my toddler sit on my knee in the front of the car while we were waiting at my dcs riding lesson and he managed to beep the horn very loudly while the kids were riding past, luckily none of the horses got spooked but I’m sure the riding teacher thought it was me beeping because I saw dc and thought I was a complete idiot.

sorry ... this made me laugh...

🤣

Bella43 · 18/06/2021 19:06

I'm sorry you've had a bad day OP. Being a single parent is tough. You don't need anyone making it tougher. Sometimes a walk is all you need for that little bit of mental space. It's sad you've had that spoilt for you. Chin up ans do something nice for yourself. A box of chocolates always works for me. And a nice film like Legally Blonde. Stay strong 💖

Eatcabbage · 18/06/2021 19:26

You are all very kind taking the time to respond, and saying such nice things too.
I’ve got six days to work on putting on a brave face so that my kid still enjoys going.

OP posts:
ArabellaScott · 18/06/2021 20:57

@Myusername33

If it makes you feel better I let my toddler sit on my knee in the front of the car while we were waiting at my dcs riding lesson and he managed to beep the horn very loudly while the kids were riding past, luckily none of the horses got spooked but I’m sure the riding teacher thought it was me beeping because I saw dc and thought I was a complete idiot.
Grin

OP, please do this next week, while waving madly.

SheepyToaster · 18/06/2021 22:59

@Eatcabbage

You are all very kind taking the time to respond, and saying such nice things too. I’ve got six days to work on putting on a brave face so that my kid still enjoys going.
Flowers I would say that if it doesn't work out this week, then put yourself first and stop going. I don't think being stressed every week about it is going to help your situation and your daughter would be fine with cuddles and a film. Sometimes you need to hunker down and look after yourself first so that you can look after others. Let us all know how you got on.

So glad to hear everyone say horsey people are a pain as we have them in the family and I've always been a bit Hmm about them.

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