Any MNers with horses out there?

[Longlegs1972]

and how do you cope?

I'm getting really down cos I never get the time to spend with mine....

Hi Notjustmom, I have a friend who is searching for similar but I don't think she wants to go so far afield (we are on south coast). I will mention it to her when I see her though.

hello all!!

I don't have a horse,but the local farmer has said it is o.k for my kids to visit his and give them something to eat.
We have been up every day and given them carrots and apples but I was just wondering what else was o.k to give them fruit and veg wise? I can never catch the farmer to ask him and I would hate to give them something that would make them poorly and carrots and apples are getting a bit boring!!

Hi Triplytigger, any root veg will be ok, so parsnips, turnips, swede (but NOT potatoes). Ours also enjoy oddments like the leftover bits from cauliflower and broccoli, outer leaves from cabbage, sprout peelings etc and even the occasional banana or orange!
Just remember to cut carrots and suchlike lengthways so that the horse has to crunch them because he might choke if you cut them into little discs. HTH

Also, when the warmer weather comes, please DO NOT think it will be ok to give the horses lawnmowings. Horses die every year from people tipping them into fields thinking they are giving the horses a treat but it is very dangerous. Thanks.

Thanks Pixel, thats what I thought,but just wanted to make sure with you guys

Hello, Tripley! I wondered what you'd been up to!

Hello to the "newbies" too .

This weather is lovely,the only downside is that I've noticed lots of midgies about already. Not good news for my Fell with her sweet-itch . My eldest is keen to get out & do some serious shows this year so hopefully we can keep Rosie looking respectable. In fact dd1 has commandeered my pony and I've been relegated to bringing on her new one .

I've been brave and put my name down on the LONG waiting list at our local cheap but nice DIY place. The waiting list is long cos nobody ever leaves - sign of a happy yard?. It's also RIGHT next to a lovely quiet country pub that my DH loves so this could work in my favour! The same family own and run the pub that run the yard.

The loaner had her baby last weekend!! Will see how it pans out!! Sadly she and I don't really live close enough to each other for a convenient sharing location.

Have been frantically thinking how I could work it. Would need to get a sharer to help with the work and cost for the 2 days I am in the office all day and after the boys are both in school they might have to do 1 hours after school club on those same 2 days per week.

Was feeling all optimistic about things until my debit card was refused in the supermarket this a.m and I don't get paid for another week. Had to pay pre-school fees this month for the term. - bloody £300!! Will have to grovel to DH and he will growl! Ds2 will be eligible for the free pre-school vouchers in Sept - that will help and I won't need the once a week nanny then either so things should start to look up a bit!

Hi all hope you're all getting the chance to enjoy this great weather.

Notjustmom, have you still got your mare? Any chance you could post some pics on your profile? I am looking for a happy hacker - does that sound anything like her? Doesn't have to be a plod (and I am used to stroppy mares) but does need to be the usual 100% traffic and hack alone.

I am Warwickshire based.

Notjustmom, my friend has bought a pony now, it's arriving saturday so no point in mentioning your fjord I'm afraid.

Marge2, Good luck then! I once had my name down at a similar place, people had been there for many years and never left. I expected to wait ages for a place but the next stable that came free happened to be pony-sized and all the people in front of me on the list had big horses so I got to jump the queue!

Right, sorry. No horse, don't ride.

DD1 wants a pony. She is 7, rising 8. Been having lessons for about 18 months. Can do the basics, according to teacher is fairly good. Not great jumper. Should we get a pony for her? Better waiting until a bit older, perhaps? Any hints, tips or very good questions?

Hi Gomez. Having "been there,done that" with my eldest,I would say not,especially if you have never cared for a horse yourself. It may be possible to find a pony to share ie the owner needs help with exercising & looking after a pony. That would give you some experience but with the security of expert help on hand and without full on commitment. The other alternative is to join the Pony Club. It's not essential to have your own pony,some riding schools may hire out ponies to use or they may run their own. Information here about Pony Club centres.

Hi Wineistheway (good name btw I can relate to that!)

Ok so I take it she's a bit stroppy then Don't mind grumpy too much as I say, I am used to it. My mare is a 15.2 TBxCB and her nature is totally thoroughbred. Fortunately the nice sensible Cleveland part comes out when she is out on the roads, although she has been unridable for some time due to arthritis(sp?)

I am looking for a fairly sensible ride for DD1 when she is back from University for the holidays and is also ok for me to hack out/excercise.

Could you put the pics on please? Whereabouts in the Midlands are you? You can CAT me if you'd rather.

Had the blacksmith this am to my mare, and am now looking forward to our first event of the year - a "pratice" ODE on Sunday - the pratice bit seems only to be so they can charge huge entry fee, and not have to give any prizes however it's a day i can make (rare) and can't be too fussy. Very excited - must go and sort out body protector/medical card holder - eek where are they all hiding...

Hi Wine,

Sorry for delay been discussing this with DD1. She is worried that I may find mare too difficult on a day to day basis. DD is fine, great rider, pony clubbing since 6yo (now 21) it's me who's the weak link . DD is only back in hols from Uni.

Do like the sound of your girl though. Must admit I thought Fjords were probably going to be similar to Haflingers/Icelandics but they seem to be lot chunkier and stronger, looking at websites of them?

Not ruled out though. Can you post some pics? Really do want something I can happily hack out on my own.

Hi ladies, can I join you please. Im Nikki, I have 2 girls aged 5 and 1. Sorry haven't got time to look through the whole thread!

I really need some advice please. I rode for 10 years in the past and then gave up. Really want to get back into it BUT haven't got the time for a full time horse so was thinking of a part loan/ share only there is no one around my area. I phoned the local riding school and they loan out ponies/ horses weekly for £20. You cab ride when you like but they just ask that you help them out with duties etc, I said I wont be able to come down everyday and he said that was fine. For £20 does that sound too cheap?

Is this too much committment from me with 2 small kids? Bearing in mind I drive my DD to school 16 miles away everyday and will I get too stressed out? Is it best to wait until DD2 goes to school and then I can commit to a horse?

Thanks in advance.