Horses and babies - is it really do-able?

[JosieSmith1]

I have a 22 yr old horse who has arthritis and therefore needs regular exercise to stopher stiffening up. I'm TTCing and am worried about the practicalities of keeping her going with a newborn (a bit pre-emptive I know).

If necessary she could have time off when I'm too big to ride. Last winter she had 3 months off with the weather and she was badly lame with the arthritis, but she came back into work and we managed plenty of pleasure rides and some small jumping comps. So I'm not too worried about bringing her back into work if she has to have some time off. What I'm more worried about is finding the time to ride/muck out etc as she'll be on DIY (can't afford assisted) and as DH works shifts he won't always be able to look after the baby while I do chores etc.

How does everyone else manage?

Hi, im new to Mumsnet and hope you dont mind me joining in this discussion.

Having a horse with very young children is hard but depends on circumstances as to how hard. My horse was 23 years old when she died last summer and to a degree it has been a relief, partic with the harsh winter. But, my kids loved going to see her every day so it wasnt a chore but I wasnt working so had free time and the kids werent at nursery then. She was a healthy horse so that was easier but I did have to pay for help over the winter months, getting in and putting out, cause I couldnt get to yard. Never easy when they are older but there are some really nice people out there who are looking to just be around horses and help out, getting experience etc. Worth a thought if you really cant bear to part with your horse but simply cant go to the yard all the time. And if your horse is ridable, get someone to share the work and the riding for a small fee. Halves your responsibility and your expenses, and less stressfull with your kids around

Don't mind you joining at all MumofSoJo

I certainly might need help over winter but summer should be ok, I know there's plenty of people who wouldn't mind helping me out, although I'm hoping to move yards soon, but I'm sure there'll be nice helpful people there too

Thanks!

A couple of the mums at my yard advertised in their local paper for help and got some wonderful people to help them out. And as you say, there may be some fab people at your new yard who will be only to happy to help out over the winter, if you can help them at the weekends or in the summer. Keep positive. My horse was the best thing in my life before my children (sad I know), and I would have done anything to keep her. There is always a way, just seems a bit harder when you have little ones to think about