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Help needed in finding someone to ride my horses

10 replies

minijoeyjojo · 13/04/2015 16:17

I am 15 week pregnant and am getting to the stage where I don't really want to ride much any more. What did you do with your horses at this stage? I'm struggling to find someone to ride them and can't afford to pay someone to ride two!

Did you just turn yours away for a few months? Are there any good sites out there for advertising for sharers?

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Merlin333 · 13/04/2015 16:44

How old are they and are they the sorts that need plenty of exercise if not Im sure they wont hurt to be turned away for a few months! As for the sites for advertising where are you based? I work with horses but don't have my own so don't have that problem to worry about just when to finish working!!! Its a shame you are struggling to find a rider as that would be an ideal solution as when I was younger I used to ride a couple of my friends horses while they were pregnant and it was great as I got to do just the fun riding bit with the none of the cost (it was b4 i worked with horses!!) and they were happy knowing there horses were being exercised!

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minijoeyjojo · 13/04/2015 17:33

They are 9 and 19 and to be honest seem quite content just mooching in the field! I can ride them once a week and both just carry on like they've been ridden every day. I just feel a bit sorry for them having a boring life where they don't get to do much as the fields are not in great condition and its just the two of them.

I'm in south Bucks, it just seems like everyone around here wants sharers for their horses :( such a shame as they are both fab. My mare is really talented and would be so good for someone wanting to do some dressage over the summer. I think the lack of school is proving difficult in finding someone, which is not helped by the arena company I've contracted being very slow with the planning application. Boo. I'm going to be way to pregnant to use the school once it's finally built.

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timeforacheckup · 13/04/2015 17:35

Aww, wish you were near me - I'd be there in a second!!

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MaelstromOfLunacy · 13/04/2015 17:39

There's usually quite a few ads on preloved - that's where I found the horse I share

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Bonkey · 13/04/2015 21:38

It may seem boring to you but i bet they are loving the time!

Don't put too much pressure on yourself, they will be more than fine having some time off if you can't find anyone.

Horses...lovely as they are...were not born with ambitions to be ridden everyday, yes some may like it but I bet they love mooching just as much .

Fwiw - my mare went out on full loan when I was pg, more so because of money than not being able to ride but if I could have afforded to keep her I would have turned her away until I was ready to bring her back in.
Wouldn't trust any one else to ride my baby

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minijoeyjojo · 14/04/2015 08:30

Thank you! That's making me feel much better :)

I'll try pre loved too and generally try not to worry about them!

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JulyKit · 14/04/2015 09:38

Have you tried Pony Clubs and riding clubs in your area?
Also, possibly a long shot, but how about contacting local riding schools? It may well be that there are some decent riders - such as those coming back to riding - who want to be doing more riding and are looking for a share.

The horse share/riders thing seems to be such a sods law area. There are so many horseless riders looking for horses to ride regularly, and so many owners looking for (responsible) riders. It's a question of joining them up...

I think in S Bucks you are reasonably close to some really good Pony Club branches where networks between riders will be quite strong. Also, if you use that route, then potential riders are more likely to be 'known quantities' than if you go through Preloved, etc.

Also, have you used notice boards of local vets, saddlers, farm stores, etc.? Those can be quite effective.

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LaLaLaaaa · 15/04/2015 06:48

There are Facebook horse groups in my local area - I find they get a lot of traffic so I advertised there for sharer as well as preloved. Persevere - it's just coming into season for sharers to start looking.

I sold my boy when I got pg but only coz he's high maintenance. If he'd have been happy turned away I'd have done that. Don't think most horses care!

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ememem84 · 15/04/2015 07:13

If only you were near me. I'd do it.

But there's a 3 hour ferry trip and a bit if a drive between us. Sigh.

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minijoeyjojo · 15/04/2015 07:59

Thank you again everyone :) I've had a bit more luck this time, clearly a combination of beautiful weather and advertising free riding has got people's interest! I have a few people coming to look at them, one is actually a friend of a friend who I know to be a fab rider and the other two sound great too. Phew!