Finding excuses not to ride!

[MayBMaybenot]

I bought a lovely mare in December. She's everything I ever dreamed of in a horse, but is very green - unlike my old boy who was a push button ride. It was all a bit stop/start over Christmas and the new year - stuff to do, bad weather etc, but we're past that now.

Now I'm sitting here typing this, when I really ought to be at the yard riding, schooling or whatever - but it's a bit windy, looks like it might rain, my back hurts a bit, I need to be home early because a friend is coming round later, my saddle needs cleaning, my favourite jods are in the wash, I'm cooking something time consuming for dinner ..............

All excuses really, of course. I'm just lacking in motivation at the moment and really just can't be bothered!!!!.

What the heck is wrong with me? Could someone please give me a sharp, verbal kick up the jodhpurs and get me back on track please.

I do a bit of instructing so hopefully helpful

Is there a reason your dodging? Nerves/don’t enjoy riding her/feel a bit lost with a green horse?
I think getting an instructor and putting together a good plan is a good step. Or if she’s really green and you feel a bit in over your head there’s not harm in sending her away for 2/3 weeks. Happy to recommend some people!

Get someone in to ride her - either you'll be happy with a bit of down time, or you'll get cross at what they're doing and get straight back on yourself. Either outcome is good.

Action breeds motivation. Set a goal - doesn't have to be anything big, something as simple as a polework exercise or tidying up a basic schooling exercise is better than a bigger, long term goal - and just get on and work on it, even if you only do ten minutes. If she's as nice as you say she is, you'll soon be back wanting to ride properly and having lessons / outings / whatever you want to do with her.

1. Find someone to ride with.
2. Have lessons
3. Book something to aim for
4. Ride when the weather is better
5. Find someone to school her
6. Find another horse more suited to your needs.

If you really don't have the time or motivation to ride, go and do some groundwork with her. Lunge, freeschool,pole work, long reins, walk her out to see the sights. Loads of ways to build trust in each other and improve your relationship. Especially on a blustery day when you aren't sure how she will cope with the wind.

Then set a goal. Book a lesson, aim to work her 3 times for the next 3 weeks, or go out hacking alone or with someone else etc.

Or you could try turning away for a couple of months and take the pressure off. It will give you a chance to get to know each other without the stress of having to exercise/school and gives you something to look forwards to come spring with lighter nights and better weather.

Hi OP, I think this is a difficult time of year anyway to find motivation to ride. I would set yourself a manageable target, for me it’s to ride 3 days per week. I school once a week and then hack on weekends. It’s enough to keep my mare ticking over through winter and I’m sure as the nights get lighter and the weather improves then I’ll feel inclined to ride more regularly. Be kind to yourself and remember it’s meant to be fun x

Thank you all for your kind words. Of course I need a bit of plan. The horse isn't too much for me but I had forgotten just how much work (and what kind of work!) a really green youngster actually needs.

We have a very good instructor on the yard. I'm going to ask her to ride for me a couple of times a week to get the horse on track and then work with her over the coming months to get myself a bit more tuned in to the needs of the new horse. She'll be great when she's sorted I'm sure!

My daughter and I were having the same conversation. It's so hard this time of year to be motivated. It usually takes me 1.5 hours to fill haynets, muck out, do feeds. When the weather is cold and naff I really don't feel like getting the tack out. But spring will be here soon, hopefully bringing g my motivation with it!