companymagic
Grand Prix Poster
Horses are for life not just for riding....
Posts: 1,739
|
Post by companymagic on Jan 26, 2016 9:29:07 GMT 1
Hey all.. Just need to vent... Hope that's okay! So work has started with my new girl, a rising 4 Ish, coming up 16hh. She is a beautiful beautiful girl that hasn't really put a foot wrong... I just don't know if in all honesty I have the energy for another youngster. She will be my third, and after Ailsa I just don't know if I can give my all again ( which she deserves and needs). Since I meet her we have master loading, leading, catching, picking up feet, routine of part stabling, having a roller on and some traffic. We have come a very long way and I am taking my time and taking it slow... she has been a poppet.. so why am I constantly looking at backed horses in the for sale ads?? I just feel like I am doing it half heartedly, and although we are making progress I am refusing to really love her or give it my all. Why?? Maybe I should just look at something ready made, but I don't have pots of cash, thus why I always end up with project. Just wish for once I could buy one made, it's exhausting me Sorry pointless rant over, just deflated as I can't get her used to a spray bottle, so feeling useless
|
|
|
Post by antares on Jan 26, 2016 10:42:01 GMT 1
That's a shame What I would say is that the huge majority of horses we buy, started or not, turn into projects. They all need schooling or training in our own personal way and I don't think there's any way around that unless you buy from someone who rides and handles as you do I.e. Highly unlikely lol I wonder if it's just this particular horse is not the right one for you? How long have you had her? You say that she's been a poppet but do you really suit each other?
|
|
|
Post by clipclop on Jan 26, 2016 11:57:11 GMT 1
In all honesty, it sounds as though you are still grieving for Ailsa.
It sounds as though you have a few options:
- Continue as you are, back her etc - Keep her but take a step back and leave backing until a year or so time - Send her somewhere to be backed and ridden away - Sell her and buy something backed - Sell her and not replace her
What is right for you is a completely personal decision. It may be that you just aren't clicking with her or it may be that you're not ready to really build a relationship with another horse just now. I don't know her history but it sounds like she's had minimal human interaction and you may find it takes her a good while to come out of her shell and show her character (which if you're used to a highland, you may well be missing right now).
Personally, I love my projects. I have a yard full of horses and ponies with various issues who range from unrideable to hoys/rihs. However, I completely understand that they take a lot of time and energy (both physical and emotional), even with a youngster like yours who is unspoilt, and that it's not right for everyone. I also completely agree with above though that anything ridden will generally still require schooling/work and will more than likely have some quirks or hangups somewhere.
I love backing my own horses as I know that nothing has been missed in their education. If anyone else sits on my youngsters, they are amazed at their level of understanding and I have ridden many much older, more 'established' horses whereby you quickly start to discover the holes in their education.
In your position, I would probably back her or get someone else to back her and then reassess how you feel. If you then decide to sell her on, she'll have a good headstart in life and be more likely to get a good home than if unbacked and you'll more than likely get your money back for what you've spent getting her backed. Hopefully enough to then buy something else that suits you better if you feel it's the right thing to do. If on the other hand you grow to love her, then keep her and consider any money spent as a good investment in her education.
Sent from my GT-I9195 using proboards
|
|
companymagic
Grand Prix Poster
Horses are for life not just for riding....
Posts: 1,739
|
Post by companymagic on Jan 26, 2016 11:57:09 GMT 1
I have been working with her since May last year. But she came to live with me at the end of Sept. So only 4 months.
I just can't put my finger on it but I just feel detach from it all. I have always thrown myself in whole heartedly to any projects in the past. Maybe I just doubt my own ability this time.
Maybe it's still to soon after loosing my Highland, although that will be a year in April.
Some days it's good and I feel connected but mostly I feel I am just going through the motions. She is a very genuine sweet girl and a few years ago I would have been gagging for a chance like this. Does that make any sense ?? She is on loan until March so I can see how I feel then. But I just hanker for something I can just get on with, rather than spend all my time on the basic. I guess after spending 5 years on doing and working on everything with Ailsa to loose her, I want to jump forward a bit to the part where I am doing what I worked for. This girl is 4 years from done...
|
|
|
Post by clipclop on Jan 26, 2016 12:20:48 GMT 1
I hadn't realised in my reply that she's on loan to you. In theory, being on loan makes it easier if you do decide not to continue as she has owners to go back to.
Is it possible, however that the fact that she's not owned by you is having an impact on the relationship?
How is your relationship/enthusiasm with your other pony in the last year? It's very easy to feel so disheartened after trying so hard but having to pts.
Sent from my GT-I9195 using proboards
|
|
companymagic
Grand Prix Poster
Horses are for life not just for riding....
Posts: 1,739
|
Post by companymagic on Jan 26, 2016 12:37:55 GMT 1
She came from an amazing friend and has a great home to go too. Maybe because I have that bolt hole as such when thinks feel a bit tense I use it rather than dig deep and get on with it, I just throw in the towel. Which isn't like me.
Been good with the little guy since I lost Ailsa. He has been my rock, bless him. But realistically I am just too big for him thus why I have always had a second horse or pony x
|
|
|
Post by clipclop on Jan 26, 2016 13:07:24 GMT 1
Have you discussed your feelings with your friend who owns her?
It might be worth having a break and seeing how you feel without her. You may find you miss her or you may feel relieved.
I think it's important to remember too that horses are often different to ponies - some people are 'pony people'. The amount of character a highland pony has is significantly different to that of a horse. Obviously I'm generalising and all are individuals but I'm wondering if her sweet, quiet temperament just doesn't do it for you and you'd be more at home with a big pony (welsh d, fell, another highland etc) with bundles of cheeky character to have fun with.
|
|
|
Post by KimT on Jan 26, 2016 13:29:47 GMT 1
I'm sorry to hear you feel this way. I will admit that I have had fairly similar feelings recently. I bought Lady as a youngster when life was easier but now living on my own and working 2 jobs for well over a year means that there is a part of me that wishes I had something easier. Lady is rideable now but she has such a 'character' that no ride is particularly easy. She was doing really well in the summer but I am struggling this winter with limited turnout (please dont comment I am looking for somewhere with better turnout but for now I am where I am) and as a result her attitude when being ridden is degrading. I have mostly stopped riding her now and am doing lunging/long reining with her because I actually felt our relationship was suffering.
Sometimes I wish I could just get on and ride. Being in a lot means I have to do something with her and with the 2 jobs its killer at the moment. She wont go anywhere though..... I dont know anyone else that would put up with her! lol.
Maybe your girl isnt the right one for you and maybe something you can ride would be more ideal. Only you can make that decision. Chin up and cuddle the gorgeous Max!!!! He knows how to make it better.
|
|
wills
Grand Prix Poster
Posts: 4,657
|
Post by wills on Jan 26, 2016 21:30:01 GMT 1
Could it just be winter blues? I took a long, long time to really bond with Ori. I was on a high when I bought her but about 6 months in I just felt totally deflated however 5 years on (to the day!) I wouldn't part with her for love nor money, I also however still get spells of longing for my uncomplicated old boy who I could just tack up and head out without to much trauma. Are you able to get some lessons perhaps or do you have a friends horse you could pony pinch for some rides? p.s I still cant get spray near Ori
|
|
companymagic
Grand Prix Poster
Horses are for life not just for riding....
Posts: 1,739
|
Post by companymagic on Jan 27, 2016 9:26:20 GMT 1
Thanks guys. Feeling a bit better today, although still not jumping with joy. Maybe I am a pony person, I love the little dude and he has been far from easy, I could have given him away for years, and still want too most springs when I bring him back into work!! If he had grown another hand none of this would even be an issue. But sadly still only 12'3 and at 10 that's not likely to change! Will keep plodding away and see how I feel come spring. I think it's all just a bit of bad timing really, we moved house so I had to wait three months to bring her home so I missed the summer with her. And I am now a 50 min round trip from the yard so time is tight when I get there too. She has the potential to be an amazing horse, I just need to find my mojo again. Maybe bring little dude back into work will help, I was also watching me work with Ailsa and Amigo as babies on video and actually I did alright with them, so it gave me a little boost that she might be taller but Amigo was truly wild! ! WILLIS:- Bloody ISH ' S I can load her into a trailer and walk her past massive tractor but that spray is actually going to eat her!! Glad it's not just mine.!
|
|
|
Post by kafee on Jan 30, 2016 20:33:44 GMT 1
I know exactly how you feel. I've decided I'm definitely going to sell Sunny this year as I just want to go out for a ride. I've got 2 4YO's that need starting and Sky who is 8, and has done very little. I could sell Sky and keep one of the 4YO's, but even though he's bucked me off a couple of times, I have an immense trust and liking for him because I know and understand him.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2016 19:03:34 GMT 1
You've pretty much summed up how horsey life has been for me since I retired Talin. I've had several other horses on loan and recently bought one and don't feel I've bonded with any of them, I haven't enjoyed looking after or working with any of them as much as I used to with Talin and Henry (Bob the mini shettie is the exception, I loved having him here). But realistically, after I've been through everything I have with Talin it's hardly surprising that every other horse feels like a stranger.
I'm afraid I don't know what the answer is. I'm lucky I still have Talin as a pet but I do find myself working with my new lad and unfairly thinking he's not as much fun as Talin. I've seriously considered giving up riding as a result.
|
|
companymagic
Grand Prix Poster
Horses are for life not just for riding....
Posts: 1,739
|
Post by companymagic on Jan 31, 2016 22:14:01 GMT 1
Michelle. I am almost the same. I will ways keep Amigo, but I also have my son now too and I just think the horse that takes me away from family time needs to be bloody amazing or I just don't want it. Ailsa was my everything and I worked beyond hard to do all her work myself...
Maybe just a few years out might me be long for time in the saddle again or maybe it won't...
What's your new boy like ? X
|
|
wills
Grand Prix Poster
Posts: 4,657
|
Post by wills on Jan 31, 2016 22:31:06 GMT 1
You've pretty much summed up how horsey life has been for me since I retired Talin. I've had several other horses on loan and recently bought one and don't feel I've bonded with any of them, I haven't enjoyed looking after or working with any of them as much as I used to with Talin and Henry (Bob the mini shettie is the exception, I loved having him here). But realistically, after I've been through everything I have with Talin it's hardly surprising that every other horse feels like a stranger. I'm afraid I don't know what the answer is. I'm lucky I still have Talin as a pet but I do find myself working with my new lad and unfairly thinking he's not as much fun as Talin. I've seriously considered giving up riding as a result. I didn't realise the lovely Talon had been retired
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2016 21:27:43 GMT 1
Yes, it was quite a while ago now. I didn't post about it at the time because it broke my heart to give up on him and I didn't have the emotional reserves to see lots of 'have you tried x,y and z' responses. I tried everything sensible and spent almost every penny I had trying to get him rideable and the last time I rode him (after 6 months of going beautifully) he chucked me, same procedure as always, only this time while on the way to the ground I got my legs tangled in his and he was still bronking and he stood on both my legs. I was lucky he didn't break both my legs and it was only adrenaline that allowed me to get myself home as I could hardly walk for a week after.
I got back on and tried to ride him home but half way back I got off and cried all the way home because I just knew that was the end. There's only so many times I can be lucky enough to walk away from a horse that behaves like that. After lengthy consultation with my vet and several body workers the only conclusion we can come to is that he has a bony abnormality on the underside of his thoracic spine (seen on xray) which causes pain only at certain movements and even if we bone scanned him to prove it there is no treatment.
Now I have Harvey, a 12yo TB, supposedly a confidence giver but now I've sorted his sore back, put him in a saddle that's 4 sizes wider, got him out of the shoes that were cutting the blood supply off to his feet and given him some time off he's turned into a bit of a prancing bunny hopping nut case. I'm hoping when the weather improves that lots of walking out will help him settle again before I get back on board!! Oh and he's dapple grey - and most of my family and friends struggle to tell him apart from Talin unless they're stood right next to each other so it seems I might have inadvertently bought Talin's doppelganger, mmm.
|
|