Post by merryberry on Aug 26, 2013 11:13:52 GMT 1
Hello,
Since the birth of my little boy (now 22 months) I haven't ridden very much, and haven't had a lesson either. Now my boy, that I bought last September, is ready to come back into work, it's time I got back into the saddle.
I bought Mr. W last year from a friend, who's daughters had ridden him long distances and he was living on hardly any grass, on the moors, and nothing else to eat to my knowledge. Unfortunately, until he was our side of the hedge they didn't realise how worn out he was. So I've spent the last 10 months getting him back on track, with feed and getting his teeth checked etc. The vet is coming on Wednesday for his vaccinations and to give him the once over. I just need to teach him how to stand at the mounting block, as he walks backwards.
I've always been a nervous rider (and it drives me mad that I am like it!) But since having my little boy my confidence in general is completely on the floor. I think I should book a riding lesson with my old instructor, as both her and her horses are brilliant. My friend is also having a fun TREC obstacle birthday party at the weekend, so I may hop on her big, quiet horse and have a go, skipping what I feel is scary!
My neighbour took Mr. W for a short hack on Wednesday, and he was good as gold. He wasn't sure about a bright yellow large bin at the end of a drive, but apart from that he was great. Due to his fitness, he can't hack out for more than about 20 minutes in walk, and we are surrounded by hills!
My 13.3hh pony Mouse, who I've owned for 15 years since I was a teenager, may have to be retired. The vet is visiting on again on Wednesday, because she has intermittent lameness, and so far resting it hasn't achieved anything. The farrier has checked her feet and cannot find anything wrong, so it appears to be a muscle/tendon/joint. We think that she may have bucked and cantered on a steep hill when she spotted her new companions over the hedge and now has a weakness that every now and then she catches again. I feel sad that I may not be able to ride her again. Out in the field ambling about she is fine, but not sound enough for riding, and I don't have the finances for large amounts of ongoing treatment. As long as she is comfortable, then I'll manage the situation, but if she is in lots of pain as time goes on, I shall have to look at the situation again and decide what is best for her. I have her on Devils Claw, Arnica, Turmeric and Glucosamine, in a bid to help her.
I feel sad that I have three horses (a companion, Mouse and Mr. W) and that Mouse is not 100% sound and Mr. W needs a start over because of his previous owner. I just wish I had my confidence back, I could get Mouse sound and Mr. W fit and well. Moo, my companion is nearly 30 and the other two are about 21. Moo is happy kicking a about and good for her age.
I'm unsure of the best routine for them. They are currently in during the day (when the weather is hot) and out overnight, or out 24/7 with a hay shed for shelter. They do have stables too.
I have all of Kelly's and Monty's books but haven't read them for a long time and I have Monty's Online Uni.
But I'm not sure which book to read first and whether to get back onto Monty's Uni too.
Sorry for the long tale, any advice on any of my issues would be wonderful!
Sarah. x
Since the birth of my little boy (now 22 months) I haven't ridden very much, and haven't had a lesson either. Now my boy, that I bought last September, is ready to come back into work, it's time I got back into the saddle.
I bought Mr. W last year from a friend, who's daughters had ridden him long distances and he was living on hardly any grass, on the moors, and nothing else to eat to my knowledge. Unfortunately, until he was our side of the hedge they didn't realise how worn out he was. So I've spent the last 10 months getting him back on track, with feed and getting his teeth checked etc. The vet is coming on Wednesday for his vaccinations and to give him the once over. I just need to teach him how to stand at the mounting block, as he walks backwards.
I've always been a nervous rider (and it drives me mad that I am like it!) But since having my little boy my confidence in general is completely on the floor. I think I should book a riding lesson with my old instructor, as both her and her horses are brilliant. My friend is also having a fun TREC obstacle birthday party at the weekend, so I may hop on her big, quiet horse and have a go, skipping what I feel is scary!
My neighbour took Mr. W for a short hack on Wednesday, and he was good as gold. He wasn't sure about a bright yellow large bin at the end of a drive, but apart from that he was great. Due to his fitness, he can't hack out for more than about 20 minutes in walk, and we are surrounded by hills!
My 13.3hh pony Mouse, who I've owned for 15 years since I was a teenager, may have to be retired. The vet is visiting on again on Wednesday, because she has intermittent lameness, and so far resting it hasn't achieved anything. The farrier has checked her feet and cannot find anything wrong, so it appears to be a muscle/tendon/joint. We think that she may have bucked and cantered on a steep hill when she spotted her new companions over the hedge and now has a weakness that every now and then she catches again. I feel sad that I may not be able to ride her again. Out in the field ambling about she is fine, but not sound enough for riding, and I don't have the finances for large amounts of ongoing treatment. As long as she is comfortable, then I'll manage the situation, but if she is in lots of pain as time goes on, I shall have to look at the situation again and decide what is best for her. I have her on Devils Claw, Arnica, Turmeric and Glucosamine, in a bid to help her.
I feel sad that I have three horses (a companion, Mouse and Mr. W) and that Mouse is not 100% sound and Mr. W needs a start over because of his previous owner. I just wish I had my confidence back, I could get Mouse sound and Mr. W fit and well. Moo, my companion is nearly 30 and the other two are about 21. Moo is happy kicking a about and good for her age.
I'm unsure of the best routine for them. They are currently in during the day (when the weather is hot) and out overnight, or out 24/7 with a hay shed for shelter. They do have stables too.
I have all of Kelly's and Monty's books but haven't read them for a long time and I have Monty's Online Uni.
But I'm not sure which book to read first and whether to get back onto Monty's Uni too.
Sorry for the long tale, any advice on any of my issues would be wonderful!
Sarah. x