Recent content by jemstar

That's a bit rude of them! I would recommend John Lewis, they have a few lifetime policy options. Admin is a bit rubbish but they have always paid out thank goodness. My policy went up 50% last year, but as my dog was in the middle of treatment for a condition I couldn't change companies at...

Has he been checked out physically too? And saddle fit checked? Just wondering if he has something else going on aswell as the behavioural issues...

Yes the owner needs to be prepared to work on this with you. It's very difficult when the horse isn't yours, you're the only one riding and you aren't able to dedicate more time. I very nearly took a previous share horse on full time until I realised I wasn't experienced enough to deal with...

In his own bed on the floor next to our bed (on my side). He would sleep on the bed if he could but he totally squashes me and I end up with no room. He also likes to get under the covers, he's so funny! I do let him sleep on my OH's side of the bed when he's away :) Our last dog slept...

Totally shocked. I too thought paying a premium price bought you a premium quality hat. I was thinking of saving to get a KEP at some point as they look awesome and meet the safety standards, but I won't be after reading this. Safety over fashion for me. Thanks for sharing, so glad you're ok OP.

Most rescue centres advise that dogs are to be left for no longer than 4 hours. If you have a dog walker for when you're at work you'll be fine :) There are lots of breed specific rescue centres too once you've decided on what you want. Mongrels are awesome too!

Yes tiring the brain out works! There are so many ideas on youtube. I feel your pain. Our dog has been on restricted exercise since March :( He's now up to 1/2 hour walks twice a day but is due another operation in Nov/Dec so we'll be back to no exercise and building it back up again. We give...

:( That's a shame. Sharing including lessons could cost a similar amount or possibly more but you'll get more out of it. Sharing at a private yard instead of a riding school will allow you to find your own way a bit more. I'm not sure I could do things the BHS way all the time (if at all!) I...

Maybe you could try private lessons for a bit if you don't like group ones? And ask if they will let you tack up so you feel more confident if you do want to share/loan. You really don't need to know everything if you are sharing as Abi90 has said. If you're honest about your ability and show...

You'll be the sensible pair again in no time I'm sure :)

Yes, you're not alone! I feel the same after an accident out hacking almost 2 years ago and myself and the horse were both fine just a scary experience making me realise what could potentially happen. I now ride a different horse but still get worried about cantering in open spaces and I even...

We have 11 boys out in 1 huge field (not sure of acreage) and a strict poo picking regime. Each horse is allocated a number of large tub trugs per week and we take number tags, write them in the book and attach them to the tubs. It works out to be 6 tubs per horse at the moment which is about 3...

That's interesting! I had BHS gold membership and needed to make a claim a few years ago. (The horse I was sharing damaged a car). BHS wanted me to claim on the owners insurance, when that wasn't an option they wanted me to claim on my household insurance. It was so time consuming and stressful...

Ah I see. Then it does sound like you need someone with a bit more experience. I think some people feel confident from the riding school environment but don't realise how big a step up sharing and owning is.

For my first horse share (years ago now), it was my first experience outside of a riding school environment and after a very long break too. I was completely honest about my ability and she watched me tack up and ride (very rustily!) and I agreed to have regular lessons at the yard and hacked...