Recent content by madmav

My last horse share was aged 17 when I first rode him. Ten happy years with him, lots of hacking, jumping, joy. If a trusted person is recommending this horse, I’d for it. Good luck!

Constantly amazed how plants that I nurture and want to thrive get eaten or just turn up their toes and die. Weeds that I wage war on just keep coming back with two green fingers. Ragwort is definitely a giver of the V sign

Olympic committee have been itching for years to ditch equestrian sports. Expense, lack of (in their view) popular interest etc. Princess Anne was on committee many years back and fought successfully to keep them. This awful video could be the last straw. Find it all so sad. And unnecessary...

Had a fair few angry emails via freecycle when giving away an old telly. Chose someone who I thought most likely to turn up and collect rather than those who replied first. It was my property. I can give it to whoever I like! Likewise when you’re selling something. People are quite odd at times.

I have a problem with the cavalry horses on Whitehall standing in those guard boxes for hours on end. Harsh bits in their mouths, which they chew on constantly. Tourists swarming them.

I always used to dismount like that, much gentler on the knees. But last yard owner shouted at me for doing it, saying I could topple off backwards. Loving this thread. Good to know so many 'mature' riders and owners still going strong. I haven't ridden for four years after horse share died...

I did a fabulous share for 10 years. But they are very hard to find. Right owner, yard, horse etc. Had plenty of wrong ones along the way. Sounds like you have a good set up where you are. I would be guided by them and find that perfect horse, that is just yours! Good luck!

Thank you bradsmum! Glad it’s not just me then with the weird typing and loading thing. But, again, now working fine! Maybe more ads now to pay for site slowing things down? News site I’m on does same thing. Understand they need to make sites financially viable though.

Is anyone else finding the site really slow to upload, browse? Or even to type in? Used to use it regularly. Been away for a while. It’s not my internet connection. Typing this is working fine, ironically! Anyway, good wishes to you all. ?

Loved Marion and Stroller. They were my icons. Also Eddie and Boomerang.

Nitrile gloves. Bought from Horse & Health for about £6. They are thin enough to do jobs, but just about enough to keep my rubbish fingers warm.

I’m missing riding out on freezing days. Horse having died. Do not miss the stupid raynauds syndrome in my fingers, though. But did get it in Tesco’s the other day! Rubbish without advantage of being with a horse.

Just caught up with Olympia. John Whitaker, aged 63, in World Cup qualifier. And his baby brother, Michael. A mere 58. If you’re fit enough, go for it! Worried about that earlier comment about hips though. Haven’t ridden for a year.

I also have reynauds. Use nytryl gloves while doing jobs. Bought from Horse Health, but sure can get them everywhere. They’re thin enough to be dexterous but keep in warmth. Then swap over to seal skins or ski gloves to ride, depending on how cold it is. People laugh at my many sets of gloves...

I would be cautious of this. Riding school I used to attend, considered prestigious, uses working liveries for two hours a day. One day off a week. Was £100 a week back then, god knows what it is now. Have also seen horses lying down there with saddles on!