a pointless post from a horseless rider!

[jellybeanz]

Just need a little moan because I know you lot will get it!

I really miss being around horses! I've not ridden in so long and tonight I felt quite down about it. Sadly I can't afford to loan and the riding schools around my area don't really cater for adult riders ... I keep an eye out on adverts but nothing come up! I'd even be happy just to lead an old gielding so I can be around horses again
Ahhh pointless post, eventually everything is sorter, I have the house, secure job and financial stability that the horse will come turn but Now I'm horseless!

Sorry for any mistakes in this my phone hates me!

 

[tankgirl1]

My initial foray back into the horsey world was via RDA - I was REALLY missing neddys after a 10-15yr gap, so volunteered with the local RDA group. I'd be lying if I said it all came flooding back, but it certainly got me hooked again, and I am now in a position where I am part loaning so getting pony time, and can afford to loan him outright once we get new yard sorted.

Don't despair! x

 

[suffolkmare]

Sorry that your local riding schools cant offer anything for adults. You could find out about riding clubs from tack shops and then enquire about helping at shows or social events. Most would be really grateful for help setting up, stewarding, or just serving tea and cake to the judges! That way you can network and may be lucky enough to find someone needing a sharer. Good luck!

 

[Foxford]

When I was in your position I put notes up at livery yards and comp centres asking if anyone needed help. I got a job as a groom out of it and the ride on a lovely show horse! Then I bought my own and never looked back.

 

[asmp]

Agree with the above posts. Help out at your local RDA. I moved to my area a couple of years ago and joined the local group and have made lots of horsey friends (I do own my own). Another is to ask your local Riding
Club if they need any help at shows - most desperately need volunteers. I also once, when I was horseless, put a note in the local tack shop asking if anyone needed help exercising their horse and ended up riding for a local lady (but I was able to ride in the week when most people can't because of work). Good luck!

 

[cheeryplatypus]

Agree about helping with shows. It's a great time of year to get involved. Give your local riding club a call. Else try local competition centres or events. Up here we are crying out for pole pickers, scorers and jump judges. You will meet lots of people and may find someone who wants a sharer or some help
Also if you're into showing you could ask around locally as breeders often need someone to hold a young pony or dive into the ring with brushes, if they are showing a few that could be fun too.

 

[Brightbay]

Not all loans or shares look for a financial contribution I got back into horses after moving to Scotland by helping a couple of friends out - one shared a horse who needed to be kept fitter than her owner could manage, and then when she was off having her baby, I took over the fitness regime . I did help out buying the occasional bag of feed and field chores - the horse lived out so livery costs were low and help was needed more in looking after her than in paying.

My own horse is the same - lives out and we need field help rather than financial - I would kill for someone who would share for the contribution of doing the occasional feed, groom and hoof clean! So there are options, just a case of where to look. An add at a feed shop/tack shop might get you something.

 

[HBrae2]

Just on the off chance, were are you? I would like someone to hack out with me on either of mine, no costs or yard chores! Can't seem to find anyone who is over 18 with their own transport and not a complete beginner!

 

[Umbongo]

I feel for you! I have sat on a horse probably about 3 times in about 15 months! I have changed careers from horses to small animals, and going from riding 2 or 3 a day and having my own on loan, to moving to a very urban area and not having any contact with horses is HORRID! I cannot afford lessons in my area (London) and cannot afford the money and/or time for most of the shares in the area either.

I have started to volunteer at the local RDA when I have the time, so I am at least able to be around horses even though I am not riding. Do look into the RDA or see if there is a local pony club you can help out at, or a local show to help with?

Have you been round to some yards and asked/put a notice up at yards and tack shops? I think a lot of people will advertise word of mouth. Not all shares require a financial contribution.

If you are not hugely worried about actual riding, then I am sure someone would be very happy to have some help with a retired oldie or some help with a youngster etc?