Advice welcomed.

[NorfolkHorseLover]

Hi need help/advice please. As a kid I loved horse riding so have a small amount of knowledge. Fast forward some years got married had kids and stopped riding. Now kids have flown the nest and at 50 I've discovered my love of horses again. I feel like I'm to old to start again but am unsure. Me and hubby would love to get horses but I feel like an real novice now as it's been a long time since I looked after a small pony and dont know where to start. I dont want to just get a horse without full knowledge of everything. Not sure where the best place to start is that wont cost a fortune as any monies we have we want to use for the purchase and care of any future horses. Sorry for the long post.

 

[meleeka]

Do you want to ride or just keep horses?

 

[NorfolkHorseLover]

Both but I want to learn the looking after part thoroughly first. I know a few basic things but the in and outs. Would never want to own a pony/horse without being 100% clued up on everything then I though pay for some riding lessons after. I'm not a nervous person and I'm sure once I get back in the saddle I'll be fine with that part of things.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

You will never know everything there is to know about keeping horses but you do need to know when the horse needs a vet. Have you thought about going on a BHS Horse owner's course? It could also be useful to volunteer at a RDA group or city farm but there is certainly that you are too old at 50. I am sure there will be some members along soon to tell yo that they started with horses much older than that.

 

[Red-1]

You will never know everything there is to know about keeping horses but you do need to know when the horse needs a vet. Have you thought about going on a BHS Horse owner's course? It could also be useful to volunteer at a RDA group or city farm but there is certainly that you are too old at 50. I am sure there will be some members along soon to tell yo that they started with horses much older than that.

I think PaS missed a NOT out of that, as 50 is nothing.

I would have regular lessons at a fair size riding school. I say fair size as then you can ride a variety of horses and hopefully watch the liveries too. If you are a helpful sort then often you can help (either with school horses or liveries) and if it is also a competition venue then you can go and watch that too. Collecting ring steward etc for SJ is ideal, but even pole picking means you are viewed as helpful and likely to be included in other stuff where you will be learning.

Joining in with a riding club would give more experience. Locally to us we also have a load of yards looking for someone to help with muck out/turn out a few mornings a week (if you are fit enough).

RDA are always looking for volunteers, or what about volunteering for BE, again watching people jumping the course, or warming up for dressage, can be very telling.

 

[NorfolkHorseLover]

Thank u all for your replies. I'm lucky in the fact that my sister owned a large equestrian centre so although I didn't get that involved in it due to work commitments etc I did pick up a few good things. I've done loads of reading and internet searches which helps. I'm not a sit back and watch others do all the work type either so would definitely be up for mucking out etc as it's a great way to learn and also help out. Joining things is a great idea so will look into that today and see what's about locally. Thanks u all for your tips and great advice ?

 

[NorfolkHorseLover]

Hi all quick update. Have just looked up my nearest RDA and sent them an email offering to volenteer. So fingers crossed I get a place. ?

 

[windand rain]

You can learn a huge amount by reading, observing and handling horses without eveer sitting on one. As said earlier you mostly need to know what are veterinary emergencies, what a well horse looks like and what a sick horse looks like. When/if you venture into horse ownership find a good yard with a hands on yard owner/manager/instructor. you can learn as you go as long as you have trusted advice