Another horse...

[tarlia]

I keep my now early retired horse at a competition yard where it has amazing facilities, he is retired due to an injury with the hope he may become sound in the next few years. I ride my friends horse at a local yard a couple of times a week now, but there is now an opportunity to start riding a horse at my yard where my injured horse is 5/6 times a week for the owner, whilst they are busy with uni.
I do have a full time job and live a 5 min drive from my yard, this might sound silly as its a great opportunity to have this horse to ride however i dont want to overdo myself! Is that third horse too much?
I will be going up to the yard twice a day anyway, but is it a good idea to take on this extra responsibility 5/6 times a week, or should i stick to riding just the one horse for my friend a few times a week?
Need to be realistic!

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I think it can be done when I worked full time I rode my own horse between 4 and 6 days a week, and I rode my sister's 4 times a week at least and they were at different yards about 15 minutes drive apart and I lived about 15 minutes drive away from the nearest one.

So so some evenings I did mine then drove to the next yard to ride the other then home, granted I never got home until about 8.30pm on those nights.

 

[HazuraJane]

Have had three horses, all at the same facility.
I found I didn't spend any more time than I did with two; what changed was I did not dawdle or chitchat with other owners/trainers.
It was amazing for sharpening my time management skills.
When I went back to only two horses, it was a bit of a relief, but I also missed the excitement.

 

[AFB]

I think it all comes down to how much you want to ride? If you're 100% committed from the outset then go for it.

If you're happy with riding twice a week to keep your hand in then stick with your friends horse.

 

[canteron]

Could you compromise and say you will commit to exercising it a couple of times a week - more if you can. Rather than overpromise and risk letting her down later

Riding 5/6 times a week is a huge commitment, even on your own horse, unless you are motivated by specific goals.

 

[tarlia]

Have had three horses, all at the same facility.
I found I didn't spend any more time than I did with two; what changed was I did not dawdle or chitchat with other owners/trainers.
It was amazing for sharpening my time management skills.
When I went back to only two horses, it was a bit of a relief, but I also missed the excitement.

I suppose that’s an excuse to get home on a cold winters night, “i’ve got to go ride my 3 see you soon’

 

[tarlia]

Could you compromise and say you will commit to exercising it a couple of times a week - more if you can. Rather than overpromise and risk letting her down later

Riding 5/6 times a week is a huge commitment, even on your own horse, unless you are motivated by specific goals.

That’s what i thought it is a huge commitment, i don’t particularly have any goals other than weekend hunting if work shifts allow. I think she wants this horse to be kept in shape whilst she’s busy at uni, and also being nice to me seeing as my boy is out of work, but 5/6 times a week is a lot! I’ll see if there’s any budge

 

[tarlia]

I think it can be done when I worked full time I rode my own horse between 4 and 6 days a week, and I rode my sister's 4 times a week at least and they were at different yards about 15 minutes drive apart and I lived about 15 minutes drive away from the nearest one.

So so some evenings I did mine then drove to the next yard to ride the other then home, granted I never got home until about 8.30pm on those nights.

Would this be after work?
My work shifts can vary massively, if i’m working a 2pm-10pm shift it could mean i have time in the morning to potter about both yards which i think would work. But i think if i was to be finishing on a shift at 5/6pm it would be a lot more difficult, as you say getting home at 8.30, eating and getting yourself sorted and ready for getting up early next day.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Would this be after work?
My work shifts can vary massively, if i’m working a 2pm-10pm shift it could mean i have time in the morning to potter about both yards which i think would work. But i think if i was to be finishing on a shift at 5/6pm it would be a lot more difficult, as you say getting home at 8.30, eating and getting yourself sorted and ready for getting up early next day.

I worked 9am until 5.30 and I did sometimes ride mine before work as we had an indoor and outdoor with lights so it worked well, your late shift would really work as you have the whole morning.

 

[McFluff]

I rode two for 5 times a week each. At the same yard though. While working full time. Got quite slick at doing things and I got fitter. It is possible, but if you enjoy taking time and faffing it may not be for you.

 

[Winters100]

Sounds fun, but everyone is different, and it may, or may not, be too much for you. I would assume that the owner in question does not have a heap of options without paying a pro, so why not just say that you will try it for a month and see how it goes?

 

[chaps89]

Pre lockdown I had mine in work 5 days a week.
I also shooled a horse on my yard twice a week for the owner.
Had a share horse 28 miles away (near work) who I rode once, maybe twice a week.
And had another one near my yard that I rode once, maybe twice a week.
Amongst this I had a full time and part time job!
I now only have mine 5 days a week and share horse once a week and wonder how I used to fit it all in! But I did and I loved it and was hugely motivated, and now I've lost my mojo a bit really.
So all depends on how much you want it and don't mind early starts/late finishes.
More realistic might be talking to the girl going to uni about doing say 3 times a week or whatever might be easier for you to commit too