Anyone else struggling to ride at the moment

F

fatpony

Well-Known Member
Joined
12 November 2009
Messages
321
Visit site
Due to work and visiting relatives I'm going to have to give my pony a couple of weeks off over christmas. Its just not possible to ride him though he is on full livery at the moment and getting daily turnout so his care and well being isnt an issue. But in the run up to Christmas its getting harder and harder to fit in some riding and I am beginning to think I should just give him a month off. He can get a bit stupid when he is fresh so i dont just want ride the odd day but I feel really sad and worried that I feel like I need a break - Ive never felt like this before.
Can someone give me a kick and point out that my pony will probably appreciate it and it doesnt mean that I dont love him and I can spend the time just cuddling him...
 
I think it's good for a horse to have a holiday at some point in the year. I agree, its better sometimes to give them a straight few week break than keep picking them up and putting them away.

Don't feel bad, Christmas is a busy time and you can only do what you feel is right for you. I'm sure you will be there spoiling him over Christmas!
 
If it helps I'm also struggling to find the time to ride. I finish work at 5pm, but have two very hairy labradors at home, so by the time I've hoovered, mopped, cleaned, made and eaten tea and got changed for the yard, it's not far off 7.30. Get to the yard, muck out, fill net, it doesn't leave much time for riding. Add to that the fact that it's dark, freezing cold, and there's nobody else at the yard by that time so I'm on my own, it doesn't really inspire you to ride. I try and ride 3 days in the week then hack on Saturday and Sunday, but it's hard work fitting everything in.

Maybe there are ways you could reorganise your day, for example I'm going to start getting up at 6.30am and mucking out before work, then she's out all day and there's nothing left for me to do in the evening except ride.

Unfortunately not many people have as much time as they want, and the horse has to fit around your life to a certain extent. I'm sure he'll be glad of a nice holiday. You can get back into a routine in the New Year. :)
 
If it makes you feel better, I gave my horse 3 weeks off at the beginning of November as I was too busy. Now I have more time I am enjoying time with him more than ever. I seem to need a break every year as the nights draw in, I call it my winter hibernation, and I have it guilt free.
 
I've not ridden mine for 10 days. I don't think he minds. Don't worry about it. If he's getting turn out and fed I'm sure he wont mind a few weeks off. It's his winter holidays! They don't often get summer one's!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top