Are people riding?

[Roxylola]

I am also wondering did ALL of the people who now say that it is essential for their horse to be ridden, either for the horse or for their own mental health, ride all winter? And if essential for their mental health what have they done in the past when their horse has been off work - did they rent a horse or did they just manage?

Yep, all winter, outdoor pokey arena in the evening and wet and windy hacks at weekend. And for my own mental health, well I've never before been in a situation where I've had to go to work while the country is in lock down, while coming to the end of 4 years of study for a degree I won't get a graduation for, had to queue to shop for my groceries, felt guilty for needing to walk my dogs; so while for a long term break yes I would be booking lessons or riding something else for the sake of my mental health. Under normal circumstances my mental health might be fine with a short break. Right now, yes I do need a reason to keep going on!

 

[milliepops]

Yep, all winter, outdoor pokey arena in the evening and wet and windy hacks at weekend. And for my own mental health, well I've never before been in a situation where I've had to go to work while the country is in lock down, while coming to the end of 4 years of study for a degree I won't get a graduation for, had to queue to shop for my groceries, felt guilty for needing to walk my dogs; so while for a long term break yes I would be booking lessons or riding something else for the sake of my mental health. Under normal circumstances my mental health might be fine with a short break. Right now, yes I do need a reason to keep going on!

Sending solidarity vibes. Having some awful "playing god" type discussions at work on a daily basis at the moment, it's ghastly. The horses are such a valuable release valve for all the negative stuff that you just have to push down.

 

[ester]

If you can honestly say that the activities you are choosing to participate in, whether that be riding, cycling, rock climbing or whatever is not in anyway insensitive or disrespectful to them then carry on.
.

Phew, will continue with my current one remaining activity.

 

[PapaverFollis]

I was just thinkinh of another element to consider in your risk assessments. (I've decided I'm not judging anyone for continuing to ride everyone is in different circumstances and the horses are all different too. I think as many people as can do so should shoes off and chuck out but if thats not possible exercising the horse might be safer than cooping it up...)

ANYWAYS... please factor in that your own emotions are going to be pretty spiked up with a fear response at the moment even if you feel ok... so that might translate into even calm horses being a bit more spooky than normal while you're around. I know if I was on Beast at the moment she'd be seeing monsters because she's really sensitive and unfortunately believes what my emotions tell her.

If I still had Granny horse I might still go for a potter because she didn't listen to my amygdala at all... she knew best. ?

 

[Roxylola]

MP, I do not envy you one bit, luckily my job is just finance but that alone makes it seem really pointless. I don't really feel like I am contributing to anything much but I am still stuck here.

PF, that's a fair point, for me I literally feel my tensions disappear as I sit my backside in the saddle for my day to day riding (bit different for competing lol)

 

[Sail_away]

To me it is not about 'am I breaking any rules' it is about 'what is the right thing to do, not just for me but for society'.

I am also wondering did ALL of the people who now say that it is essential for their horse to be ridden, either for the horse or for their own mental health, ride all winter? And if essential for their mental health what have they done in the past when their horse has been off work - did they rent a horse or did they just manage?

We are not children - we all understand what the regulations are trying to achieve and we need to do everything to stay home as much as possible.

Yes, I rode all winter, rain or shine. Six days a week, putting in the effort to get him fit enough for his first proper competition season.
The most I’ve spent away from him is two weeks, I missed him hugely. I also wasn’t half as stressed back then. So, yes, particularly right now, he’s very important to my mental health. Being able to ride him means I’m able to make goals (for his training) and keep moving forward.
Yes, I think I’m doing the right thing - in my particular situation. With a very fit horse, who’s about to have a lot of energy (spring grass), who’s a very good doer, who’s very safe and polite to ride. The risks for me and my horse if I don’t ride are laminitis, an obese horse, me getting injured while leading a fresh horse, me getting injured while lunging a fresh horse. If I ride sensibly I might still fall off. But the risks - for me - of not riding are greater than the risks of riding. Your situation is different, so you’re not riding. I’m sure that’s the right decision for you.
But I don’t get how you don’t understand that not everyone is in the same situation? And that a decision that is right for you does not mean it’s right for everyone else?

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

To me it is not about 'am I breaking any rules' it is about 'what is the right thing to do, not just for me but for society'.

I am also wondering did ALL of the people who now say that it is essential for their horse to be ridden, either for the horse or for their own mental health, ride all winter? And if essential for their mental health what have they done in the past when their horse has been off work - did they rent a horse or did they just manage?

We are not children - we all understand what the regulations are trying to achieve and we need to do everything to stay home as much as possible.

This thread is getting v like the Brexit one, folk getting antsy with each other.

Please, there are much more important things than bloody bickering about who rode when and how often, its getting like a flipping stuck record now.
Winters, this isn't aimed just at you, but all those who are 'making their point'. It's getting like a preachy livery yard as to who is right and who is wrong.

You are all adults on here, do what is right for you and your horse, trust yourself, stay safe.

 

[HufflyPuffly]

It's sad that times like this seem to bring the worst out in other people...

I'm sure if someone who didn't know my situation would be thinking gosh look at them going out 3x a day and riding too...

Currently have a horse on boxrest who cannot tolerate being alone (she's 27 now and I cannot re-train this level of separation anxiety), I also have one who is fine to be alone and one who is a bit iffy but equally very nutty on no turnout. The juggling act of keeping each horse happy, when two are pretty fit and one I'd very much like to keep going and not have another injury to add to the current one, has been awful, add on the lockdown, the stress and now the judgement of the faceless internet I cannot tell you how much I have cried this past week.

Another who has ridden all winter, in every type of weather, for the welfare of the horses in my care. I think we're all doing the best we can.

 

[Bernster]

I accept that no one is going to change their minds on this. This kind of forum doesn’t lend itself well to that. People are making their own decisions based on their own interpretation and what they consider to be essential in terms of either travel or horse care.

Let’s just hope that the measures we are all taking help to reduce the threat and the exposure levels, and we don’t need to go into total lock down like Italy etc.

 

[Abi90]

I accept that no one is going to change their minds on this. This kind of forum doesn’t lend itself well to that. People are making their own decisions based on their own interpretation and what they consider to be essential in terms of either travel or horse care.

Let’s just hope that the measures we are all taking help to reduce the threat and the exposure levels, and we don’t need to go into total lock down like Italy etc.

We pretty much are at the same level as Italy. The only difference is the police are not enforcing it to the same extent at the moment. They are still allowed to the shops, to walk dogs and to go to work if they can’t work from home/will get laid off otherwise

 

[Jazz18]

I have decided not to ride. Not that I am concerned about virus spread while out for a hack but for the risk of coming off. I have used/am using far too much NHS as it is. Robin is good but he is feeling well and fresh. In the 3 rides since hospital he hasn’t done anything wrong but spooks a plenty and it only takes a bird to pop out, spook, splat. I don’t want to add to NHS strain. Crisis team keen for me to keep riding for my mental health but huge guilt as it is. Farrier is due in 2 weeks so I think I will just get his shoes taken off for a couple of months.

Still riding but very quietly. Safer to keep horse exercised then let him become a loon.

 

[Winters100]

i don't get people saying it's ok because they are wearing an airjacket or BP. If you break your ankle or wrist you will still need an A&E trip

Totally agree, and I am sorry for your situation. I also have 2 horses super fit and ready for competition having been ridden 9 days of every 10 all winter. But that having been said I agree with you that I do not want people to die because I would like to continue with my hobby. Seems that a huge number of people have a reason that they are an exception - amazing how many people have mental health problems so serious that they have to ride. Equally amazing how many horses will become dangerous and impossible to handle in case they are not ridden - makes me wonder whether these people should actually work more on teaching their horses manners from the ground. Anyway reality is that if so many continue in this way there probably will be additional regulations so no one can ride - and sadly this will include the tiny minority for whom it truly is necessary.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I was just thinkinh of another element to consider in your risk assessments. (I've decided I'm not judging anyone for continuing to ride everyone is in different circumstances and the horses are all different too. I think as many people as can do so should shoes off and chuck out but if thats not possible exercising the horse might be safer than cooping it up...)

ANYWAYS... please factor in that your own emotions are going to be pretty spiked up with a fear response at the moment even if you feel ok... so that might translate into even calm horses being a bit more spooky than normal while you're around. I know if I was on Beast at the moment she'd be seeing monsters because she's really sensitive and unfortunately believes what my emotions tell her.

If I still had Granny horse I might still go for a potter because she didn't listen to my amygdala at all... she knew best. ?

I think this is a valid point. My horse is super sensitive. A friend pointed this out to me that I shouldn't ride if I have reservations about it because he would feel it. I think everyone's energy has changed a bit given the situation, and I know some horses that don't give a care, but my Mr. Sensitive does. Granted, I could be just fine riding him, but I think there'd be something "off" about it I think.

 

[Bernster]

We pretty much are at the same level as Italy. The only difference is the police are not enforcing it to the same extent at the moment. They are still allowed to the shops, to walk dogs and to go to work if they can’t work from home/will get laid off otherwise

Wasn’t aware of that. Our operations in Italy have shut down but not in the uk. All businesses shut apart from specific ones which are still running. In the uk it’s the other way round, specific ones have shut and the rest are operating if they can’t work from home. Plus we don’t have the forms to fill out or the tracking or enforcement. But perhaps in practice it’s very similar.

 

[Abi90]

Wasn’t aware of that. Our operations in Italy have shut down but not in the uk. All businesses shut apart from specific ones which are still running. In the uk it’s the other way round, specific ones have shut and the rest are operating if they can’t work from home. Plus we don’t have the forms to fill out or the tracking or enforcement. But perhaps in practice it’s very similar.

I think it’s the level of enforcement that is different but what you’re allowed to do is about the same.

Although there’s still loads of selfish people in Italy as they are getting fined by the police left, right and centre!

 

[AnShanDan]

I would also say to all the people unable to safely handle their horses on the ground if they can’t ride - you should have trained them properly to have good ground manners and be respectful of you. In 25 years of owning horses I can’t think of a single one that I wouldn’t be able to handle on the ground if I couldn’t ride it for any reason. Perhaps use this time to go back to basics and work on that.

Wow, sweeping statement!!
I have had horses for a lot of years and I've 100% known some horses that can be pretty sharp to handle and worse if they're not worked. Perhaps you do own fit competition horses and have them all trained so well they never have any lively moments in hand, if so very well done.

 

[Chippers1]

i'm lucky that I can leave mine and he will be the same to ride as when I left, another reason why i'm thinking of not riding. Sad though as my BE member pack has just come through the post, I joined on the Monday and a few hours later everything was cancelled, silly mistake!

 

[Upthecreek]

I don’t think anyone is sniping or being disrespectful. I am more than happy for people to take issue with what I have posted and I do not take it personally. We all have a right to express our opinions and we don’t have to agree. I have been interested to read other people’s perspectives and during this crisis it has been enlightening to see how it has brought out both the best and the worst in people.

Reading the threads ‘livery yards being closed, banned from seeing our horses’ and ‘if you’re dithering over riding’ tells me everything I personally need to know about why my decision not to ride at the moment is the right one.

 

[Upthecreek]

Wow, sweeping statement!!
I have had horses for a lot of years and I've 100% known some horses that can be pretty sharp to handle and worse if they're not worked. Perhaps you do own fit competition horses and have them all trained so well they never have any lively moments in hand, if so very well done.

All horses have “lively moments” they are not machines. But my horses do know that it’s not okay to barge me, drag me around or stand on me (or anyone else handling them) regardless of spring grass, not being ridden or anything else. I train them to have good manners and be respectful when being handled. Is that wrong?

 

[HufflyPuffly]

All horses have “lively moments” they are not machines. But my horses do know that it’s not okay to barge me, drag me around or stand on me (or anyone else handling them) regardless of spring grass, not being ridden or anything else. I train them to have good manners and be respectful when being handled. Is that wrong?

No but it's part of the risk assessment we all have to do.

Mine are generally seen as very well behaved horses, I make a point of excellent ground manners, I have been run over by a horse and I have no wish to repeat it (it wasn't my horse)!

I need to balance the increased risk of possible injury on the ground as a result of a fresh horse from not enough exercise, vs the risk of riding the horse.

For my personal situation, once they can all be in the field all day I will not need to exercise them by riding.

 

[AnShanDan]

Upthecreek, it was your advice to "...use this time to go back to basics and work on that" to those who haven't "trained" their horses properly that I was commenting on. It came across as rather patronising

 

[Sail_away]

But clearly we do need governments to tell us what to do. We are only in lockdown now (at least those of us that are obeying the rules are) because of the number of idiots that headed to beauty spots in their thousands at the weekend, completing ignoring all of the advice on social distancing. It had to be enforced because inconsiderate stupid people chose to ignore the advice to stay at home.

What gets me with all of this is the sheer insensitivity being shown to the thousands of amazing NHS workers who are working ridiculous hours and putting their lives at risk to care for people in the most horrendous circumstances. If you can honestly say that the activities you are choosing to participate in, whether that be riding, cycling, rock climbing or whatever is not in anyway insensitive or disrespectful to them then carry on.

I would also say to all the people unable to safely handle their horses on the ground if they can’t ride - you should have trained them properly to have good ground manners and be respectful of you. In 25 years of owning horses I can’t think of a single one that I wouldn’t be able to handle on the ground if I couldn’t ride it for any reason. Perhaps use this time to go back to basics and work on that.

For the same reasons you’re saying that riding isn’t safe and we shouldn’t do it?? As in, safe horses can and do spook. They’re also more likely to spook if they’re hot and fresh because they’ve had no exercise.
My horse has very good ground manners. If I move in to him, he moves away. If I click my tongue, he picks up his hoof for me to pick out. If he wants a treat and I say, ‘no’, he waits for me to tell him he can have it. But he can still spook, and if he has too much energy he’ll spook more often and the spooks will be worse.
Lot of judgement on this thread.

 

[doodle]

Re mental health.
I was hospitalised on a psych ward at the start of this. I was not sectioned but told if I try to leave I would be. I was discharged (as was most of the ward) very suddenly so they could use ward for the virus. I would/should still be in hospital. They have made that clear. I am with crisis team instead, this has been whittled down to bare bones. Normally daily home visits, they are now not allowed to come out. We are at SERIOUS risk of loosing the crisis team. This means a lot of people will have NO mental health help.
This would do my mental health more problems. I agree my horse and riding is the main thing that helps me. I am still going to yard as sole carer of my horse but only once a day. Mentally I would be at more harm with no psych input than the protective element of riding

 

[ester]

Very judgey, now we are including people's mental health statuses in that. That's just not nice.

 

[doodle]

Was that aimed at me?

 

[ester]

No, can't see how it would be we were typing at the same time, it was aimed mostly at Winters comment about how bad everyone's mental health must be for them to have to ride.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I sat and watched the news last night and our Chief Constable (Devon & Cornwall) actually said - in what was a very brief news item - that as well as farmers needing to see to their stock he appreciated the fact that people needed to, for e.g. "go and see to horses and exercise them"!!

Amazing, but true. So that eases my conscience considerably........ I DID take my two very safe cobs out for a little walking hack yesterday morning; in the quiet/deserted lanes around here, the most exciting thing you'll see is someone's farm cat.

 

[Upthecreek]

Upthecreek, it was your advice to "...use this time to go back to basics and work on that" to those who haven't "trained" their horses properly that I was commenting on. It came across as rather patronising

I’m sorry if it hit a nerve, but I absolutely stand by it. In my opinion people focus far too much on ridden work with horses when solid ground work training should be the foundation for everything else. Ask Richard Maxwell!

 

[Bernster]

I sat and watched the news last night and our Chief Constable (Devon & Cornwall) actually said - in what was a very brief news item - that as well as farmers needing to see to their stock he appreciated the fact that people needed to, for e.g. "go and see to horses and exercise them"!!

Amazing, but true. So that eases my conscience considerably........ I DID take my two very safe cobs out for a little walking hack yesterday morning; in the quiet/deserted lanes around here, the most exciting thing you'll see is someone's farm cat.

It makes sense to me that if you have to travel for care, limited as much as you can, sensible riding should also be ok (as in not high risk). For folks like me, whose horse is on livery and being exercised, I accept that my travel isn’t essential and I should not go (but I was still ‘bargaining’ with myself to try and justify it).

 

[ycbm]

Totally agree, and I am sorry for your situation. I also have 2 horses super fit and ready for competition having been ridden 9 days of every 10 all winter. But that having been said I agree with you that I do not want people to die because I would like to continue with my hobby. Seems that a huge number of people have a reason that they are an exception - amazing how many people have mental health problems so serious that they have to ride. Equally amazing how many horses will become dangerous and impossible to handle in case they are not ridden - makes me wonder whether these people should actually work more on teaching their horses manners from the ground. Anyway reality is that if so many continue in this way there probably will be additional regulations so no one can ride - and sadly this will include the tiny minority for whom it truly is necessary.

Can I politely suggest that your continuing to preach the same message again and again is becoming more likely to put people into oppositional defiance and make them carry on riding when they were on the verge of stopping?

.