Are you a one horse rider or a multiple mount person?

[Titchy Reindeer]

OK, my first attempt at a poll, so I hope it comes out as I expected.

I was having a conversation with a friend the other day who was really happy to be back on her own horse after he'd had a few weeks off. She had the option to ride some riding school horses where he is liveried while he was having a break, but said she found no joy in riding any horse that wasn't hers.

I'm the complete opposite, I love riding lots of different horses, even if, as I sometimes joke, it's just to remind me how good mine is! I love how they all feel so different, react differently, have different talents. They all teach me something, even if it's just humility and sometimes I can teach them something too. I was planning a bit of riding down or slow time while Little Madam was on maternity leave but as it happens, I currently have one and a half horses to ride in my borrowed beauties, Enormosaurus and Green TB. Little Madam is fine with this as we knew each other long before we belonged to each other and she has always seen me tack up and ride other horses. My biggest trouble is finding time to ride as much as I would like.

So are you a one horse person or do you like to switch things up a bit? Or perhaps somewhere in between with a main horse but willing to occasionally ride a different one?

 

[khalswitz]

I used to break and ride young horses for a living, so whilst I do enjoy riding different horses, if I do it too often it feels like work rather than fun. I always feel like I get more from a horse once I know them well and have a rapport, and I don’t have time to develop that with more than one at a time. So I’d put myself somewhere in the middle!

 

[BurntontheoutsideTurkey]

Agree it is great for riders to experience a wide variety of horses. Ideally it makes them more compassionate, thoughtful riders. Not that I ride anymore but, not having my own for most of my riding career, I was a compulsory multiple-mount rider. But I always loved riding different horses and feel it taught me so much both in terms of feel and adaptability. Nothing like going from an uneducated hacker to a PSG horse and back in the space of a morning, as I often used to do

 

[smolmaus]

I have no interest in riding any horse except for mine. I am rapidly approaching the conclusion that maybe I never actually liked riding that much, I just like horses I still love other horses though, I have several equine nieces and nephews I would maybe take a bullet for but I don't need to sit on them.

 

[teapot]

Never had my own so slightly skewed but have always enjoyed riding different ones. Would very occasionally request the same one for a few weeks if working on something specific but I’ve always valued being able to get on anything and try to improve it in x time period.

Underrated equine life skill I think (and why sometimes the most experienced one horse riders don’t do as well when it comes to university riding clubs…)

 

[poiuytrewq]

I'd say I'm inbetween, erring on the single side. I'm not a fan of having two of my own to ride. I find that hard work and don't feel I can give the time they deserve.
I've done a few years riding at or for work and found I didnt then really want to ride my own after work. I prefer my own but am happy to do the odd other ride. Somoene asked me a few weeks ago to ride their older horse out to nanny them with a baby and I quite enjoyed that. A bit of chage but no commitment!

 

[dorsetladette]

I grew up riding lots of different horses, then when my parents stud dissolved I had 1 horse for the best part of 20 years to ride. I now have 2 of my own to ride and often ride with a friend on her ponies. I enjoy them all in different ways. But I miss the one to one I had with my old boy, he knew me inside out as I knew him. Oh it's making my well up just thinking about it.

 

[Jenko109]

I very rarely ride these days. My horse is out on loan.

I do snatch a ride on a friend's pony a few times through the warmer months.

If my horse came back from loan, I would happily take him out jumping, go for a gallop, box out to shows etc.

I have no real inclination to do that on any other horse. I hack with my friend on her pony through summer purely for the catch up and to enjoy the sunshine. It isn't really about the riding.

I simply do not have that 'comfy slippers' feeling on any other horse but my own.

 

[Skib]

I have had three long term rides. The first two were RS mares whom I rode till they retired in old age. The third I am still riding. There is nothing like hacking solo on a mare one knows well.

However though I learned to ride in a school on one particular RS gelding, in my second and third year I set out to ride lots of different horses. I regarded it as education.
I listed every horse I rode and, thanks to lots of trail riding in USA, it reaches over 100.

 

[SEL]

I have two ridden horses of my own but I secretly enjoy getting on other horses - just never have the time or much opportunity these days!

When I was on livery at a RS I used to regularly get on different horses / ponies there and it was good fun. Not only the RS horses, but there were polo ponies and a variety of OTTBs so always something that needed riding.

 

[Titchy Reindeer]

I used to break and ride young horses for a living, so whilst I do enjoy riding different horses, if I do it too often it feels like work rather than fun. I always feel like I get more from a horse once I know them well and have a rapport, and I don’t have time to develop that with more than one at a time. So I’d put myself somewhere in the middle!

I'd say I'm inbetween, erring on the single side. I'm not a fan of having two of my own to ride. I find that hard work and don't feel I can give the time they deserve.
I've done a few years riding at or for work and found I didnt then really want to ride my own after work. I prefer my own but am happy to do the odd other ride. Somoene asked me a few weeks ago to ride their older horse out to nanny them with a baby and I quite enjoyed that. A bit of chage but no commitment!

I grew up riding lots of different horses, then when my parents stud dissolved I had 1 horse for the best part of 20 years to ride. I now have 2 of my own to ride and often ride with a friend on her ponies. I enjoy them all in different ways. But I miss the one to one I had with my old boy, he knew me inside out as I knew him. Oh it's making my well up just thinking about it.

I have two ridden horses of my own but I secretly enjoy getting on other horses - just never have the time or much opportunity these days!

When I was on livery at a RS I used to regularly get on different horses / ponies there and it was good fun. Not only the RS horses, but there were polo ponies and a variety of OTTBs so always something that needed riding.

I see where you're all coming from, ideally you don't want to ride so many that it feels like work! I've been lucky because I had my own pony throughout my teenage years and though I already enjoyed riding many different horses, I still got to have a special relationship with mine, in a similar way I now have with Little Madam, though she's going to have to watch out as Pippin has already started stealing my heart and he's very good at it!

I find one and half to work in summer months is about my limit time wise. In winter, I can ride one and fit in an extra on weekend days if I'm lucky. Luckily I've got a few years before I have to try and fit in Little Madam, Pippin, his possible friend and possibly Enormosaurus as well. I think I need to start training up some sharers now!

 

[Titchy Reindeer]

Agree it is great for riders to experience a wide variety of horses. Ideally it makes them more compassionate, thoughtful riders. Not that I ride anymore but, not having my own for most of my riding career, I was a compulsory multiple-mount rider. But I always loved riding different horses and feel it taught me so much both in terms of feel and adaptability. Nothing like going from an uneducated hacker to a PSG horse and back in the space of a morning, as I often used to do

Never had my own so slightly skewed but have always enjoyed riding different ones. Would very occasionally request the same one for a few weeks if working on something specific but I’ve always valued being able to get on anything and try to improve it in x time period.

Underrated equine life skill I think (and why sometimes the most experienced one horse riders don’t do as well when it comes to university riding clubs…)

I've found over the variety of riding schools I've tried in several different countries that some like you to ride different horses as often as possible but others seem to like giving you the same horse over and over again. When I was between horses and still upset over selling my Hairy Champion, I didn't like riding the same horse all the time, I didn't want to get attached. Years later, I used to regularly fall in love with some of the horses I rode, some of which I would have bought on the spot if I'd been looking and had the money. It's been great to ride a horse that can do flying changes at the drop of a hat, one that will carry you towards a cross country jump without a care in the world or to discover that the riding school horse that you thought was a dope on a rope had actually just tuned it down for a more novice rider.

My instructor believes you shouldn't ride a single horse too early in your riding career as it restricts your learning and it's so easy to develop bad habits that match your horse's.

 

[Titchy Reindeer]

I have no interest in riding any horse except for mine. I am rapidly approaching the conclusion that maybe I never actually liked riding that much, I just like horses I still love other horses though, I have several equine nieces and nephews I would maybe take a bullet for but I don't need to sit on them.

Your equine nieces and nephews are very lucky. I do feel the itch ride most equines of a suitable size, age and sanity but it doesn't stop me loving horses. I haven't sat on either of mine for well over a year and whilst I really want to get back on Little Madam, I'm more than content to just scratch the Old Lady's backside for her and keep her fed to her exacting standards. She also has a lovely shoulder to lean on.

 

[Titchy Reindeer]

I have had three long term rides. The first two were RS mares whom I rode till they retired in old age. The third I am still riding. There is nothing like hacking solo on a mare one knows well.

However though I learned to ride in a school on one particular RS gelding, in my second and third year I set out to ride lots of different horses. I regarded it as education.
I listed every horse I rode and, thanks to lots of trail riding in USA, it reaches over 100.

That's a lot of horses! I'm probably somewhere in the 100s too, but I don't have a list anywhere and I'm sure if I try to recreate it, I'll forget some.

 

[BurntontheoutsideTurkey]

That's a lot of horses! I'm probably somewhere in the 100s too, but I don't have a list anywhere and I'm sure if I try to recreate it, I'll forget some.

I wish I'd kept a list as it would also be lengthy.

The funny thing for me was that when I finally got my own and got to know him really well (particularly since he was so screwed up mentally) I wanted to ride him less and just hang out with him.

 

[SpeedyPony]

I have two that I ride- they both are horses that I felt an instant rapport with. I quite like to ride other horses as an occasional thing, but a lot I can't read instinctively, which means I actually have to think about their body language etc.
I think riding and more generally working with horses one doesn't have that immediate rapport and ability to read is good for horsemanship, but it's also a little un-nerving to be sat on an animal, however beautifully schooled, with no idea what's going through his head!

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

I used to be the go to gal for getting on just about anything. I love helping turn horses around and also did some backing and breaking.

However all that did was make me love riding my own horse more. I will have a sit on a friends horse now and again for a hack but now with my back and arthritis I won’t do any form of schooling or helping. I trust Faran and only Faran now as I have trained him and make use of his extreme kindness and willingness to help me keep enjoying riding.

I honestly don’t think I would still be riding regularly without him

 

[Flame_]

I figured out my type was Flame. I looked for something as close as possible (perhaps slightly less high energy, she was forward) to her likeness and found a horse that I didn't think I could get better than. Then he was pts due to ****ing colic, so I did it again and came up with a horse I like even more. I'm extremely particular and I have no desire to ride any other horses than the one that, to me, is like, the best horse ever.

 

[SEL]

My instructor believes you shouldn't ride a single horse too early in your riding career as it restricts your learning and it's so easy to develop bad habits that match your hohorse's.

I did a lot of riding in Australia and Africa 15/20 years ago and was always surprised at very experienced riders - on paper at least - who would have a wobble on a strange horse. Particularly a strange horse who wasn't schooled in a European way and needed a longer rein.

One of the hosts said some of their worst riders were 1-horse owners.

 

[maya2008]

I like having two of my own. They are so different but in some ways also so similar! I prefer to ride horses I have a bond with - it’s more relaxing and I enjoy the ongoing schooling and seeing how they grow and develop. I do also school the kids’ ponies as needed so it’s not like I won’t ride anything else.

On the ground I will happily work with many horses and do enjoy variety there.

 

[Skib]

I wish I'd kept a list as it would also be lengthy.

I have a MS Word document called "Teachers and Horses". Both are listed by riding school or centre. Most of the young girl escorts, listed as "Teachers" have no surnames. That was to ensure their personal privacy.

I also keep a list of the tack I ride in "My riding tack". I have a bad memory and never remember but OH would inspect the saddle and note it on his phone. I updated it last week because someone asked me about stirrup leathers. Waste of time as the sharer who asked me for the info, never got in touch.

 

[stangs]

I’ve never had a ridden horse so I’ve always been riding multiple different horses at any one point.

For schooling, I definitely prefer to ride a variety. Schooling for me is all about thinking and problem solving, so the more horses I ride, the more types of problems I have to work on, the more I enjoy it. I love the feeling of figuring out a horse you’ve never ridden before. Plus the obvious benefit to your seat, sitting to different types of movement.

For hacking, I don’t know if I mind that much whether I’m riding one horse or riding multiple. I suppose it depends if I’m using the hacking to improve my riding (in which case I’d rather be changing horses regularly) or whether I view it as downtime with a horse I love, in which case I’d rather hack with that one horse.

My boy’s unridden but goes for in-hand walks. I’ve never once thought “it would be nice to take a different horse for walks” because our walks are all about spending time with him. I’ve taken my friend’s horse for in-hand walks and even though friend’s horse is easier to manage on walks, and I like him and schooling and hacking him, I don’t enjoy walking with him in the same way I enjoy walking with my boy.

 

[cold_feet]

For years I rode for one yard, exercising their horses. First point to point racers, then hunters then eventers. I rode all the easy ones . Loved the variety, and it taught me so much. Then I took on one of the retired eventers, and have been a one horse rider since. It was great experience and good for confidence riding so many different horses. I’m now reluctant to try new horses - but I am now nearly 70 so much more cautious.

 

[Peglo]

I do enjoy riding other horses but I do compare them to my own and nothing else compares.

I rode a highland pony last year that’s a similar height to mine and she felt so so strong and sturdy and although I enjoyed riding her it did make me realise how much I loved my little sporty haffie.

Same when I rode my friends WB x cob. She was so responsive but her canter felt like being on a boat and I looked forward to getting on Tali and feeling that pony canter

 

[rara007]

I like riding some other horses..? Ie if it’s fancy or got some good moves…! Or I’m having a lesson specifically on me. Or to help a friend that’s stuck in a rut or to go for a group hack. I’m beyond wanting to ride a random sorts round an arena just because to be honest.

 

[tda]

When I was younger I always had 2 ponies but they were very similar, I have a type and then the odd one to start, also the same type.

I haven't ridden anything over 14.2hh for a long long time

 

[smolmaus]

When I was younger I always had 2 ponies but they were very similar, I have a type and then the odd one to start, also the same type.

I haven't ridden anything over 14.2hh for a long long time

Same, I am just a pony person!

I had a sit on my friend's Fresian and although I love her very much I did not like it. It felt like I was on a trampoline in slow motion Another friend sat on Sadie and when she asked for trot she actually screamed a bit, she has a lovely forward trot she just pings into that I love but it's not for everybody!

If we all liked the same thing it would be boring!

 

[Titchy Reindeer]

Same, I am just a pony person!

I had a sit on my friend's Fresian and although I love her very much I did not like it. It felt like I was on a trampoline in slow motion Another friend sat on Sadie and when she asked for trot she actually screamed a bit, she has a lovely forward trot she just pings into that I love but it's not for everybody!

If we all liked the same thing it would be boring!

I would also generally describe myself as a pony rider, but I've somehow ended up as the sole rider for 17.2 Enormosaurus. How did that happen?! Green TB feels tiny in comparison and would be more my normal type, sharp and forwards, though I've come to the conclusion that I don't really have a type, it's the individuals I enjoy (or in some cases not very much) rather than a given type.

And then of course, it's horses for courses: One day, just maybe, Enormosaurus can help me compete jumping higher than I have before, but she'll never be a speed horse or a cross country horse; Little Madam is brilliant for speed and turning (just remember that she turns fast, so you don't get left behind!) but I think her days of jumping higher (95cm +) jumps are probably over; I suspect Green TB could be a great event horse; All of them are excellent hacking horses, including my Old Lady when she was still ridden; if I want to dressage competitively, I'd ideally borrow Mr Metronome or Little Yellow; and Pippin is still a very cute foal full of potential (for mischief!) to discover in the years to come.

 

[smolmaus]

A couple of my favourite horses ever to ride have been massive too to be fair, a 17h ID mare I knew for close to 15 years and a big 17.2 hunter I only knew for 6 months before he was PTS and maybe only rode 4-5 times but I'll never forget him. They were both very special and very kind to all 5'2" of me perched up there ❤

All things being equal though 14.2 is enough for me. The right height to cuddle properly and be able to give a good scratch all over. Theoretically small enough to mount from the ground but I don't have the bounce in the knees for it most days

 

[AppyLover1996]

I'm dancing on the line between single horse rider and somewhat in between to be fair.

I absolutely adore Baggs and love all his cheeky ways and quirks - he's not for the faint of heart (he has one heck of a buck, drop shoulder and spin routine that's gotten quite a few people off!) but he's also made me one hell of a rider that can sit pretty much damn near anything!

But at the same time, it is nice to occasionally ride something where I can sit there and switch off. With Baggs if you switch off for a nanosecond the spotty sod is already 3/4 of the way to mischief making aha

However on the same tangent I find that I don't enjoy regularly changing up what horse(s) I ride - it is only a once in a while thing and a rare-ish occurrence - I find that if I swap horses too often, I end up doubting myself/ my riding abilities and I let bad habits creep in. Even when the horse I'm riding is good as gold and hasn't put a hoof wrong, I still end up doubting myself x

I once rode a friends lovely schoolmaster (schooled to Grand Prix dressage and in his early 20's) who didn't put a hoof wrong the entire time I was onboard - but I couldn't ride one side of him, so ended up getting off before I upset him x Got Baggs in and tacked up, schooled for 15 minutes where he started throwing some shapes cause he couldn't see his friends, and I'm sat there giggling like an idiot whilst he's doing some sort of horsey pole dancing routing If anyone has any suggestions I'm all ears as I can't figure it out myself