Asking for help - how to approach?

Wimbles

Wimbles

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I'm fiercely independent and hate having to rely on people for anything but I'm starting to realise that it wouldn't be a bad idea to try and get a helping hand if someone is willing.

Basically I have far too many horses, all at a livery yard. Turnout is very limited at present and they're all looking and acting a bit too well! I'm trying to get them exercised before and after work but there just aren't enough hours in the day!!

I work full time to pay for them and look after them myself and that's fine. I don't have children and it's my choice (although understand not everyone would want to be doing this). My friend part loans one of the boys but I do most of the day to day care for him. Most of them are hard luck stories but they pretty much all have a job with me. I play horseball, do some dressage, jumping, ODE's, showing and lots of hacking and fun stuff.

I'm on a yard that I really like. Yes there are always a few gripes but generally they are good people. I'm at work from 8am-5pm but there are quite a few people up at the yard during the day and i was wondering if it would be worth putting something on the board asking if there is anyone who would be willing to lunge a couple of the boys in the week or something. I would be happy for people to ride but understand that they are all big lads and not everyone would feel confident riding them where as they are all (bar one which I wouldn't expect them to deal with), pretty polite to handle and lunge.

Should I just say that I will pay them the going rate and let them decide or should I set a price?

This is a big step for me as I hate to admit that I'm struggling. Any suggestions would be gratefully received :)
 
Well done for taking that step. it can't be easy when you're not used to it.

I would put something like "remuneration negotiable" or if you want to be less formal "come and see me to chat about a deal!" as some may be grateful to have something to ride and not want payment.

I'd also maybe consider advertising a bit more widely than your yard (local tack shops, competition venues etc) unless you have someone specific in mind and think they'll respond.

Good luck.
 
I ended up putting a little note on the yard's Facebook page and have been overwhelmed by the kindness of people up there :)

Lots of people offering help to lunge them and one girl is really keen to ride. Whilst I was at work two of the horses were lunged and another ridden when I got there after work.

Thanks annagain for helping me to make my mind up :)
 
I know how you feel OP, I am a control freak but there comes a time where you have to yell "SOS!!" :)

Glad its all sorted, give you a bit more space to breathe I am sure :)
 
Thanks all. I just couldn't believe the response!

A lot of people at the yard have smaller horses and ponies and cobs so I just assumed that they wouldn't be interested in the over sized blood horses but I guess variety is the spice of life, luckily for me!

Last night I was able to ride two of them without stressing that the others needed working too. I even got chance to check on the sheep that will be lambing soon.

One lady who is fairly new to horse ownership had said that lunging one of my boys (with the help of someone more experienced) was a real pleasure which made me feel really proud of him.
 
They sound like a good bunch at your yard I am glad it's worked out for you, I advertised for help with riding my two horses and have found some really nice people to ride with, I even found someone through here and it's now become a regular thing which I am really happy about:)
 
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