Being horseless...

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Tost

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I really really really miss being around horses.

I owned my two horses for 6 years up until May time this as I had to give them up due to university and it was too much for my Mum to do everything on her own as she was lacking in confidence. It was very hard saying good bye especially as I was the first one to to back one of them and then continued to bring her on right through my teen years. Both horses meant the world to me and I would often escape to the yard when I needed to get out the house and I always knew that both would cheer me up. I know that my decision was the right one as now they are with loving families being pampered and fussed and ridden every single day.

During the summer, I had no contact with horses apart from stroking one when I was in Greece. I found it hard looking at anything horse related and I'm only now comfortable being back on a horse forum.

To those who are horseless or have been horseless, do things get easier? I know it sounds a bit of a silly question but 6 months on and it still all feels really raw. I'm even considering finding a riding stable near where I live so I have form of horsey contact. Is this a good idea?

Any advice would be great!
 
I personally would get back into horses in some form. I only went without for one term of uni before bringing my horse back up with me - I hadnt sold him but uni was a long way away so had no contact with him for that whole term and hated it. Cant help with does it get easier though as I didnt wait. Could you join your unis riding club/share or something local to get back into it? Of course it depends on what your like but it sounds like your really missing being around horses so finding some to help with/ride would probably be a positive :)
 
It sounds like it was definitely the right decision as you say, but doesn't mean it's easy! When you have a horse your life does kind of revolve around them, so it's not surprising it's taking you some time to adjust to not having them around.
I don't think it's a bad idea at all to find some stables. Maybe you could use your horseless time as an opportunity to have some really great lessons, or perhaps go on the odd hack if there is a nice trekking centre near you?
When I was at uni my horse went off on loan, it was horrible. In the holidays I used to help out at the yard and ride whatever was around, and during term time I volunteered with the RDA through my university, and I also found a local lady who needed help exercising her pony. It wasn't all that often, but it helped give me my fix.
Some universities also have riding teams, I didn't go for that, but I had friends who did and said it was brilliant fun. The girl who owns the horse I currently have on loan is at uni and has just joined their polo team!
Chin up, it will get easier! xx
 
Very hard, but you definitely made the right decision. I had to do the same many years ago, tried to keep work, studies, horse going, but was too much! Then hardly rode for years - mistake. I stupidly thought I couldn't possibly ride at a riding school having owned my own horse. When I finally did and had a wonderful time, could have kicked myself for not doing it sooner. Now share. You can only do what you can do, finance and time-wise. But even if you keep things ticking over, it's better than nothing.
 
Thank you for your input :) I will definitely look into having some form of contact with horses. There are a few riding schools that I'm looking at so when I have a little bit of money I'll see what I can do with regards to going out on hacks. I do personally prefer the looking after side of things rather than the riding but I do also miss riding.

I miss my ponies!
 
Sounds like cold turkey with the horse drug!! lol I can totally understand, although. I was really ill when I was young with an eating disorder, if it hadnt been for my horses I doubt very much I would still be here. I was thrown into a hospital for several months and missed my ponies so much I decided to fatten myself up as they were more important to me than the other stuff in my head... So I can totally understand why you must feel like you do.

Im doing physio at uni, just started this year, Im commuting in over an hour there and back and have 3 horses at home at the minute... so if you felt like you cant live without a horse, it certainly is do-able. Maybe look at a share or part loan, just to give you your pony kick it sounds like you really need or come help me with mine!! lol ;)

xxx
 
Im horseless currently. I dont ride regularly either as the only place I know is a local riding school who have ponies that are really dead to the leg and I dont enjoy that. Just wanted to say your not alone.
 
If you like the looking after side and just being around horses, could you volunteer for a few regular hours each week at a local RDA centre? Would give you a bit of a horsey fix, and I'm sure you'd find it very rewarding as well as looking good on your CV when job hunting?
 
Hiya, cant imagine not having an equine to care for, I dont ride anymore but love being around them. I have just met a group of uni students at the RDA where I volunteer and have offered them riding on my four ponies during the week to keep them fit for the kids. I think from the grins on their faces that I made their day, they are all members of the uni riding club so see what there is at your uni
 
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