Bit of a rant

If I was going to get a horse now this is exactly what I would get. The idea would have filled me with horror in my younger days when I was competing a lot but now it would be perfect. FWIW I think there is something lovely about seeing a well matched horse and rider doing their thing without stress and drama.
 
But the point is that they should keep their thoughts to themselves and not create the situation where you are having to get wound up to give some of the smart replies suggested…. Followed by feeling a bit crap because you have just sunk to their level.

I would be interested in the percentage of males vs females that make these comments to you, if you are agreeable to share that info.
 
This sort of thing is incredibly irritating. I mean horses are just like people, everything is comparable. I might think that I am reasoably fit, but compared to what? If I was to compare myself to a professional athlete I would probably have to consider myself totally unfit! Same with horses, those criticising might think that they have a super horse, but to a pro their horse would be considered useless. I think that I would be inclined to answer 'well I think she suits me, but out of interest what sort of horse would you like me to ride?'

Good luck and don't let it get to you!
 
DizzyDoughnut said:
I've also had those comments about my cob, telling me he's lazy and slow etc. I tend to just reply with a cheery "yes that's exactly why I bought him, isn't he lovely" or a sarcastic "well its lucky I didnt buy him for you then isn't it" If people tell me I should be doing this that or that to improve him is just tell them we're perfectly happy as we are thank you very much and trundle off on our merry way.

I've also got a very switched on youngster and get comments about him as well. I think people unfortunately can't help themselves but find something to criticise or have an opinion that they just have to share, you could have the most perfect horse and be the best rider and someone would still find something to pick on. I tell myself they're just envious of the fun I have with my well behaved nice ponies.
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Well done.
 
eahotson said:
I am old now with some arthritis and limited nerve.I bought myself a nice steady eddie who is genuinely very quiet.You can get her to work but you have to be a bit disciplined.I am tired of people telling me she is a lazy cob who doesn't want to work.It is off putting and in a subtle way destroying of my confidence.I wouldn't dream off going up to someone and criticising their choice of horse.I try and rise above it.Thanks for listening.
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What the??? You buy the horse that suits you be it plod or ex racehorse. Sheesh I bet that came from younger generation, they wait till they are older with creaks and groans. If I buy the next horse I want to make sure it doesn't bronk or rear or nap. Been there done it got the tee shirt. I have more to lose now, joints older, knee replacement, yard to run.
I have ridden my share of twats but don't want it now, I want to enjoy my horse without fear of being face planted. ( though saying that this mare done it a w few times.)


Just ignore them tell them your not interested in their views and you bought a horse that you want and that is all that matters.

How about "I have less years ahead of me than you and want to live them to the full, not get a first class ticket to the hospital"

or


" It may not be as fast as a Thorough bred, but he is a damn site faster than my Zimmer frame"👹
 
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ILuvCowparsely said:
What the??? You buy the horse that suits you be it plod or ex racehorse. Sheesh I bet that came from younger generation, they wait till they are older with creaks and groans. If I buy the next horse I want to make sure it doesn't bronk or rear or nap. Been there done it got the tee shirt. I have more to lose now, joints older, knee replacement, yard to run.
I have ridden my share of twats but don't want it now, I want to enjoy my horse without fear of being face planted. ( though saying that this mare done it a w few times.)


Just ignore them tell them your not interested in their views and you bought a horse that you want and that is all that matters.

How about "I have less years ahead of me than you and want to live them to the full, not get a first class ticket to the hospital"

or


" It may not be as fast as a Thorough bred, but he is a damn site faster than my Zimmer frame"👹
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Love that.Faster than my zimmer frame.
 
i would just smile to myself, and say nothing, you have a horse that suits you, you enjoy him, you are a lucky person.

it really does not matter what others think, so often people will say things and i just think really they show them selves up, well thats their problem, i just walk on by, think about it after and if its useful to me i take note, if someone says something nice it makes my day, but nastiness and spite just goes over my head

i agree with with palindrome
 
Without wanting to be too specific, I have been to camps etc. and the amount of middle aged women who are there, not enjoying themselves, trying to 'manage' their well bred, often very large, competition horses is noticeable. I am a middle aged woman, and I like ponies these days. They are easy to deal with size wise which means I can manage on my own, plus I feel happier being closer to the ground these days. At an event this year, the amount of stress several of these combinations were giving off, actually ended up winding me and my mare up as well. However, not to the point where it became a dangerous situation as some of the other situations seemed to be. Just enjoy your cob and stuff the rest of them! ;)
 
Nice Christmas baubles said:
Without wanting to be too specific, I have been to camps etc. and the amount of middle aged women who are there, not enjoying themselves, trying to 'manage' their well bred, often very large, competition horses is noticeable. I am a middle aged woman, and I like ponies these days. They are easy to deal with size wise which means I can manage on my own, plus I feel happier being closer to the ground these days. At an event this year, the amount of stress several of these combinations were giving off, actually ended up winding me and my mare up as well. However, not to the point where it became a dangerous situation as some of the other situations seemed to be. Just enjoy your cob and stuff the rest of them! ;)
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It was at a camp that I was offered silly-money for BH. He was young and inexperienced yet making the best of what he could do. I only did half a XC lesson, and strolled back alone, leaving the other horses and walking past other lessons. He did his best at dressage, ignoring all the chaos that was going on around him. He was so calm and lovely. 2 years on, I still hope that one day he will be a BE80 horse. He just needs to muster a little more enthusiasm as he certainly has the ability!

The money was silly, but I still said no, as finding one like that is... well, where would I find another?

Whereas Rigs was cheap as chips, he came with some tack that I sold, and he was then well under 1K. He was older and had issues. 6 months later, he was hacking and did his first ever dressage. Over 3 years on and he is ridden by friends and visitors, can be left without riding, is on no medication other than an inhaler for a few months in summer. He is fun to ride without being in your face. He wouldn't be troubling anyone in the jumping stakes, other then a little clear round over X poles, but he is a gem.

I don't suppose anyone would give me any £ at all for Rigs, most would say PTS if I didn't want him, but he would be wonderful for someone.

I agree, people undervalue the steadier types.
 
Red-1 said:
It was at a camp that I was offered silly-money for BH. He was young and inexperienced yet making the best of what he could do. I only did half a XC lesson, and strolled back alone, leaving the other horses and walking past other lessons. He did his best at dressage, ignoring all the chaos that was going on around him. He was so calm and lovely. 2 years on, I still hope that one day he will be a BE80 horse. He just needs to muster a little more enthusiasm as he certainly has the ability!

The money was silly, but I still said no, as finding one like that is... well, where would I find another?

Whereas Rigs was cheap as chips, he came with some tack that I sold, and he was then well under 1K. He was older and had issues. 6 months later, he was hacking and did his first ever dressage. Over 3 years on and he is ridden by friends and visitors, can be left without riding, is on no medication other than an inhaler for a few months in summer. He is fun to ride without being in your face. He wouldn't be troubling anyone in the jumping stakes, other then a little clear round over X poles, but he is a gem.

I don't suppose anyone would give me any £ at all for Rigs, most would say PTS if I didn't want him, but he would be wonderful for someone.

I agree, people undervalue the steadier types.
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Agree
 
I think the market suggests that for the vast majority of people, a steady type is much sought after. I spent the best part of 18 months looking for mine - first and only criteria I wouldn’t compromise on was safe and laid back. She’s amazing. Not everyone’s cup of tea but the super hot, athletic types out there would terrify me (and probably do with a lot of their riders). I’ve already had interest in mine so that interest isn’t reducing. You love your horse, he works for you and you are enjoying your hobby. I would ignore those ignorant of that fact and focus on that.
 
You knew what you needed, went and got it and are enjoying yourself. Good for you and anyone who criticises that is just a (probably jealous) arsehole unhappy with their own situation for whatever reason.

Crack on, do your thing and take absolutely no notice.
 
But you have exactly what everybody wants! Steady sensible horse that does what you want as opposed to flighty thing that someone has overhorsed themselves with and spends the majority of the time on box rest (owner and horse!) because they’re not suited. I wouldn’t be polite on my response. Would they rather your time was spent in A&E?! Idiots or NOA as @Pedantic would say

When I got Beau, I was on a showjumping yard full of KPWNs and another livery went past saying rhymes with likey horse. I moved yards asap, we’d only gone there because we wanted to amalgamate having been on 2 yards and they had space. Even my OH didn’t think he was a ‘proper’ horse. Beau was what suited me, I wasn’t bothered about others’ opinions.
 
ChristmasCinnamonCookie said:
But you have exactly what everybody wants! Steady sensible horse that does what you want as opposed to flighty thing that someone has overhorsed themselves with and spends the majority of the time on box rest (owner and horse!) because they’re not suited. I wouldn’t be polite on my response. Would they rather your time was spent in A&E?! Idiots or NOA as @Pedantic would say

When I got Beau, I was on a showjumping yard full of KPWNs and another livery went past saying rhymes with likey horse. I moved yards asap, we’d only gone there because we wanted to amalgamate having been on 2 yards and they had space. Even my OH didn’t think he was a ‘proper’ horse. Beau was what suited me, I wasn’t bothered about others’ opinions.
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Love the bit about box rest horse and owner.
 
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