Do you ever feel like opting out of the riding bit...

[metalmare]

This is meant in the most light-hearted way - I would never give up riding, but...

...the more I learn about riding, the less I sometimes seem to enjoy it.

I remember a time, years ago, of ignorant bliss, when simply to be on the back of a horse was to be in heaven.

Now I seem to be in a continual stew about the following 50 million things:

- does the horse like his bit?
- does his tack fit?
- are his feet okay?
- how can I develop his muscles?
- why won't he do as I'm asking?
- how can I improve his schooling?
- why isn't this car slowing down?
- why are we reversing into this ditch?
- why is my back aching?
- what does it mean when he throws his head around like that?
- when am I going to find time to ride him?

Just for starters!!

I could never be without horses, but sometimes the idea of ownership and cuddles without the hassle of riding does appeal. But there are still those magic moments, like watching his mane glow in the sunset the other evening...

Does it progress from blissful ignorance to self-doubt and loathing to enlightenment?

 

[poiuytrewq]

I know exactly where your coming from. Currently my horse is suffering a bad back and im advised that when its been confirmed I can ride again I make him go in the correct outline at all times and really get him working from behind. This is fine but hes a stroppy little ex racer who due to other injury is only a light hack and I don't enjoy constantly nagging him and he certainly gets pee'd off with it. Then he has to be lunged in a pessoa a few times a week to build the correct muscles etc etc- Yes it seems an easier prospect to retire him tbh

 

[metalmare]

I was thinking more of retiring me!

Imagine riding time just being chill-out time, cuddling in the field...

Rather suspect my pony (and I) would get bored though.

 

[ridefast]

Does it progress from blissful ignorance to self-doubt and loathing to enlightenment?

For me it progressed from blissful ignorance to self-doubt and loathing to who the hell cares, as long as I am doing the best I can to ensure my horse is happy and healthy then we are going to have fun and run around the countryside like I used to as a child

 

[travelmad]

I was injured and could not ride this summer, still went to all competitions and had a blast... Made me really think if I should bother having a horse when can have all the fun without!! I do love him though, but did not miss the stressing while he was on loan.

 

[metalmare]

I think I might be getting closer to 'who the hell cares' than to enlightenment at his moment... despite continuing lessons, reading, deep thinking and forays onto horse and hound!!

I have always considered horses to be similar to drug addiction... I can't live without one, but boy is it turmoil owning one.

 

[metalmare]

Not that I've ever been a drug addict

 

[Holding]

No, but I often feel like opting out of the care/mucking out/grooming/cuddling bit. Maybe that's because none of my three are currently being ridden but I'm so bored of doing everything but riding!

If you like, I'll come and ride yours and you can come and watch mine glow in the sunset...

 

[metalmare]

LOL, sounds a perfect arrangement!

 

[Charlie Bucket]

Oh goodness, all the time!

I get all motivated to ride, get on board, mooch about happy as larry ... but as soon as the time comes to do some 'proper work' I get so stressed out! Like you said..so many questions! Haha.

Would love to be 15 again galloping around the open countryside without a care in the world!

 

[metalmare]

There is a rather more than slim, but slightly less than certain chance that one day in the not too distant future we will have horses at home within hacking distance of a beach... now there's a thought to hold on to. That could transport me back to carefree days!! Who needs a perfect outline to gallop along a beach?

 

[Holly Hocks]

I've been at the self-doubt and loathing time for quite a while now! Here's hoping enlightenment will come soon. I would give up riding in a heartbeat. I used to love it, but when I ride my TB, after the antics she's done in the past, I feel like I can't relax and I'm always waiting for something to go wrong. She's got a number of conditions (navicular and spavin for a start) and if I could find a decent yard where she could live out more I would retire her this very minute. I used to be a competent, confident rider, so if anyone finds my confidence please could you pass it back to me so I can finally get to the enlightenment stage!