Do you realise how lucky you are?

[not_with_it]

Went and rode a friends horse today and another that she has in for schooling. Her horse is for sale and I now realise why. He is a fantastic hack, nothing fazes him but in the school he just has no time for it. He was so lazy and backwards thinking, you wrapped your leg and he stopped.

The other is a gorgeous TB cross who used to show jump but hasnt been ridden for a while. Hes huge at 18hh but has the kindest heart. His way of going isnt correct but it will come in time, hes just a bit babyish. (hes 12)

I forget how nice it is to have a horse that does everything you ask. Gin can be naughty at times but her way of going is fantastic. You dont realise what you've got until something like this happens.

The experience has definatly made me appreciate my horse. Have invited said friend to come ride Gin, cant wait to see what she thinks.

 

[kayleigh_and_rocky]

Lol i know exactly what you mean!! In my job i ride a lot of youngsters and problem horses and i gota say it really makes me value rock!!

 

[Bex7]

LOL Bert has his quirks and I still think I am lucky every day I see him.

He can be idle and lazy, impatient and bolshy, spooky and strong and I wouldn't swap him for the world. He has character and is so very loving, reminds me of a hyper puppy!

The most important thing is that he has no malice in him and looks after me even though I confuse him regularly.

I think the feeling of being lucky is not always down to what your horse can do but the relationship you have with them.

 

[RachelB]

Always. I always stand at my horse's door at night and watch her eating, even if only for 30 seconds, and tell her I love her. I know it sounds soppy, but I really do value her! And one of the farriers that comes to the yard today said that he likes my horse (BIG compliment!)
I am so glad I found her, she gives me so much confidence (when I can ride and she's not lame or getting nosebleeds...!) and when I ride the horses at work I realise that while they have the ability, they just don't have the amazingly willing and tolerant nature that my horse does. She may not be built to dressage or jump, but her nature is so generous that she goes ahead and tries her hardest anyway!

I love my horse!

 

[kerrylou123]

I'm always moaning about my horses not being 'perfect', but then i realise just how perfect they are after riding other peoples horses!

 

[dozzie]

I had a little giggle at your comment about the horse being a bit babyish at 12. I turned my old boy out this weekend, struggling to hold him as he pranced like a four year old up to his field of lovely yummy grass. Hes just turned 31!!! Ive had him 29 years, he was my first horse and I love him to bits and would still ride him if I could catch him!! Bless him!!

 

[not_with_it]

They never change do they! He hasnt been worked for ages so the steering isnt all there.

 

[madhector]

i think the opposite

at 17 hector still rides like a green 4yrold at times, is too sharp for his own good, and loves to work so he looks like hes perfectly on the bit when in fact he is just a tiny bit behind it, with absolutly no contact, then when you try to push him into a contact he has a wobbly, but i wouldnt swap him for the best trained horse in the world

and given a xcountry course he is amazing

 

[vicm2509]

I feel really lucky to have Baron. The last horse I had was 9 years ago and I had to have him PTS. I was only 15 and mum wouldnt buy me another. For years I always wondered what I would be doing with him now if I still had him.

Then during a really hard time in my life my nan died and left me some money. With it I bought my dream, Baron. It was the best gift my nan could have left me, he was my life line and got me through some really difficult times. He is nothing amazing but to me his is the world. Loads of people on my yard say how lovely he is and the kids say to their mums 'I wish I had a horse like Baron' , I really appreciate the lovely things they say but I tell them how lucky they are to even have a horse at all. Now even though im 24 I love going out on hacks with all the kids, making up for all the years of fun I missed.

I never ever take him for granted and wouldnt swap him for anything.

 

[Puppy]

YES!!!!

Every time I get on Henry I can't wait to get back on Star

And if I ride out with my mum with me on Henry and her on Star I must say about ten times in a ride - "I want to swap"

I do appreciated my girl VERY much!!

 

[pottamus]

My horse can be a down right g@t at times but I would not swap him. He has taught me so much and underneath the temper tantrums, drama queen moments and stubborness he has a good kind heart and is such a character. He is great! He has carried me for 1000's of miles all over the place hacking and endurancing and for that I owe him.

 

[Kezza]

I sold my last horse because he was too good and well behaved! I like my little handful I have now, he keeps me on my toes and makes me work hard. I have also learnt so much regarding training a difficult horse... I still feel extremely lucky to have him in my life.

 

[Tempi]

i always thought Bloss was difficult. However when Archie is in one of his 'moods' i cant wait to get on Blossy!!