Fed up with lockdown and lack of horses :(

[ArklePig]

Just that really. I started riding again about two years ago, after not having been near horses since I was a kid.

Lockdown came in March so obviously had to stop, and when I was allowed in October (Northern Ireland) I found a new riding school and did lots of private lessons with an instructor I really like and I felt like I was making lots of progress. Now we're locked down again!

Prior to this latest lockdown I had been looking for a share with no luck , I'd emailed a few different charities asking to be put on the list for when they're accepting volunteers again (no responses). I don't even need to ride, I just need horse time!
I'm just really sad about lockdown, no lessons, and no time with horses. I know this is very self indulgent and whiny, but very non horsey OH can only listen to me so much! So that's it, I'm fed up and sad about lack of horsey time. Anyone else?

 

[FinalCanter]

I can definitely understand (although for me, different reasons for lack of horsey time). It's looking to be a while...perhaps you can do other horse related things in the meantime such as

-going on youtube and watching/taking notes on where you left off, or a discipline of interest
-learning more about your favorite breed(s)
-Planning out new goals for when you are ready to ride again

These are some things I've been doing off and on just to stave off the feelings..

 

[Rumtytum]

Sharing your feelings Arklepig.
I took up riding again after decades, never had a lesson (or a riding hat!) until fairly recently. Found a fab school and absolutely love it there ?. We went to our house on a Greek island Feb 4th, intending to return in three weeks, due to Covid we got stuck there for six months... it was a great place to be and I was very grateful but it was a horse-free existence, I can’t tell you how much I missed ‘my’ school horse and survived by blocking out all thoughts of him and the riding stables (although this forum saved my sanity in many ways ?). The good news was I saved up the lost lessons money and had weeks of bingeing when I returned! Hoping to ride next week but things might change between now and then.... if not, I’ve learned patience and will carry on devouring all the posts and photos on here. I’m really sorry you’ve lost your horsey fix and can’t find anything. But love your name and your avatar.

 

[Wishfilly]

I don't think it's self indulgent- just think how many people went out and bought horses in lockdown (for all sorts of reasons, but I'm sure for some of them, it's about not being able to do without their horse time, and buying was/is the only way to get that).

If you are just after some time with horses, might it be worth putting out a "want" on facebook. You might find someone who doesn't want a formal sharer or can't offer riding, but might be happy for you to help out on an adhoc basis.

It is tricky at the moment, as a lot of yards are putting restrictions in again, but you might get lucky with someone who has horses on their own land and who would appreciate a bit of help over the winter.

The only other thing I can say is it won't be forever- vaccines are being rolled out, and hopefully by the summer, we will be able to have something approaching normality again!

 

[canteron]

On one hand I really feel for you ... on the other time in the saddle is minimal for me compared to the hours of mucking out, poo picking, carting wheelbarrows of hay through mud, thawing out hands and hoovering horse bedding up - how does it get everywhere?
So the one bright note is at least it is the hardest time of year you are missing!!
But, I think riding schools can give private lessons?? Maybe worth having a check and seeing what’s available?

 

[irishdraft]

Not sure where you are OP but I'm in tier 4 and can still have a 1 to 1 lesson so might be worth checking out riding schools.

 

[ArklePig]

Thanks for the replies! I know I'm not alone so I do appreciate it. Unfortunately here in Northern Ireland we're back to almost full lockdown-no non essential travel, and a curfew until the 2nd of January, and no sport lessons at all ?

OH bought me a Pony Day voucher for Christmas that I can't wait to use as soon as I can.

Special thanks canteron for making me almost glad to be stuck in a warm house!

Also like FinalCanters idea- connemaras and new forests are my favourite so ordered myself some books on both. My goal is to start doing xc so have watched some videos today.

And thanks Rumtytum-that's my guinea pig Arkle, eats a lot of hay but too lardy to race!

Will take wishfilly's suggestion and appeal for someone to allow me help them out a bit! Thanks everyone I feel a wee bit better already!