Feel like im being judged?!!

R

Rainbow01

Well-Known Member
Joined
6 September 2011
Messages
64
Location
Yorkshire
Visit site
Ever feel as though you're being judged for the way you look after your horse?!

Some people at my yard think im 'strange' because I have different rugs for different weather! They think its weird that I change rugs at night. Feel as though I have to justify myself with everything I do!!

Anyone else have this or is it just me!!! lol
 
Rainbow01 said:
Ever feel as though you're being judged for the way you look after your horse?!

Some people at my yard think im 'strange' because I have different rugs for different weather! They think its weird that I change rugs at night. Feel as though I have to justify myself with everything I do!!

Anyone else have this or is it just me!!! lol
Click to expand...

No! Me too. I hate it. Our YOs are farmers who hunt and ride well enough, but theyre very old fashioned in their ways. When I was feeding my youngster 'youngster food' they laughed at me and asked what was wrong with bran, oats and chaff??? - like what they fed all their foals and growing youngstock.

I also get laughed at for having several versions of turnout and stable rug. I like to put on a dry TO after its been raining and a clean stable rug, and find it useful to have a spare of each type. I also lunge my horse in brushing boots and if he goes out on the road he wears knee boots too. He's a leggy 4 year old and quite flighty and sharp, so I like to protect him, just in case. You should see the looks I get :( I also hate riding there as theres always someone watching. No one says anything but it makes you feel self-conscious.

Ugh... I hate it.
 
Life's too short to be worrying about what other people think of you! Just get on and enjoy your horse and don't worry about it!
 
Every horse is different. We all do things that someone else will disapprove of - and there are always people who just have to comment - who cares? - and it's their problem not yours.
As long as you are doing what you need to do for your horse and your circumstances then just smile sweetly and ignore (or do what I do and make a joke about it - there's not an answer to that:D)
 
Rainbow01 said:
Some people at my yard think im 'strange' because I have different rugs for different weather! They think its weird that I change rugs at night. Feel as though I have to justify myself with everything I do!!
Click to expand...

I don't see why anyone would think that was strange enough to pass judgement anyway, what’s wrong with having different rugs for different weather conditions, isn’t that really what most people have anyway, different rugs/weights for the different seasons... depending on what the British weather throws at us.
 
Problem is that if you try to justify yourself, it becomes a habit and you end up doing it all the time.

As long as your horse is healthy, safe and happy who cares. Dont get drawn in.
 
It doesnt upset me or anything like that, I just feel as though I have to justify things I do sometimes!! But yes you're right he is my horse and I know whats best for him.

Im in a similar position to 'phantomhorse' with that the people im on a yard with are very old fashioned and very set in their ways, so the little things I do for my horse ie change him from a soaking wet rug to a nice dry one come across as weird to them! :D
 
I'm not defending the people who you lot feel judge them but with regards rugs... my turnout rugs are never wet underneath and if they are wet on top if its been raining when I bring the horse in, I leave them on the horse to dry out overnight. Are your turnout rugs not waterproof?
 
"Yes all rugs waterproof, I just like stable rugs!! lol Everyone does things differently I guess"

Precisely! My best mate (who's a great horsewoman, BTW) thinks I'm mean & a bad mum because I leave my horses naked unless it's REALLY horrid. I think her horse is hot, stuffy, restricted and mollycoddled because he wears a rug from his HUGE wardrobe almost every day year round. Both of our horses are perfectly happy and well, and we're still best mates, so each to their own.
 
phantomhorse said:
No! Me too. I hate it. Our YOs are farmers who hunt and ride well enough, but theyre very old fashioned in their ways. When I was feeding my youngster 'youngster food' they laughed at me and asked what was wrong with bran, oats and chaff??? - like what they fed all their foals and growing youngstock.

I also get laughed at for having several versions of turnout and stable rug. I like to put on a dry TO after its been raining and a clean stable rug, and find it useful to have a spare of each type. I also lunge my horse in brushing boots and if he goes out on the road he wears knee boots too. He's a leggy 4 year old and quite flighty and sharp, so I like to protect him, just in case. You should see the looks I get :( I also hate riding there as theres always someone watching. No one says anything but it makes you feel self-conscious.

Ugh... I hate it.
Click to expand...

OP, I know what you mean, but I am the opposite of you, very minimalist with my horses, and I get judged for that. I echo what TGM says, lifes just to short to give a damn, as long as what you do suits you and your horse, who cares.

Phantomhorse: the first photo in your siggy is epic, I love it :D
 
Yes I think it applies either way, I guess my point is what works for some obviously doesnt work for others but I shouldnt be made to feel as though im doing something wrong.

It shouldnt get to me but sometimes it does thats all, but I guess thats the joy of having horses!! ha ha :D
 
I like to keep mane [very thick]untrimmed to let him keep warm in bad weather, seems to be natures way, I also cut the tail short, [never pulled] to keep it free of mud. I never clip his fetlocks and only wash off as it is so muddy, and I want to inspect for cuts.
I would prefer to change night and day rugs, but currently use a n amigo lightwweight which dries out quickly with body heat and he has no rubs.
 
Cortez said:
"Yes all rugs waterproof, I just like stable rugs!! lol Everyone does things differently I guess"

Precisely! My best mate (who's a great horsewoman, BTW) thinks I'm mean & a bad mum because I leave my horses naked unless it's REALLY horrid. I think her horse is hot, stuffy, restricted and mollycoddled because he wears a rug from his HUGE wardrobe almost every day year round. Both of our horses are perfectly happy and well, and we're still best mates, so each to their own.
Click to expand...

This is me and my friend too. Although I have a selection of good quality second hand and cheaper rugs and have enough to make sure my horses are always warm dry or not to hot etc. My friend has all the top of the range rugs and liners and 'could never have second hand as (horses name ) deserves the best...'

We agree to disagree and both make the effort to ride out together monthly even though we live in different counties.
 
Rainbow01 said:
Im in a similar position to 'phantomhorse' with that the people im on a yard with are very old fashioned and very set in their ways, so the little things I do for my horse ie change him from a soaking wet rug to a nice dry one come across as weird to them! :D
Click to expand...

You never know, they may actually be thinking that you are judging them for being 'old-fashioned' and not changing their horses' rugs!:cool:
 
You're right maybe they are!! But how can they possibly think that, as im the best!!! lol (dont jump on me that actually was meant to be a joke!!)

Like I said it works both ways I guess, each to there own.
 
kal40 said:
Problem is that if you try to justify yourself, it becomes a habit and you end up doing it all the time.

As long as your horse is healthy, safe and happy who cares. Dont get drawn in.
Click to expand...

totally agree - remember many roads lead to Rome !! We all do things different and have a slightly different idea or way of doing something, as long as it suits you, your horse and is not causing harm or stress then stick to your own method.

and enjoy your horse !!!
 
EVERYBODY is judged by EVERYBODY. It's the nature of yards. I just pretend they're not doing it about me even though we're doing it about everybody else.
 
9TAILS is exactly right. I have two of all my outdoor rugs so that she always has a dry one and I personally can't stand to see a horse wearing the same rug for days on end without it being moved and at least refitted. My girl gets dead itchy over her withers because of her narrow shape and the rug presses down on them more than on a broad horse, so I prefer to have her in for the night undressed rather than leave her out in some discomfort. I've long since learned to ignore what other people say or think, and to keep what I think to myself. Less trouble all round!
 
I think I get judged for loving Ned so much and spending lots of money on him (He's not mine!)
I also get judged for not caring much for getting an outline or whatever.
 
Crikey! - Stop spending your time worrying about what other people might be thinking! If your horse is healthy and happy you are doing it RIGHT - no matter how many rugs you have / don't have. You don't need to justify yourself to anyone, be confident in what you are doing and get on with it. If they make fun of you - just laugh it off and carry on doing it YOUR way! We all do things differently and as long as the horses are happy that's absolutely fine!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top