feeling really despondant and need cheering up!

[hellyt1]

the problem really is that i've been riding for a long time but i don't feel i'm getting anywhere. I have been at the same riding school for ages and i don't really want to move i've got a really good instructor, it's jus that they don't have any good horses, typical of RS i know. I need more than a weekly riding lesson but i don't have the time for one of my own at the mo due to study commitments - what i reallly want is a long term share a couple of days a week, but it just doesn't seem that there is anything out there that is suitable. sorry for moaning i'm just feeling really sorry for myself at the moment. Thought you guys would understand what it is like to be horseless, i'm sure most of you have been there at some point. unfortunatly it's not even as if i can work/get more experience at the stable as they don't really like people hanging around

moan over, thanks if you got this far!

 

[SecretSquirrell379]

Poor you

try and keep your chin up. Have you had a chat with your instructor and told her how frustrated you feel? Keep looking for that share, the right one is out there somewhere

 

[lizzieuk1]

have you thought about going to a different yard maybe for some specific training say once a month or fortnight, perhaps you could go for a jumping lesson or dressage lesson in a yard that specialises in that discipline and carry on with your weekly rides at your current yard. after all variety is the spice of life and you never know you might find a horse to share at one of the other yards. that way you'll keep in touch with your current yard but gain new friends and experience at the other yards too.

 

[hellyt1]

thanks, that is a really good idea. Just got to be brave enough to do something unfamiliar i suppose. could be a good change tho couldn't it? It's just so easy to get stuck in a rut, i a had a really bad lesson on saturday which has made me have a think, i just don't want to spend my precious riding time with a horse who isn't keen! I used to have my pick of horses from the RS but now there is only really 1 that is suitable for me and she is losing the will!! sad for her really, she is just not cut out to be a RS horse. I will have a look for some other places nearby to make a change

 

[icestationzebra]

I have been in a similar situation. I had a busy job in London and no time for a horse of my own. I went for lessons at an excellent centre to keep my hand in but just ended up schooling whatever horse had been a problem that week and paid for the priviledge. Found a lovely lady with a horse that she didn't have lots of time for as she had children and the horse was green and quite naughty. Had the ride on him for 5 years and finally got BE with him. His owner had a horse that was schooled and competed and was always smart and fit whenever she wanted to ride - it worked fantastically. Why don't you put an ad in your local feed store and she if there is anyone in your area needing help?

 

[hellyt1]

tbh i think she is probably as frustrated as i am! i need a new challenge so am going to see what else is out there, as for a share if i'm honest i'm probably too picky but having been caught out before, i'd rather that than end up unhappy.

 

[lizzieuk1]

be brave, you'll be fine. remember the people at the other yards are just that, people! just like you so i'm sure they'll be great. the more the merrier that's what i say.

 

[tw1nn1ejo]

awww hun. don't worry sometimes i feel the same as i'm horseless too and ride at a riding school. how about asking friends that you have who ride if they need there ponies exercised or something like that? lately i've been helping friends exercise there polo ponies and that has been a great fun as it's free and mean extra riding and also a great confidnece boost!! hope this helps, i'm sure you'll find something in the end!! big huggles!! xxxxxx

 

[teapot]

Can understand how you feel ~offers hug~ it's a situation where you feel like banging your head against a brick wall.

Might be worth trying another yard, you may have to pay more but it'll be worth it to ride something that has more experience/possibly comp experience. And will do wonders for your riding

 

[hellyt1]

[ QUOTE ]
but just ended up schooling whatever horse had been a problem that week and paid for the priviledge.

[/ QUOTE ]
I know what you mean, this seems to be the situation i end up in every so often, in some ways it's really satisfying but i do occasionally feel like they should be paying me!!
as for putting an ad in the tack shop i've been a bit wary but maybe i will, i haven't got anything to lose after all

 

[JAK]

I think you're going to have to be a bit more adventorous here & also quite honest with yourself, e.g. is your current instructor really 'good' or is it more of a case that she's 'nice'?
Would not a really good instructor have noticed your frustration by now & realised herself how stuck in a rut you are & perhaps not suggested how best for you to move onto the next level, as it were?

I would definitely start investigating other possibilities but keep on with your current instructor if you like her & feel 'safe' in that environment, so you are not totally plunged in at the deep end somewhere else!
Perhaps if you cut your lessons down to once a fortnight at your current place, it may get your instructor thinking & she may then broach the subject herself!

Best of luck!

 

[HeatherAda]

do what i did... post an ad on the thehorseexchange.com - it's free to do and you can say you're looking to help exercise a horse or 2 in your area. you may or may not get a reply but you're not missing out on anything by putting it out there.
I was really lucky and got a reply the next day!

p.s. my next step is doing the horse owners certificate at a local college, it's a once a week evening class where i will hopefully learn loads and get to ride too.

Good luck - I'd love to hear how you get on