Handling your guilt!!

O

oldhat

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Just wondering how many of you tried to have days off riding but then felt so guilty that you gave in - either because you felt you had let your horse(s) down or just because you felt you couldn't not ride? I have just had a day off as didn't feel great, but both horses look entirely contented moseying around their field! Every time I go outside they both peer around at me as if to say 'why mummy why?!!!! But that is all in my head right?! Just wondered if I am the only one who nearly has a breakdown if I don 't do something with them??
 
I feel guilty if I don't give my horse days off! He is actually much more contented after he's been ridden as I think he feels quite pleased with himself, but I'm certain he would rather not be ridden given the choice! :)
 
Nope - for one reason or another we've had a few days off. I feel bad that I ought to be getting on with things, but he's perfectly happy and I guess if, in the end, the break makes me come back with more energy and enthusiasm then what's the harm?
 
Yes, OP it is all in your head. Your horses are actually looking at you as if to say 'blimey, she hasn't put that tight thing on me and made me expend a load of energy on doing stupid things when I'd rather just lazy around and eat. Lets hope it continues!'
 
I think it's all a matter of interpretation. Though I think there are some horses that do love to work, there are probably more that don't. There is one horse on my yard who I really don't think likes to work at all. Owner thinks he loves it!
 
I just give him an extra carrot and longer groom... Had a few days off riding due to colds, weather and working a week of nights...yawn. He kept looking at me as if to say...why aren't we doing anything? Don't get me wrong - he was more than happy when dinner made an earlier appearance :D

Whenever anyone goes out for a hack he gets all excited when the hi-viz comes out if we haven't been out for a day or two - and his ears prick when he sees the trailers moving or someone putting out jumps in case it's for him :) Plus is a lot more cuddly after I've done something with him :)
 
mine always makes me think of the joke about the dog who thinks everything is the best thing ever.

My horse would say

9am - eating grass, my favourite thing! :D
10am - mutual grooming, my favourite thing! :D
12pm - haynet, my favourite thing! :D
2pm - jumping, my favourite thing! :D
4pm - tea, my favourite thing! :D

so I have no guilt ;)
 
I feel guilty too so Dnt worry. Mines from more of a health view tho. Even tho his weight is good I always feel I'm letting him get fat is he isn't worked. I get abit it pressure to ride Although self inflicted Because if I have a 12 hr shift the next day I will always ride the day b4. Or I feel horrible with guilt although he probably doesn't care lol
 
While my two enjoy mooching in the field, they also thoroughly enjoy going
out on a hack, ears pricked and really walking out nicely, the arthritic mare has been known to baulk at coming back down the drive, so I guess they enjoy whatever life gives them
 
I used to feel bad when I was loaning a horse who lived all on his lonesome, but it was spending time with him rather than riding him!

Although I think they don't want to be worked, I think a lot of horses probably do actually like going out for hacks for the change of scene if they've not been out in a while :-) just as kids like going to school sometimes... It's not necessarily the learning its the social life and things to do!
 
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