Having no horse to ride...(any advice?)

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MooMoo

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...really, really sucks!

So basically, i'm 17 and been riding for about 9 years but i dont come from a horsey family and there's no way my parents could ever have gotten me a horse (i'm lucky for the lessons).
Now i have my own job (weekends stuff-i'm at college too!), which pays for my own lessons. Problem is i'd absolutely love to compete in dressage but...no horse! Money is still pretty tight although i have looked for a horse to share (no luck so far).
Has anyone ever had this problem? Does anyone have any ideas as to what i could do?

Thanks!
 
Yes get some experience helping at stables and make yourself invaluable. Keep your ears and eyes open always be pleasant and helpful and find yourself someone who is better than you but needs your help. No one in my family has anything remotely to do with horses so its not a long shot. Good with the colllege the more education you have the more choice you will have.
 
I had the same problem for years. I ended up working with horses for over 10 years then had a family and a carear change.

Do you help out at the yard where you have lessons? Do they do shows, even just for clients where you could hire a horse/pony instead of paying for a lesson. (could you suggest running a small show for clients to your instructor?) Does your instructor know of anyone who needs help with their horse? Would she be willing to recommend you to someone?

It does take some time and remember that people have to be able to trust you with their beloved horses. Even after a career break and moving to a new part of the country I have found people who need help at a local yard and now have more offers to ride than I can actually cope with!!

Keep an eye out in local tack shops for sharer (or put up a small ad yourself). you will probably have more luck with this during the winter, as people have less time to ride when it starts to get darker earlier.

Good Luck
 
Thanks! Some really good ideas there. I've been to a few riding schools and have helped out before, unfortunately when i moved to the one i'm currently at they already had enough people.

They've got other clinics, clear round jumping and things, i might persuade them to do a dressage comp!
 
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