Miss_Millie
Well-Known Member
Hi everyone,
After having a good 10 year break from riding, I've been having weekly 1/2 hour private lessons for the past 6 months at my local riding school (although there have been some weeks off, due to various lockdowns inbetween!)
I feel that I've come quite a long way in this time - still so much to learn, but going 'back to basics' has been just what I needed. I've been lucky to really click with a particular instructor - I find her teaching style very accessible, and after every lesson I have with her I feel so happy and positive. These past six months have confirmed to me that I'd really like a horse of my own, and that I'm totally prepared/willing/excited to make horses a daily part of my life.
First of all, some practical/ financial pointers. I am self employed and work from home, which means that I can schedule my time just as I like. I'm a one-woman business, so do not answer to anyone or employ anyone else. My monthly income on average is 3-4k, with £600-£700 in outgoings max for bills/mortgage, food etc. I have no other financial commitments - no kids and no intention of kids. I think this is quite a realistic income for what I want, which is really a lower-maintenance happy hacking/leisure riding lifestyle with a bit of schooling and jumping here and there. I have quite a large amount of savings for any emergencies too.
I've ridden lots of horses/ponies at my school over the past 6 months, and my favourites were on the smaller side - 14.2-15.3hh. I'm only 5ft6 and weigh under 8st (very petitie), so I think a pony would be suitable for me. I'd be very happy to buy an older horse. My favourite pony at the school is 21 years old, 14.2hh and he is wonderful. I'd obviously hope to have a long time with the right horse, so maybe 15 years upwards is realistic? Are there any disadvantages of buying an older horse if they are generally in good health?
My riding school is only 15 minutes from my house and offers livery. So when the time is right, I think it could be a good idea to keep my horse there so I can continue having weekly lessons with the same instructor on my horse. The only downside is that there aren't great hacking options because it isn't very rural, but I still think it would be a better idea than starting on a private livery yard. I'd worry about bothering experienced riders on a private yard asking for help/advice, compared to at the riding school where they're probably used to getting a lot of questions from less experienced people.
The riding school will be shut for at least 6 weeks now due to lockdown rules, so I'm trying to forward my education with self-motivated 'homework' during that time. I've bought the BHS Complete Manual of Stable Management and Ride with Your Mind Essentials by Mary Wanless to read during this time. Any other recommendations? I will be doing the Stage 1 BHS exams are soon as I am able to at my riding school.
Only 6 months of lessons might seem a bit soon to be thinking about ownership, but I feel that I'd learn much more quickly and gain confidence/knowledge at speed if a particular horse was a daily part of my life. I really love the grooming/horse care side of things too, as much as if not more than riding. I'd really love that with one special horse. I'd probably be on DIY livery so I can be completely present in the whole daily process of caring for my horse.
Is there anything else that I should consider? When the time is right, I'll ask my instructor if she would mind viewing potential horses with me. My budget would be around £4k + extra for all equipment.
After having a good 10 year break from riding, I've been having weekly 1/2 hour private lessons for the past 6 months at my local riding school (although there have been some weeks off, due to various lockdowns inbetween!)
I feel that I've come quite a long way in this time - still so much to learn, but going 'back to basics' has been just what I needed. I've been lucky to really click with a particular instructor - I find her teaching style very accessible, and after every lesson I have with her I feel so happy and positive. These past six months have confirmed to me that I'd really like a horse of my own, and that I'm totally prepared/willing/excited to make horses a daily part of my life.
First of all, some practical/ financial pointers. I am self employed and work from home, which means that I can schedule my time just as I like. I'm a one-woman business, so do not answer to anyone or employ anyone else. My monthly income on average is 3-4k, with £600-£700 in outgoings max for bills/mortgage, food etc. I have no other financial commitments - no kids and no intention of kids. I think this is quite a realistic income for what I want, which is really a lower-maintenance happy hacking/leisure riding lifestyle with a bit of schooling and jumping here and there. I have quite a large amount of savings for any emergencies too.
I've ridden lots of horses/ponies at my school over the past 6 months, and my favourites were on the smaller side - 14.2-15.3hh. I'm only 5ft6 and weigh under 8st (very petitie), so I think a pony would be suitable for me. I'd be very happy to buy an older horse. My favourite pony at the school is 21 years old, 14.2hh and he is wonderful. I'd obviously hope to have a long time with the right horse, so maybe 15 years upwards is realistic? Are there any disadvantages of buying an older horse if they are generally in good health?
My riding school is only 15 minutes from my house and offers livery. So when the time is right, I think it could be a good idea to keep my horse there so I can continue having weekly lessons with the same instructor on my horse. The only downside is that there aren't great hacking options because it isn't very rural, but I still think it would be a better idea than starting on a private livery yard. I'd worry about bothering experienced riders on a private yard asking for help/advice, compared to at the riding school where they're probably used to getting a lot of questions from less experienced people.
The riding school will be shut for at least 6 weeks now due to lockdown rules, so I'm trying to forward my education with self-motivated 'homework' during that time. I've bought the BHS Complete Manual of Stable Management and Ride with Your Mind Essentials by Mary Wanless to read during this time. Any other recommendations? I will be doing the Stage 1 BHS exams are soon as I am able to at my riding school.
Only 6 months of lessons might seem a bit soon to be thinking about ownership, but I feel that I'd learn much more quickly and gain confidence/knowledge at speed if a particular horse was a daily part of my life. I really love the grooming/horse care side of things too, as much as if not more than riding. I'd really love that with one special horse. I'd probably be on DIY livery so I can be completely present in the whole daily process of caring for my horse.
Is there anything else that I should consider? When the time is right, I'll ask my instructor if she would mind viewing potential horses with me. My budget would be around £4k + extra for all equipment.