horseless and keeping involved?

diggerbez

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seeing as i am soon to be horseless once i do the deed and actually sell Mr V...i am wondering if and of you have come up with ways of staying involved with horses? i'm really worried that without one of my own i will just drift off and never come back to it at all... now in theory i should be ok to keep riding, have had plenty of offers of ponies to sit on...which is good and very kind of people... do you think that people ever want sharers who DON'T make a financial contribution- would like to still have a regular involvement but obviously i'm selling my horse so that i can svae money so seems silly to then pay it out on somebody else's horse- or is that cheeky to expect to ride for free? would be happy to do jobs and things...
any other exciting ideas? am going to do some BE fence judging as have always enjoyed that- although there aren't that many events that are that local to me and i can't really afford to pay miles and miles worth of petrol to get there....
 

SpottedCat

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Well your riding club would love you forever for getting involved for starters!

I am sure there are people out there who'd like someone competent to ride their horse a bit - I know if I found the right person then I would when I am busy with work - it'd be more of an ad hoc arrangement than a set days per week thing though.

Also, you will come back to it - I gave up entirely for 7 years, and now look at me!!
 

Luci07

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Why not talk to you trainer about putting a more formal plan into place? that you will come up to ride on x days? and how will this work. Address the elephant in the room and say and ask how you will be helping, does your trainer expect financial support or that you will do x work on the yard for rides. You are right though, best to nail it down and upfront as otherwise all the good offers will just drift away,.

Failing that option working, i would put up an ad for a horse to share stating experience, what you would look for and what you would do in return..
 

diggerbez

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Well your riding club would love you forever for getting involved for starters!

I am sure there are people out there who'd like someone competent to ride their horse a bit - I know if I found the right person then I would when I am busy with work - it'd be more of an ad hoc arrangement than a set days per week thing though.

Also, you will come back to it - I gave up entirely for 7 years, and now look at me!!

haha- shame i don't like my local riding club really - it is only 2 minutes from my house- but it is clique central! a few lovely people but lots of people i'm not too keen on :(

7 years?? OMG...hope it isn't that long- but that does give me hope that you don't ever lose it completely! :)
 

diggerbez

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Why not talk to you trainer about putting a more formal plan into place? that you will come up to ride on x days? and how will this work. Address the elephant in the room and say and ask how you will be helping, does your trainer expect financial support or that you will do x work on the yard for rides. You are right though, best to nail it down and upfront as otherwise all the good offers will just drift away,.

Failing that option working, i would put up an ad for a horse to share stating experience, what you would look for and what you would do in return..

yes i suppose that i should do that...know it won't be a problem as also very good friends with my trainer on a social level outside of horses... am lucky in that respect i guess :)
 

lex2501

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Where abouts are you based? Have you any friends that could do with a hand at events as a semi-formal arrangement? I am often looking for someone to come and give me a hand, and happy to pay what I can afford - but sometimes that may only be enough to cover fuel and a gesture of thanks?! Would be mutually beneficial and help save up some pennies??
 

flyingfeet

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Well if you want to do something different and possibly do a bit of camping, the British tentpegging association is always looking for ground crew!

Means you get to see some new sights
 

diggerbez

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Well if you want to do something different and possibly do a bit of camping, the British tentpegging association is always looking for ground crew!

Means you get to see some new sights

i don't even think we have tentpegging up here! will investigate! :cool:

Lex- am lancashire :)
most of my real life friends are showjumpers- don't mind going to groom- but it is a bit boring! certainly if any HHoers want a lift at nearby events i'd be more than happy to come along and help! please feel free to ask away if you are cheshire/ n yorks bound anyone :)
 

TheoryX1

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I know this may make you chuckle, but what about helping out your local branch of the PC? Until last Christmas I was branch secretary for our local branch and to be fair we used to struggle for volunteers. It was always the committee, never the parents who really should have been doing it.

As far as I know you dont need to be CRB checked, and most PCs always need people to help out at competitions. Just think of the fun you would have watching all those sweet little ponies and kids! Not all PC mums are the same either - a lot of us are really nice.

I bet they would love you, plus I always maintain that voluntary work is always good for the soul.
 

diggerbez

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I know this may make you chuckle, but what about helping out your local branch of the PC? Until last Christmas I was branch secretary for our local branch and to be fair we used to struggle for volunteers. It was always the committee, never the parents who really should have been doing it.

As far as I know you dont need to be CRB checked, and most PCs always need people to help out at competitions. Just think of the fun you would have watching all those sweet little ponies and kids! Not all PC mums are the same either - a lot of us are really nice.

I bet they would love you, plus I always maintain that voluntary work is always good for the soul.

that isn't such a bad idea TX... does anyone know who my local PC would be? I'm in Rochdale, Lancs.... (as a teacher i am used to children at least :rolleyes:)
 

Oscar

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This is exactly what I am after, shame as I'm miles from you. I have 4 horses that need more work than I can give them, all I'd want is help with chores on mutually convenient days in return for riding.

I'm a bit reluctant to advertise for sharers as I just want someone nice to come and ride, help etc and as I don't want paying I'm worried about joy riders coming along or someone inexperienced, as my lot are all well bred WB's and not novice rides! Difficult one!
 

Hedwards

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Dont know if its the kind of thing you'd be interested in, but Endurance groups are always looking for volunteers to help with the crewing at events, you should have a local EGB group (it'll be on their website).

I absolutely loved crewing, its really exciting, and a great bunch of people, plus you get to visit all sorts of places! and on some of the major rides its non stop action!

Either you go out on course in the car to meet riders at certain points for food/feed/water/drinks/washing off (sloshing on the go is hilarious - but not always easy) or you may be based at the venue, so when they come in for vet checks etc. you'll help cool the horse/lower heart rates before presenting to the vet, and then all the subsequent care they need. Groups are always in need of crew, and often you find you'll be offered a ride if they need certain qualifications... there's always a burger van at the venues and a great bunch of people, a lot of the competitions run over a whole weekend so you camp on site, just great fun - i did do some riding (up to about 35km i think) but much prefered the crewing myself...!

Like I say, may not be your cup of tea, but an option over the summer months!
 

diggerbez

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Oscar- you don't fancy moving house do you?! Know what you mean about sharers- had one with my old tb that I had and whilst she was fab I had a lot of lunatics come up to try him!!
Endurance crewing sounds good- will investigate and try to contact my local group :)
 

ecrozier

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God if you were near me I would bite your hand off for a bit of help now and again! There are def people out there - I would guess often those with a couple of horses - who need help, it's brilliant when I do drag someone along as means both get ridden by mid morning on a weekend for example!
 

TheoryX1

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OP, you will need to go onto the Pony Clubs website, think its www.pcuk.org, or just google it. I tried to find a branch in Rochdale, but you need a full postcode to do it. I tried with an OL post code, which I believe is appropriate to your area. Once found, speak to the branch secretary who is usually in the know and volunteer your services. They will love you.

Shame you are so far away. I have a lovely 20 year cob who adores his hacking, but mummy spends all her time working, so can only take him out on sightseeing tours at the weekend currently. Wouldnt want to be paid, just ride him a couple of times a week and do him at the same time - winners all round them.
 

Kat

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If your nearest BE is a bit far for fence judging what about writing for a judge at BD (or a decent quality unaffilitated dressage). That would keep you involved, and keep you in contact with horsey folk but also be educational.

Other than that, people have suggested volunteering with PC/RC, but there is also the local branch of the BHS, the BHS also need welfare and access officers. BD have regional comittees that organise training and so on, I guess BE would have the same and being on the comittee would keep you in the loop and in contact with the sort of people who might want their horse ridden by someone competent or who might be willing to pay a token amount for some help at shows or when they are on holiday or whatever.

Maybe ask your trainer if they would put the word out, for you as someone who would be able to either ride for free or cheaply or is interested in a share that doesn't require a financial contribution. Obviously you don't want to step on your trainers toes but I bet there are people who could do with a competent person to help them keep their horse fit who can't afford or don't want to pay a pro to ride.

If you have a decent amount of free time (perhaps during school holidays) then you could get yourself some insurance and offer your services as a freelance groom and earn extra cash, might not be worth it if you are very busy with work though.
 

Perfect_Pirouette

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I know what you mean- I will be in exactly the same position as you when I sell my boy and am already worried about not getting my horsey fix!

Why don't you put wanted ads out on places like local horsey FB groups, equine adverts, horse quest etc and just state that whilst you're okay with jobs, you can't contribute financially. I can guarentee you'll probably get loads of replies.
 

Victoria25

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I'll be taking my new TB to a few in hand shows this year - north west area (Im not far from Oldham) you're more than welcome to come and help us (wont be very exciting for you though) - cant offer any riding as Im just starting to back her myself at a very slow slow pace and we have another mare heavily pregnant :D
 

Coblover63

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I have a couple of girls that come over and ride when they ask. They are not formal sharers and I ask nothing of them other than their company. I rent my own yard and whilst I like the fact that I am "my own boss", I sometimes feel a little lonely so it is lovely to be able to have someone around to natter too occasionally. I never ask them to do any chores unless they offer (I poo pick daily and I like to do it myself so I know that none have been missed :eek:) but they like to groom and tack up themselves anyway.
 

LEC

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I was horseless for a year and I did a lot of dressage writing, event organising for RC, jump judging, riding for other people and generally learnt a lot!

People love free help especially with horses. Choose somewhere that is going to benefit you and be fussy. I would ring up any semi pro or professional riders locally and see if they are interested in a hand. Best of all if you hate it or its not terribly beneficial you can walk away as you are not being paid.
 

noodle_

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i most recently had 2 months off when i sent the youngster away.... i spent my time going out, socialising, sleeping in, meeting new people and basically having a ball.

new chance to go away on holidays/new hobbies etc?

i personally wish i didnt have mine back to be brutally honest... i wanted to go on holiday this year and could do as i could stick her on livery but now shes back i feel i shoudl be doing it all


horse wise - lessons/new horse hobby - polo??

borrow a horse now and again for hacking?

free rein in wales (i think?!)
 

Willeeckers

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I'm the same, sold my boy back in 2006 due to financial reasons and apart from having a share the next summer which ended when the owner sold the horse I've barely ridden since.

Afraid to say I have drifted away apart from lurking about on here and the odd pony patting of a fellow HHO'ers horse that is about all the contact I get :(

I would love to have a few days share my work would allow it now but I do not have the cash - don't suppose any of you that said they would like a sharer in exchange for jobs live in the Worcestershire Herefordshire boarders area or south Birmingham ??! :eek: Although I guess I'd be a bit rusty after nearly 6yrs :(
 

leflynn

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Mine has been out of action for the last year and I ended up riding all sorts for others for no money and it has been great fun and really kept me going. I also did fence judging for local events/dressage writing and loved it. I also went on a working riding holiday in Italy too which was fab fun :D (Just cost us to get there and back)
 

diggerbez

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Or how about Oldham & District RC? Not far from you?

I'll keep an eye out for people looking for a sharer near me ... x

thanks victoria...just give me a PM if you need a hand at any shows- Oldham really isn't far at all! :)
Dressage writing could be an idea actually- guess it would be a chance to learn some stuff and croft top/crow wood are pretty local and have a lot on :)
 

diggerbez

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i most recently had 2 months off when i sent the youngster away.... i spent my time going out, socialising, sleeping in, meeting new people and basically having a ball.

new chance to go away on holidays/new hobbies etc?

i personally wish i didnt have mine back to be brutally honest... i wanted to go on holiday this year and could do as i could stick her on livery but now shes back i feel i shoudl be doing it all


horse wise - lessons/new horse hobby - polo??

borrow a horse now and again for hacking?

free rein in wales (i think?!)

i have taken up running (on the basis that trainers aside its pretty cheap)... ;):D
 

teapot

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RDA if you fancy something a bit different.

My group is desperate for 'horsey under the age of 70' volunteers and I'd imagine most, if not all groups would welcome you with open arms :D
 

Honey08

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that isn't such a bad idea TX... does anyone know who my local PC would be? I'm in Rochdale, Lancs.... (as a teacher i am used to children at least :rolleyes:)

The nearest pc is Saddleworth, but its pretty much run by those that run Rochdale RC..

I'm in Saddleworth, so not far at all from you, and seriously, I have two horses that I really struggle to keep fit as I work for an airline and am frequently away. One I have evented to BE90 - could have gone higher XC, but I'm a wuss SJ (not done anything for a couple of years as had an op and now fat and unfit - me and horse!, the other is green but could be lovely with a bit of work. I have a sharer for the greener one, and stepson rides him, but am desperate for help with mine, and happy for someone to compete when I'm away weekends (which is fairly often). She tends to scare some people as she is bouncy and forward, despite being a sensible horse, so those that haven't ridden fit competition types find her too much. We don't charge our sharers anything, they're nice and just help out on the days they're here, skipping out etc.

So, seriously, if you're feeling you're not doing enough, give me a pm and meet up. I am not far away at all.

Ps, I didn't ride or have horses for over 10 years. Don't worry - its in your blood!!
 

diggerbez

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The nearest pc is Saddleworth, but its pretty much run by those that run Rochdale RC..

I'm in Saddleworth, so not far at all from you, and seriously, I have two horses that I really struggle to keep fit as I work for an airline and am frequently away. One I have evented to BE90 - could have gone higher XC, but I'm a wuss SJ (not done anything for a couple of years as had an op and now fat and unfit - me and horse!, the other is green but could be lovely with a bit of work. I have a sharer for the greener one, and stepson rides him, but am desperate for help with mine, and happy for someone to compete when I'm away weekends (which is fairly often). She tends to scare some people as she is bouncy and forward, despite being a sensible horse, so those that haven't ridden fit competition types find her too much. We don't charge our sharers anything, they're nice and just help out on the days they're here, skipping out etc.

So, seriously, if you're feeling you're not doing enough, give me a pm and meet up. I am not far away at all.

Ps, I didn't ride or have horses for over 10 years. Don't worry - its in your blood!!

haha...hopefully! i might well give you a bell then honey once i am horsefree- bouncey and forward does not bother me in the slightest (in fact i don't know what to do when horses aren't like that :rolleyes:)

i'm planning on giving V a month of work so that he's fit and ready to go and advertising him to coincide with the Easter holidays- when hopefully people will be out horse shopping- i think that it might still be a bit early for people yet- plus he looks like an unloved donkey after his winter holiday!
 
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