Horses and army life

Chestnutmare

Chestnutmare

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Hi all my OH is in the army and I know that we will be moved every 2-3yrs and even possibility of going abroad in future, question is I want another horse and am looking to get one now after xmas this year, once I've settled into new home myself.

Do you think it would be mean to get new horse and keep trailing it round every couple of years with me and even abroad? or would it be better if I loaned one, although after having your own, I am struggling with the thought of someone else's horse that could also be taken from you at any point etc..

Does anyone on here have their own and how do you manage if you or OH in the forces?
Thanks....and for your efforts you may help yourself to some yummy chocolate brownies (opens packet)....

:D
 
Don't have anything constructive to add really but wanted to bump your post as I am thinking of joining the army and was going to ask a similar question.
As far as moving every couple of years being fair on the horse, I think it depends on the individual horse, if you have something quite level headed that trusts you and has a good bond with you then I wouldn't think moving it around would be too much of an issue.
 
Hi I am not in this position, but I would think it would be perfectly ok for you to go ahead with buying a horse, lots of horses travel staying in venues for competitions etc on a regular basis. Every 2-3 yrs wouldnt matter at all. If being posted abroad the options could be loaning or taking with you depending on your circumstances. I would say go for it

good luck and best wishes:)
 
Hi
My OH is in the RAF and i have two horses, we moved to our new posting about 2 years ago and i have had one of mine since then and bought the other in Oct last year. We are really lucky and have a great livery yard about 500 m from the house so can get down in all weathers, dont need to drive etc.
TBH my OH can stay where we are until he wants to be posted which i know is different for the army (previous OH was army). If he gets promoted then he may not be able to stay but will try for a posting closer to where we are now so we can keep our house and horses on livery near by. If we had to move them i would, though maybe not the older boy as he has a sharer, but would take my girl. I would move them around every few years as i dont think they would mind, but my worry would be the money aspect, i dont think we could afford to move them from England to Scotland every few years!
 
I think, go for it. Only because I know my lad and I could move him to the ends of the Earth on a regular basis, and as long as I am there, and food is there, he doesn't care. Seriously, consider it. It will be stressful for you moving him but my word he could have a worse life! Also he won't mind I'm sure, only you will. Good luck :) xx
 
I think if you get the right horse that is sane and sensible and is known to settle well, you should be okay. My horse settled into his new home with me very quickly - he is an ex-racer and has travelled to Germany, France, Belgium and Spain, so he is used to being moved around, and it does not seem to faze him.
 
I think it would be fine. Army saddle clubs are great, and some facilities in some locations are fantastic! Depending on the age / breed etc of the horse, you might want to think twice about an overseas posting to a remote location (i.e. long travel by air) or to a very hot location as not all will adjust. Within the UK, Europe etc, no problem.
 
Thanks for the replies, the next horse I would get is going to (hopefully) be a lovely coloured cob, i've wanted one for quite some time now even when my lad was still with me.

I would like a younger horse around 5/6 so it can grow with me also and kinda attapt to life with me, I'm sure I'll end up buying one, but if OH has posting to Cyprus or somewhere else of the warmer climate I would seriously be left in turmoil, as I would leave it behind perhaps out on loan or something?...

Been interesting hearing from other point of views also, as it is something that I have to seriously contemplate, I've already found a horse, not seen it in flesh only on web, but dunno something about him i've taken to?....(strange me thinks)...but can't wait to start seriously horsey shopping and getting all new wardrobes for horse and me....yay
 
Id go for it, every 2/3 years is not that much IMO.

I ride the cavalry horses and they adapt to moving around a fair bit. Mostly based in Knightsbridge, then some go to Windsor for anywhere between a few months or a couple of years to be a training wing horse for the new lads learning to ride. Some go to Melton, to hunt for a while, then they come back to Knightsbridge. The musical ride horses move around a lot travelling to various shows.

As far as possible they are kept in the same place, but they are very well looked after and seem to get used to the travelling and new environments.
 
I've been having the same worry - I'm looking to join the RAF as the fire service recruitment has dried up, but worry about my horse - he is just starting to work well (backed last year) and trust me so i don't want to unsettle him or leave him in someone elses hands (he isn't sane and sensible!). I think I am going to join the Reserves, purely because if him! I think in a few years he will be fine to move around, in which case I can apply for regulars.

In terms of a more 'normal' horse, i dont think moving it every 2-3 years would do it any harm, we took my old pony with us when my dad was posted places and she was fine. if we had moved abroad I would have loaned her to a good friend.
 
not in the army but - think of uni student who lug their horses round every few months when back and too.......


buy - horses adapt. :)
 
This has really put my mind at ease somewhat now, a hairy cob won't care surely? I'm not into warmbloods or crazy brained ones, been there done that, I want a slower pace now hence the chunky monkies for me!

Thats it then, soon as Xmas is out the way and I have settled into my new life with OH and got myself a job I shall start the ball rolling...for the exciting times ahead.

Thanks for the positive replies you have given, has really helped.

:D :D :D
 
Merlywerly said:
This has really put my mind at ease somewhat now, a hairy cob won't care surely? I'm not into warmbloods or crazy brained ones, been there done that, I want a slower pace now hence the chunky monkies for me!

Thats it then, soon as Xmas is out the way and I have settled into my new life with OH and got myself a job I shall start the ball rolling...for the exciting times ahead.

Thanks for the positive replies you have given, has really helped.

:D :D :D
Click to expand...

PUt it this way - im planning on buying in april and in 2/3 years later i plan to move away. It isnt even a concern fo mine how the horse will be - thats life - look at racehorses? they get used to it etc....


good luck - exciting getting a horse - i cant wait till next year im almost wishing my year away :D :)
 
tis true what you say, most show jumpers, polo ponies, show horses all move about and they seem OK.

The battle I face is now finding the right one for me, and it's going to be tough after my lad he was my bestest friend, and although he wasn't an easy ride, he was my boy even with his attitude, so finding a new horse has a massive gap to fill, and I know it will never be my merly's.

I love all animals I'm a right push over when it comes to animals, so i'm sure there will be the 'perfect' one for me....and I am excited now....

now my heart has begun to mend, i took my loss badly and only really thought about getting new one recently..
 
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