Horses for Non-Horse Owners

Reinback

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Joined
4 March 2008
Messages
15
Location
Cumbria
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Hi,
I am new to this board & just wondered if any readers had any suggestions on how to get more involved with horses when you can't afford a horse!
I recently moved to a new area that I thought would be teeming with horses, but there don't seem to be any riding schools left because of the insurance costs (I am in north Cumbria) & having ridden for 30 years and worked as a groom with grand prix dressage horses, I get a bit bored with trotting to the back of the ride once a week.
Any suggestions would be gratefully received!
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Is there not a local riding club, you could offer your services for marshalling ect. That way you get to know alot of the local riders and can get as much or as little involved as you wish??
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Are there no horses advertised for sharing in you area? If you're an experienced rider I'm sure you'd get a ride for free, a lot of people would be appreciate someone who knows what they're doing to school their horse for them a couple of times a week. Then you'll prob end up getting more rides due to word of mouth. Or if it's more ground work thaty you'd prefer then I'm sure like pudpud suggested places like the local pony club would love your help!
 
How about advertising yourself as a potential sharer, you might find someone who wants help with their horse in exchange for riding. If you were in Yorkshire you'd be welcome to come and ride mine!
 
I would try Blackdyke Farm if I were you which is just outside Carlisle. Ann and John Collier taught myself and my sisters to ride and found our first 3 ponies/horses. They also run unaffliated and BSJA jumping and dressage and have 2 massive indoor schools.

www.blackdykefarm.com

The local riding club and PC in that area are also really active as well and full of lovely people (or hopefully still are, I moved away from the area about 5 years ago). Also, try advertising in the tackshops/feed stores in the area that you are looking for a sharer.

Good luck, let us know how you get on.
 
I think everyones covered it with sharing or advertising as a helper, I'm horseless but am riding loads at the moment, my trainer has a couple in for breaking and schooling and the others at the yard bit my hand off when they were offered a lie in, its not the same as having your own but its nice not to have the resposibility for a while, plus its great experience to ride loads of different horses.
 
Hi again,

THANK YOU for all your kind replies.

I have tried local riding clubs, but theres not a lot on near me for people without a horse and I used to volunteer with RDA, but its more geared towards the children than the horses (which I know nothing about!)

I'm going to take your advice and give advertising as a sharer a try and get in touch with the local pony club to see if they could do with any help.

Kind regards

Beth x
 
I dont have horses that i own but on last count i have 7 that i ride and compete for other people.

I got these rides from volunteering in the local riding club and then from word of mouth.

Its definately worth doing i have a right laugh sometimes
 
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