How did you know you we're ready to own?

[Boojackson]

I'm a returning rider having been out of the saddle for 15 years since my late teens. Finally post kids got on the phone and booked in for my first lesson back. That was a year ago and I've continued since then to have weekly hour long lessons and hacks, and much as I feel I'm a novice, I am back to jumping, a bit of dressage (am due to start working on a test next lesson) which makes me "advanced" in the eyes of a riding school....

So question is (especially for those returners like me!) how did you know that the time was right to own, and how good a rider were you?!

i'm thinking of waiting another year, and helping out at riding school maybe in the new year to get more on the ground experience. We are also thinking of moving out of London in the next year or so. I've tried to find shares, which is tricky (I live in central London so by the time I've travelled and come back it can take an age) but found a great one, but just didn't have quite enough time to get there and back, plus ride etc do didn't proceed after our trial period...many shares that I've found seem to be with very young horses, or people looking for huge financial contributions.
What did you guys do to get yourselves ready to take the plunge, and what would you have done differently?!

 

[webble]

I would say it isnt about the riding ability but the stable/ care knowledge and experience and if you dont have it then looking at a yard with assisted/ full livery

I ended up buying because I got fed up of part loaning and not having a say in the management etc

 

[fattylumpkin]

I think the biggest thing for me is the financial bit, so get a realistic idea of the costs and when you have oodles of time and spare cash on your hands you're set. Just find a really good, professional yard and make the yard manager/owner aware you're a new owner and will need extra advice If the yard is well run you're probably going to be surrounded by people who can nudge you in the right direction if you forget something. In the meantime waiting a year and helping out at a riding school will help you get comfy with an idea of what kind of horse you're looking for and what you most enjoy doing.

My first pony was a plunge moment. I'd had riding school lessons, but neither my parents or me had any idea on how to care for a horse full time! Luckily we were on a great yard and everyone was full of advice and not afraid to put me straight if I made a mistake, and I made plenty. That was 14 years ago now... it flies by!

 

[dogatemysalad]

A share, so soon as you can commit the time is a good idea. Otherwise, get as much practical experience of looking after horses and ride lots of different horses.
There are some great trekking centres where you can get lots of time in the saddle and help out with looking after your horse for the week/long weekend. A good experience and lots of fun too.
You might enjoy doing an NVQ or the horseowners certificate.

Looking back, I knew nothing when I first became an owner, fortunately, I had a wonderful yard owner and instructor - and a thirst for learning everything possible. My very patient pony survived my rather inept attempts to become a fully fledged horse owner.

 

[RainbowDash]

Hi {waves},

Been out of the saddle for 19 years. Only ridden riding school horses before (albeit the ones no one else wanted to ride ) - took about four private lessons before taking on a part loan for a couple of months - really enjoyed it - part loan horse was put on full loan, second part loan didnt work out (owner sold him) - so brought my own happy hacker 20 months ago.

The lad is on full livery (but easy going place so can dip in and out on chores) which has helped on the care side of things being a new owner (I knew the basics thanks to work experience at a hunt yard for two weeks at 15).

OP you will know when you are ready to own, maybe a part loan could be an option for you?. My old riding school part loans their horses out for a couple of days a week - would yours allow you to do this? - or help out for a day a week?

xx

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I think the main thing is the ability to deal with the unexpected. You (not you OP, in general) may have had a lesson every week for years, be able to go round a course of jumps and perform a simple dressage test but if you have always ridden schoolmaster type horses in an arena, you re not ready to own a horse imo.
You need to be able to handle a variety of horses on the ground and ride them in different situations, especially through all the different hazards that can be met on a hack, reacting quickly if the horse takes exception to something, without panicking. You need to be able to ride alone and in company and make decisions for yourself about the horse, his work and management, including feed regime and when to call a vet.

 

[Boojackson]

Thanks for all the advice. I used to work at a livery yard as a teen, so the care side isn't completely alien, however of course incompletely rusty. I've been reading lots and lots and would like to do a new owners course too. Realistically my youngest starts at school next September, so that should free-up a load of time, so I could then start looking for a share again. I suppose what worries me too is moving house to a new area, finding a good yard and then taking the plunge at that point.

 

[Smogul]

many shares that I've found seem to be with very young horses, or people looking for huge financial contributions.

It worries me that you say people were looking for huge contributions. When I had sharers, I found their ideas of the cost of owning a horse were totally unrealistic. The "huge" contribution I wanted for the two day share was nowhere near 2/7ths of my total costs. Next time you look at a share, ask the owner how they arrived at the figure they are asking. It might open your eyes.

 

[Antw23uk]

I got back into riding two years ago after a 25 yr break. I've owned my horse for coming up 6 months now and I knew I was ready for my own pretty much straight away becasue I was rubbish at sharing (what can I say I'm spoilt!)

You will know when you are ready so as long as you take your time and get the right horse and keep it at the right place that can offer the support for a new owner then you should be fine. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Boojackson]

It worries me that you say people were looking for huge contributions. When I had sharers, I found their ideas of the cost of owning a horse were totally unrealistic. The "huge" contribution I wanted for the two day share was nowhere near 2/7ths of my total costs. Next time you look at a share, ask the owner how they arrived at the figure they are asking. It might open your eyes.

Completely appreciate what you are saying, and I'm sure it's symptomatic of the London effect and the cost of livery nearby, but "sane sensible types" that I've been offered to share were looking anywhere between £40-£90 per week for 1/2/3 days per week plus contribution to shoes etc.. Have come across one or two fantastic owners, who were asking for "conservative" sums but the distances are just too far to be realistic options, sigh!