How do you fit it all in??

I used to have 2 on DIY. I work full time and work shifts, start times vary earliest is 2.25am, latest 23.59. I struggled. I would finish work at 6am in the morning, muck out, feed, poo pick etc and then end up not riding. I always felt guilty as had no time for anything else. So now I have one in full livery and the time I do spend with him (varies depending on shifts to 5 to 1 days a week) I really enjoy. I no longer feel guilty about my time and I know he has a routine and is exercised 6 days a week either by me or the YO.
 
I have to say having the time to look after 3 horses a day isn't the problem for me it's the physical aspect of it that's my main problem. I too suffer from hyper mobility quite badly and also have other issues that are caused by it eg dislocating knees. So I have help from my parents at the moment but if they couldn't do it then I would have to find a sharer. And selling mine wouldn't be an option as one is 25 and the other is 18 and has cushings, so I only really ride the 4 year old on a regular basis as the others are semi retired so just get ridden a few times a month! But it does sound like you seem to have it sorted and if you want all 3 then I think that you just make it work! Lol :)
 
I have 3 to do: My irish boy who is recovering from tendon problems so atm just hacking, my little project pony who mainly show jumps and Asbo who I event.

I try to do two a day, that way they get done 3/4 times a week however my irish lad can do less if i'm really struggling and a friend occasionally hacks Asbo out to keep him fit. I am blessed with free use of an arena 10mins away and in winter there is an indoor nearby that i can box to and hire. The forest is on my doorstep so i've got a sand gallop, a grass circuit gallop, numerous water complexes and steps in easy reach ;) I usually do either one first thing before work or at lunchtime and then another after work.

Having irish lad at one yard I work at and pony and Asbo at another makes my life a lot easier. In return for riding Asbo and competing his younger sis I get free grass livery for the pony and the YO is happy to feed, poo pick ect as she's out with hers anyway.

I think if you want it to work it will, you just have to put the effort in to get up early/finish late and have no social life whatsoever!
 
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shortstuff99 said:
I have to say having the time to look after 3 horses a day isn't the problem for me it's the physical aspect of it that's my main problem. I too suffer from hyper mobility quite badly and also have other issues that are caused by it eg dislocating knees. So I have help from my parents at the moment but if they couldn't do it then I would have to find a sharer. And selling mine wouldn't be an option as one is 25 and the other is 18 and has cushings, so I only really ride the 4 year old on a regular basis as the others are semi retired so just get ridden a few times a month! But it does sound like you seem to have it sorted and if you want all 3 then I think that you just make it work! Lol :)
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Hello fellow HMS sufferer! its pants isnt it!!
I struggle with somethings, I'm lucky not to have anything thats dislocates (YET!) but I get a large number of sprains and muscle tears and instability of the joints rather than them dislocating. I find riding not too much of an issue, but i have special stirrups for the endurance rides so my ankles are locked in one position and not flopping around.
Its the walking around the fields and lifting the hay etc that get me, my knees and ankles are pretty wobbly over rough terrain and my shoulders are wobbly when lifting buckets etc..
But i'm sure that we both wouldnt sacrifice our horses for our health!! to be honest when i take a break from the horses i get a little depressed and i hurt more because there is nothing to take my mind off it!! :)

I agree that you just make it work.. all mine are fit, healthy and happy and I love them!! I live on my own so dont get any full time help but i have an amazing group of horsey friends who i can turn to if i really need to. Im a very lucky girl! and hypermobility will not stop play!! xx
 
spookypony said:
Wish I could help you, but it's a bit too much of a drive for me on a regular basis, given all the other stuff that looks like it's coming up! A sharer for at least one of them sounds like a good plan, although with two youngsters and the peculiarities of the Ginger Trotter himself, it may not be easy to find one that's really suitable! However, you may have some luck if you contact the uni riding club. They may know of experienced students that are horse-less due to being away from home. Also, their coach may be able to vet the students for you.

I will be watching this thread with interest---the Spooky Pony will be needing a new friend soon, and I am currently planning on taking on a loaner, to test the waters and work out just how expensive in terms of time and money this two-pony lark is going to be.
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Thanks SpookyPony! you do live a bit far away but i appreciate the offer :)
And your correct in the fact that not many people would get along with GingerTrotter - although behaviour is improving albeit not in stubble fields :D

We shall find you a lovely loan horsey and trust me looking after 2 is just as easy as looking after 1.. its when you get to 3 or 4 or 5 and a foal that it gets tricky!!
 
Yes I do find the riding takes my mind off it! In fact my physio said that riding was good for me as it keepsmy muscles strong and therefore reduces joint pain. But it is nice to know of horsey people with the condition as often it can seem lonely, and I find that as it is not an 'obvious' condition other people won't take it seriously when you can't do certain things! But I'm glad that you have a good support network, that always makes it easier!
 
There is a good support group on FaceBook too. Look it up, lots of people on there with the same condition. As its not well known it can be very lonely suffering with it.
If you ever need someone to talk to PM me or I'll add you on FB. x
 
I couldn't fit it in... So I sent my horse to a pro so she will be nicely schooled etc when I am ready for her back!
 
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