How do you know when they need to slow down/ demotivated

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Crazy_cat_lady

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Just wondering how you can tell it's time to start slowing things down? H is now 18 but has had dodgy legs just wondering how you "know" when it's time to just happy hack?
Know I shouldn't look this way but just feeling very demotivated atm everyone else at the yard is out competing and showing photos of them loving it while he won't box or go in public so not feeling that motivated to ride and very few others at the yard are non competitive. How do you find motivation?
I can't afford 2 and doubt I'd get another after as need to look to try and save for a mortgage for a few years.
 
Oh dear that doesn't sound nice for you. It's as much about you as him though so if you're not enjoying it, don't do it. As long as he's cared for, that's all that matters. Why not see how he goes if you give it a break for a bit. If he seems depressed in the field or you miss it, you can always start again. You might just need to build it up a bit more slowly with him being a bit older.
 
I should have a bit more motivation when it's the nicer evenings and we can pootle down the lanes. Yo said there's no reason he can't get back to jumping in my lessons but i just think in my heart of hearts i know it's time to forget jumping and change his occupation to happy hacker. He's the sort who's too honest for his own good as well so would try and keep going when he maybe isn't up to it any more.
Currently feeling stupid for having a good old cry as know several on here are in fat worse situation. Growing old sucks hate it when you can see signs of aging :(
 
You might feel more motivated when the weather gets nicer, I'd just say to make the most of him, and enjoy your relationship.

I lost my Mist at 32, and a few times in the year before I lost her, I'd hop on her bareback and have a walk around the school, and we both enjoyed it, I also used to take her for walks in hand down the lane. Whilst winning rosettes when she was younger was nice, its the fun and content times that stay with you. Hope that makes sense x

My "youngster" is now 21, and we've become happy hackers ambling round the fields (we do still have a gallop when its fit) but we're both happy relaxing.
 
Why not look for a happy hacker sharer for your boy and see if there's a share out there for you to compete on? Or you could put some of the share money towards lessons on another horse so you can still jump sometimes? Or loan out and get another loan for yourself maybe? Lots of people want a safe horse to hack on. Might be ideal.
 
SadKen said:
Why not look for a happy hacker sharer for your boy and see if there's a share out there for you to compete on? Or you could put some of the share money towards lessons on another horse so you can still jump sometimes? Or loan out and get another loan for yourself maybe? Lots of people want a safe horse to hack on. Might be ideal.
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ooh that's a good idea :) however he is a bit of a knobber to hack! Also I'm a bit of a numpty rider would people want said type of rider on their nice competition horses? Could use our schooling time to do bareback/ no stirrups to try and fix my position.
It might be he is able to get back to full work but think it's one of those times where you just "know" that maybe it's time for them to take life at a more sedate pace?
 
Our old arab mare made it very clear she had had enough, she would drop to the floor the moment her girth was done up and then refuse to get up. She was more than happy to be led out in hand just didn't want to be ridden anymore. She was about 30 at the time. She lived another 4 happy years going for regular walks. Luckily we had our own place and plenty of grazing so were happy to keep her and have another one to ride. At 18 yours is quite young really so perhaps when the weather improves you and he will be more motivated.
 
me&Harvey said:
ooh that's a good idea :) however he is a bit of a knobber to hack! Also I'm a bit of a numpty rider would people want said type of rider on their nice competition horses? Could use our schooling time to do bareback/ no stirrups to try and fix my position.
It might be he is able to get back to full work but think it's one of those times where you just "know" that maybe it's time for them to take life at a more sedate pace?
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Hehe! maybe he'd be less of a nobber if hacking was a big part of his routine?

And most of us are overly critical of our riding, so I daresay you are quite competent. I would be happy to let a sharer compete my girl to a height I was comfortable with if I trusted them, even if their riding isn't great, as long as it wasn't going to cause adverse effects. You may not get valegro, but you could still have a lot of fun!

I guess I am just saying that there are a lot of options; you may find you're not at that point yet as the weather picks up, but it'll do no harm to explore them and see what suits!
 
My 22yo has always been a lazy so and so but a few months ago he made it clear that he didn't wish to go for a long ride and turned round after 5 minutes. He had a vet check and bloods last year so I am fully aware of his state of health. I am not going to argue with a pony that I've had 21 years and has given me so much. I owe everything to him to keep him happy in his veteran years. We came home.

He goes out 3/4 times a week for 30-45 mins gentle hacking. If he indicates that he want to do more then I don't have a problem with that. At present though he has spring fever so a bit fresh!!
 
My mare's now 21 and has arthritis. When she was diagnosed last year, she made it very clear that she wasn't happy with her workload. She hid when she saw her tack coming out, and became nappy when we hacked. One day she even turned round and set off home whilst I was getting on her, totally out of character.

Now, she is just hacked a couple of times a week for 35-60ish minutes, although I'll try upping this a bit in Summer, she almost puts her bridle on herself and is very happy to have a canter on good ground.

I'm actually very glad she makes her opinion heard as otherwise I'd constantly be questioning if I was doing too much.

I'm also in the position where my friends are still competing/going on fun rides and I can't afford another one. It is sad & I feel for you.

eta in terms of motivation. I sometimes struggle to make myself get on just for a 30 minute toddle round the lanes but once I'm on, I remember how much I like riding her and how much she enjoys going out for a bit.
 
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My 22 year old mare is my childhood pony and we still hack out regularly and have fun but I have to find new things for us to do. My jumping days are over lol She has hock arthritus now and has never been a big fan of jumping, so I will only jump tiny obstacles on a hack etc. I was never very competitive, but I did do a fair bit of showjumping and XC. I'll admit I do miss XC.
She's forward going and loves a good gallop still, I never push her to do things, but if she wants to go then good on her. She has stiff days esp in winter and I just adjust for what mood she's in. If she only wants to go for a plod then fine that's what we'll do.

I Have her living out as well now as when stabled she is miserable as sin and walks like a cripple, so much happier and moves better when out.

After riding every path possible I am bored of the hacking in my area and I think my pony is too! so I have started trying new things to put the spark back a bit. I go on holidays with her and do fun rides for changes of scenery and it's amazing how much she livens up again. I am riding bitless now as its more of a challenge for me and probably more comfortable for her. Also started hunting (non-jumps route!) I think this put the excitement back in for her and me.
She's my only horse, so if there comes a time she can't be ridden anymore I will keep her as a pet till the end. But I would miss riding so I'd probably try and do a share or something as well. But I will keep her going as long as I can, I had a friend who retired hers too early and he aged rapidly and looks so depressed :(
 
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When I was younger I had a wonderful pony who took me from ploddy riding school ponies to firing around BE courses. One day she tired XC and I put up my hand and retired her from the course. I knew instantly that she should no loger compete, and that was it, she was my little happy hacker until we lost her aged 24. It sounds cliche, but you just "know".
 
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