I gave my riding school loan back today...

[ArklePig]

This is a thread without a point really other than to say how grateful I am.

As some of you know, I've had a riding school pony on loan for lockdown.

It's been an education to say the least, for someone who has no real horsey friends (yet) and started riding 2 years ago after not being on a horse since I was a child. I just wanted to pop on here and thank everyone who offered me so much advice and help when I've asked many many (sometimes silly) questions.

You all really helped me get the most out of Jack. He's an older boy, and a bit spooky and he tries his heart out every time. We've had a period of lameness, a concussion, and two bulging discs in my back but despite all that I've loved almost every minute.

I'm only slightly ashamed to admit at the ripe age of 30 I cried my eyes out driving home after giving back 'my' pony. I won't be returning to that riding school, it was kind of an any pony/any port in a storm situation when my usual riding school closed for lockdown, so I don't think I'll see him again. He's a good boy, and this is a great forum, so tonight I'm just feeling thankful for everything Jack and all of you have taught me.

In happier news, I've found myself a fab share cob, who is also a good boy who tries his best so watch this space for more silly questions coming your way!

 

[milliepops]

Awww what a lovely thread. Hope you have many happy days with your new share horse.

 

[windand rain]

Well done on asking and listening I hope you will continue to ask question and filter through that advice to find what sits well with you. You will learn so much and make another pony's life better for it. You will never know everything so it is good to have thousands of years of experience to glean things from and even after 57 years I am still learning from people of all ages and experiences. Some is blatant nonsense but those are usually quickly pointed out even if that is not always appreciated. Stick with your gut feelings and keep it simple and it should give you years of fun learning,

 

[tallyho!]

Awww good luck with your new boy

 

[ycbm]

I don't see any pictures of you new boy .........

I hope you have a lot of fun with him.
.

 

[Rumtytum]

Good luck with your new boy, he sounds lovely, and yes lots of photos required ?

 

[ArklePig]

New boy attached. As you can see he's a wee pampered poser. Our trial is over and tomorrow is my first day with him without his owner. Eeek.

 

[Trouper]

He looks lovely - onwards and upwards!!

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

What a lovely thread! I can understand why the cob's owner asked you to share him. We are all still learning no matter how long/how many horses we have been riding, it's just that everybody doesn't acknowledge that. Enjoy!

 

[ArklePig]

Thanks pearlsasinger.

I was nervous going to meet new boy, as I know that his owner had plenty of interest in him because he's such a legend. I did say to her I'm not the best rider and I'm still learning all the other stuff too but she is such a reasonable person she said that as long as I was willing to learn and was the type to ask her for help if I needed it we'd do just fine. She's a lovely lady he's a lovely cob and I'm the luckiest ever to have found them.

If it wasn't for Jack and the help I'd had on here I wouldn't have had the confidence to even respond to her ad for a sharer.

 

[southerncomfort]

How lucky Jack was to have such a lovely human friend during lockdown.

You come across as a very thoughtful, conscientious horse woman and I'm sure you are going to have a lot of fun with your new share horse (who looks very smart indeed!).

 

[Rumtytum]

New boy attached. As you can see he's a wee pampered poser. Our trial is over and tomorrow is my first day with him without his owner. Eeek.

Isn’t he just saying “I’m gorgeous and I know it!”. Love his browband ?

 

[Reacher]

Lovely post and wishing you lots of fun with your new share horse who looks lovely

 

[SussexbytheXmasTree]

Lovely post AP. Don’t worry about being sentimental, at the ripe old age of 50 I cried when I said goodbye to my trekking companion of 4 days last October so I’d be in bits over a loan horse of a few months. I get very attached very quickly.

 

[Red-1]

Thanks pearlsasinger.

I was nervous going to meet new boy, as I know that his owner had plenty of interest in him because he's such a legend. I did say to her I'm not the best rider and I'm still learning all the other stuff too but she is such a reasonable person she said that as long as I was willing to learn and was the type to ask her for help if I needed it we'd do just fine. She's a lovely lady he's a lovely cob and I'm the luckiest ever to have found them.

If it wasn't for Jack and the help I'd had on here I wouldn't have had the confidence to even respond to her ad for a sharer.

I think both you and the new horse are lucky. I think this share will work out beautifully.

FWIW, I had a sharer with a horse of mine who was not very experienced. I valued her as I trusted her to tell the truth and do her best. That was the single (or double!) most important thing.

 

[ArklePig]

Lovely post AP. Don’t worry about being sentimental, at the ripe old age of 50 I cried when I said goodbye to my trekking companion of 4 days last October so I’d be in bits over a loan horse of a few months. I get very attached very quickly.

Oh bless you I'd be the same. I cried when I left an old riding school that really wasn't right for me because I loved the mare I rode there, once a week for half an hour. She was also a cob, I never would have thought I was so into cobs but I'm beginning to see a real theme here. They've a way of making you fall in love with them ?

 

[ArklePig]

I'll probably give him his own thread at some stage but, here is me and new share cob today after our lesson. He was really testing me today, nothing nasty just making me work.

He really needs a lot of leg, almost like he needs to be consistently hugged so the instructor asked me to try my stirrups a bit longer than usual. Not sure I like the feel of it, but I'll try shorter on our next outing and see how we go.

His name is Finbar by the way.

 

[FireCracker238]

He looks class. Your hat silk matches his browband. You make a lovely couple ?

 

[ElleSkywalkingintheair]

Lovely happy smile there, enjoy your new boy xx

 

[Rumtytum]

Love Finbar the Handsome! You look good together ?

 

[Tarragon]

What a lovely post! Your new share looks great and I look forward to hearing of all your adventures with Finbar.
I also love this forum - I have learnt so much over the years! Mind you, it took me several years before I was brave enough to post my own comments

 

[smolmaus]

he's so handsome ?? I also think he really suits you

He was really testing me today, nothing nasty just making me work.

He just has to see what exactly it was Jack taught you so he can decide how to further your education ?