I know you give good advice...

atlantis

atlantis

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So I could do with some opinions as I'm in a bit of a quandary and need to make a decision.

I've been sharing a little ex racer for a couple of months. He's lovely but pretty green but coming on. Having problems with getting him going forwards, some days better than others. Struggled with canter transitions the other day for eg. He's being sent for some schooling for a week when his owners are away and I know him well enough now to start having lessons. 20 mins away at least. Lovely owners no real chores (they don't rely on me I mean) and I don't pay.

My friend messaged me about a mare for share near me. She's a lovely lovely horse. Dressage up to elementary nice owner 2 mins from home if that. So i went to see I really really enjoyed riding her yesterday and i think she coumd teach me LOADS But it's £20 a week and she's relying on me for the days she works which will be a problem at times as I have a 2 yr old and a husband that at times works long hours at very short notice.

So do I stay with current horse (I feel very bad for even going to see this mare tbh like I'm letting them down) or do I trial the mare who is more advanced but there's more money involved and a commitment. Which would be doable as its literally a min away.

Advice. Outsiders view. Am I a bitch for even looking at the mare?!?
 
Well £20 plus chores is nothing. However, if the time is going to be a problem then I don't see how you can do it.
 
I don't think you are a bitch no but I do think that it sounds like it would be unworkable to take on the mare

You are probably better off with the more informal arrangement you have now

The last thing you want to do is take on the mare and let the owner down - that would be a far bigger let down than saying no at this point
 
No, you're not a bitch at all, however there is a possibility you could be overstretched yourself due to your commitments. That being said if someone offered me a mare like that, I'd say £20 is amazing value...sometimes though, it's the green horses that have lessons in store for you, good and bad. Good luck with whatever you decide.x
 
Absolutely welshD. I don't want to let anyone down and I might well end up letting both owners down.

I know £20 plus chores is not much if you have it, but it could be a lesson a week on the other horse.

I got carried away with the mare herself I think. I haven't committed yet and I've been very clear that I really like her but I'm not sure if I can commit.
 
depends how quickly you want to progress and compete?

if you lack time id stick with the arrangement you have now...

but if you can fully commit and want to really compete now, consider the mare :)
 
Good question noodle as I'd like to progress now. However I'd see the boy going better in a lesson as progression. Not having to compete now I don't think. It'd be lovely to go out competing now but in reality I think cherry dan might have hit the nail on the head that doing a wt test on the boy would feel better than novice on the mare. I could go out and do that with her today. She really is quite easy. Actually I'd describe her as true push button. If you push the right buttons she just does it.

I think riding her has made me see that I need lessons but I could have a weekly lesson on the boy and a schoolmaster lesson a month for the £80.

I also think you're right noodle and I need to be able to fully commit to her. I'd love to say I was able to but realistically I could be paying to look after someone else's horse and not ride as I have no childcare. As I have no one else round here to help.
 
Thanks for all the advice I've decided to stay with my current boy as we are making progress and the more informal arrangement suits is at the mo.

It's prompted me to book some lessons though so thanks.
 
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