Carmen6
Well-Known Member
This. I need work and routine, both professionally and in my free time. Otherwise, I don't get out of bed. I'm typing this from beneath my duvet.
If not horses then what?
- Thread starter pistolpete
- Start date
Crazy_cat_lady
Well-Known Member
I want to give up horses as soon as my current one goes (too old and strange to be sold on!)
I think I'd read more, I love reading but now I'm back in the office it's finding days to do it
I do have a gym membership, but rarely go as its the effort of driving to the gym, knowing I've then got to go to the yard later.
So I'd probably go to the gym more, and read.
I personally am looking forward to not having one, I'm tired of the tie and time I spend at the yard at the weekend (fortunately my mum helps in the week) and the cost and the constant chores I need to do each time I'm there.
I used to go with the supporters club for the team I support to watch the games once a season pre Covid, so I'd maybe go a couple more times a season, as I wouldn't have to get up the next day for the horse, and I'd have more money!!
In the next few years, I'd like to fingers crossed start trying for a baby. Strange for me to say as I always said I'll always have horses, and never children!
I'll probably dabble in horses, such as doing the odd experience eg try western/ schoolmaster lesson etc
Maybe my mind will change if I win the lottery and have my own stables!
I've just lost complete interest in horse ownership, due to a number of factors.
I think I'd read more, I love reading but now I'm back in the office it's finding days to do it
I do have a gym membership, but rarely go as its the effort of driving to the gym, knowing I've then got to go to the yard later.
So I'd probably go to the gym more, and read.
I personally am looking forward to not having one, I'm tired of the tie and time I spend at the yard at the weekend (fortunately my mum helps in the week) and the cost and the constant chores I need to do each time I'm there.
I used to go with the supporters club for the team I support to watch the games once a season pre Covid, so I'd maybe go a couple more times a season, as I wouldn't have to get up the next day for the horse, and I'd have more money!!
In the next few years, I'd like to fingers crossed start trying for a baby. Strange for me to say as I always said I'll always have horses, and never children!
I'll probably dabble in horses, such as doing the odd experience eg try western/ schoolmaster lesson etc
Maybe my mind will change if I win the lottery and have my own stables!
I've just lost complete interest in horse ownership, due to a number of factors.
Carmen6
Well-Known Member
Oooh, what about a David Lloyd gym or similar? Membership starts at roughly £100 per month, but includes swimming pool, sauna, etc. Mmmmmm...
pistolpete
Well-Known Member
Thanks everyone. 6.2 miles today! On foot. Tired but not happy. Need a rideable horse. Persevering with the search for a share. Lesson tomorrow. Could be a lot worse.
Equi
Well-Known Member
Lesson tomorrow too. Weight to be checked at door. Excitement is overshadowed by sheer panic. (At home I am 7lbs lower than the limit but that’s my scale others may vary)
if I can’t do the lesson, I’ll just give up all together and eat what the hell I want and buy a mobility scooter.
if I can’t do the lesson, I’ll just give up all together and eat what the hell I want and buy a mobility scooter.
Winters100
Well-Known Member
Previously when I was without horses I worked a lot.
Now I am not sure what I would do. Probably run the legs off the dogs, and I suppose have much tidier house / garden / car!
Now I am not sure what I would do. Probably run the legs off the dogs, and I suppose have much tidier house / garden / car!
misst
Well-Known Member
Dogs, grandchild (yes I know I'm old 
) travel. I only work part time and so have lots of free time in theory. I look now and wonder how I fitted horses in. I did not have dogs until the last couple of years when horses were retiring and I didn't have a grandchild. The freedom is nice. I always thought I'd be lost but slowly things change. The spare money is nice and the freedom not to have to rush back to do the horses is nice. I still have moments when I yearn for a soft velvety muzzle and the smell of a warm horse, but I also said this week that I was glad I wasn't dealing with the grey mare down the road in the pouring rain who was plastered in mud in a soggy field
) travel. I only work part time and so have lots of free time in theory. I look now and wonder how I fitted horses in. I did not have dogs until the last couple of years when horses were retiring and I didn't have a grandchild. The freedom is nice. I always thought I'd be lost but slowly things change. The spare money is nice and the freedom not to have to rush back to do the horses is nice. I still have moments when I yearn for a soft velvety muzzle and the smell of a warm horse, but I also said this week that I was glad I wasn't dealing with the grey mare down the road in the pouring rain who was plastered in mud in a soggy field 
Sussexbythesea
Well-Known Member
So far I’ve never voluntarily wanted to give up horses. I had a break from owning for about 10-12 years when I went to University and socialising and studying took up most of my time. I didn’t have anything to do with horses in that time. Then I concentrated on further study then career. In between I had several different shares and rode at a riding school.
I then got another horse but two years later he was pts. It coincided with my mother to look after and moving back home. In the interim I hacked most weekends at a riding school but after a year bought again.
When my old boy was off games for 6-8 months I took up the gym had a personal trainer and started running. Once horse was back I dropped all that. I’ve got two horses now.
Now if I gave up it would be dog walking and dog agility which I’d do but which I don’t really have time for. I’d also save to do some riding holidays around the world. Maybe my garden would thrive more. I don’t envisage cutting horses out of life my completely unless I physically couldn’t be involved.
I then got another horse but two years later he was pts. It coincided with my mother to look after and moving back home. In the interim I hacked most weekends at a riding school but after a year bought again.
When my old boy was off games for 6-8 months I took up the gym had a personal trainer and started running. Once horse was back I dropped all that. I’ve got two horses now.
Now if I gave up it would be dog walking and dog agility which I’d do but which I don’t really have time for. I’d also save to do some riding holidays around the world. Maybe my garden would thrive more. I don’t envisage cutting horses out of life my completely unless I physically couldn’t be involved.
luckyoldme
Well-Known Member
Bannatynes is £46 with pool sauna steam room and swimming pool.
Mrs. Jingle
Well-Known Member
Gosh I wish I knew the answer to this - I was told only last week I now have to have both hips replaced, possibly surgery on my SI joints and injections into my lower spine to try to alleviate problems there, they doubt very much I will be able to ride again, ever. Plus after the cyber attack on our health system here it looks as though it will be sometime now before I actually get anything done. I do intend to do everything in my power to ride again and prove them wrong but I suspect at my grand old age and all the damage that I have done, they might be right.
My main riding horse has now been returned to his ex owner, temporarily to start with, but it is now permanent arrangement as even if I do ride again it wont be a 17.3 chunky monkey thats for sure. I still have my retired mare and two donkeys - but my son and OH have to help me with those as I am less mobile by the day. They also now walk my two labs for me as I am not able for that either.
I have gone from riding almost every day and walking my dogs several miles just a year ago to nothing and I am hugely peed off about it all, I keep asking people what do other old ladies do with their time when they become immobilised - any suggestions don't appeal to be honest. I have always been outdoors 'doing' stuff, any ideas and suggestions very welcome. I confess I do still half heartedly trawl adverts looking at ads for little 15 hand leg in each corner, carry your grandmother safely sorts, just in case.
My main riding horse has now been returned to his ex owner, temporarily to start with, but it is now permanent arrangement as even if I do ride again it wont be a 17.3 chunky monkey thats for sure. I still have my retired mare and two donkeys - but my son and OH have to help me with those as I am less mobile by the day. They also now walk my two labs for me as I am not able for that either.
I have gone from riding almost every day and walking my dogs several miles just a year ago to nothing and I am hugely peed off about it all, I keep asking people what do other old ladies do with their time when they become immobilised - any suggestions don't appeal to be honest. I have always been outdoors 'doing' stuff, any ideas and suggestions very welcome. I confess I do still half heartedly trawl adverts looking at ads for little 15 hand leg in each corner, carry your grandmother safely sorts, just in case.
kathantoinette
Well-Known Member
I would walk a lot more.. two years ago I trained and completed the Lyke Wake Walk (41 miles across the North Yorkshire MOors) and the training got quite addictive. I’m a very goal orientated person so would always need a walking project/target to aim for. But for now (and hopefully many more years to come) I get that from competing my horse ?
luckyoldme
Well-Known Member
I love this question!
I had my old boy pts about five years ago and it came at s really difficult time.
I had recently sold my business but didn't really fit anywhere else.
With no longer having horses I went back to my former job as a distance driver living in my cab all week.
Since then I've taken up mountain biking , road biking , kayaking and very recently running. I also have a gym membership.
I'm gradually getting fitter and ran my first half marathon at the weekend
I absolutely adored my old boy he was a very rough diamond .our time together was so special.
This time I'm having now is also very special.
I never imagined that I would feel this way after he was gone.
I always say though that if there is life after this I will walk straight past all my loved ones to see my horse again ,
???????️
I had my old boy pts about five years ago and it came at s really difficult time.
I had recently sold my business but didn't really fit anywhere else.
With no longer having horses I went back to my former job as a distance driver living in my cab all week.
Since then I've taken up mountain biking , road biking , kayaking and very recently running. I also have a gym membership.
I'm gradually getting fitter and ran my first half marathon at the weekend
I absolutely adored my old boy he was a very rough diamond .our time together was so special.
This time I'm having now is also very special.
I never imagined that I would feel this way after he was gone.
I always say though that if there is life after this I will walk straight past all my loved ones to see my horse again ,
???????️
Kaylum
Well-Known Member
My horse charity work it's my second full time unpaid job now. Rewarding and I have met some fantastic people and made amazing friends.
druid
Well-Known Member
Gundogs. Mildly less expensive and easier to fit in when you're busy....can train in the kitchen if I have to!
Canicross for exercise for me - we run 5k a day
Canicross for exercise for me - we run 5k a day
blitznbobs
Well-Known Member
Dog agility - love it but not much time for it atm if no horses it would be a no brainer
Enfys
Well-Known Member
If we didn't have the horses (and hubby is angling towards this when he retires) well we would not be where we are for a start.
I still love Belize, we actually would probably buy a property on Caye Caulker (read shack on the beach) where he could dive and sail to his hearts content, I would probably collect stray dogs and cats, would not have horses because there is no grass on CC.
Within 2 months I would either have morphed into a total beach bum or have ripped out all my hair with utter boredom.
Our time here, and therefore horses, is limited (unless we do mainland Central America) we are already house hunting in places where the butter melts. No. More. Snow 
I still love Belize, we actually would probably buy a property on Caye Caulker (read shack on the beach) where he could dive and sail to his hearts content, I would probably collect stray dogs and cats, would not have horses because there is no grass on CC.
Within 2 months I would either have morphed into a total beach bum or have ripped out all my hair with utter boredom.
Our time here, and therefore horses, is limited (unless we do mainland Central America) we are already house hunting in places where the butter melts. No. More. Snow
McFluff
Well-Known Member
Before I was able to own a horse, I did gardening, cycling, running and playing lacrosse.
as soon as I could afford it, I started lessons, then it grew from there. Lacrosse went first, then running and cycling. The garden is still here, but it suffers ( unless horse is lame).
my school friend gave up horses in her early 30’s after a run of bad luck and lame horses. She took up motorbikes and Munro bagging. She still occasionally hacks out, but doesn’t miss owning.
as soon as I could afford it, I started lessons, then it grew from there. Lacrosse went first, then running and cycling. The garden is still here, but it suffers ( unless horse is lame).
my school friend gave up horses in her early 30’s after a run of bad luck and lame horses. She took up motorbikes and Munro bagging. She still occasionally hacks out, but doesn’t miss owning.
Enfys
Well-Known Member
McFluff
Well-Known Member
What is Munro bagging
Haha, it’s innocent. It’s climbing all the mountains in Scotland that are over 3000 feet high. There are lots to do, some much harder than others.
edited to add: a Munro is a mountain over 3000 feet high, and there are 282 of them in Scotland.
minesadouble
Well-Known Member
Long distance running for me! I do still have a horse but she's retired. I have recently realised I don't actually enjoy riding for riding's sake, I just like competing!
My daughters have ponies and compete so I'm still 'in the loop' but I have no desire for another horse.
I run 5 days a week, in excess of 40 mile per week atm, and strength train too.
I compete in trail and Ultramarathon which satisfies my competitive urge.
I think I enjoy the solitary nature of running more than I ever enjoyed riding.
My daughters have ponies and compete so I'm still 'in the loop' but I have no desire for another horse.
I run 5 days a week, in excess of 40 mile per week atm, and strength train too.
I compete in trail and Ultramarathon which satisfies my competitive urge.
I think I enjoy the solitary nature of running more than I ever enjoyed riding.
Flyermc
Well-Known Member
I lost my pony when my little girl was 3 and my little boy was 3 months old and getting another wasnt practical. I never had any spare time with work, kids and my pony and i still dont have any now (2.5 years later) i just dont need to rush as much!
I do now have a gym membership which keeps me fit instead.
I do now have a gym membership which keeps me fit instead.
Dexter
Well-Known Member
fell walking, the more extreme and longer the better. I used to love it, but its just not a practical hobby with horses to look after the next day.
Enfys
Well-Known Member
Aha, thankyou! Sounds very challenging and a massive achievement, my legs would literally fall off, l can't walk a mile up a road without my knees threatening to fall apart.
3000' ! Trivia here, there is nowhere in my Province even as high as that.
Accidental Eventer
Well-Known Member
Gosh I wish I knew the answer to this - I was told only last week I now have to have both hips replaced, possibly surgery on my SI joints and injections into my lower spine to try to alleviate problems there, they doubt very much I will be able to ride again, ever. Plus after the cyber attack on our health system here it looks as though it will be sometime now before I actually get anything done. I do intend to do everything in my power to ride again and prove them wrong but I suspect at my grand old age and all the damage that I have done, they might be right.
My main riding horse has now been returned to his ex owner, temporarily to start with, but it is now permanent arrangement as even if I do ride again it wont be a 17.3 chunky monkey thats for sure. I still have my retired mare and two donkeys - but my son and OH have to help me with those as I am less mobile by the day. They also now walk my two labs for me as I am not able for that either.
I have gone from riding almost every day and walking my dogs several miles just a year ago to nothing and I am hugely peed off about it all, I keep asking people what do other old ladies do with their time when they become immobilised - any suggestions don't appeal to be honest. I have always been outdoors 'doing' stuff, any ideas and suggestions very welcome. I confess I do still half heartedly trawl adverts looking at ads for little 15 hand leg in each corner, carry your grandmother safely sorts, just in case.
See, I always figured that if I could no longer ride, I would take up driving instead. I'm going to have a whole team of matching ponies and rive competitively when I reach a stately age!
scats
Well-Known Member
I’ve never been without horses and I don’t envisage it any time soon, but I think I would probably throw myself into dogs if it ever happened. I work in the dog industry and am passionate about them, so it seems an obvious answer.
I like having an all-consuming hobby.
Though I do really enjoy swimming too so could see myself committing to a few sessions a week in the pool.
I like having an all-consuming hobby.
Though I do really enjoy swimming too so could see myself committing to a few sessions a week in the pool.
Baccara
Well-Known Member
Donkeys and pygmy goats!
mini_b
Well-Known Member
Without sounding facetious I’d most likely hit the bottle. Whoever wants to admit to that or not...
The devil makes work for idle hands and I need to be busy otherwise I do nothing. I can’t think of how to fill my time. As another poster said, if I don’t have multiple tasks and a busy day ahead, I just stop. I can’t get going.
Whether I get all the stuff done is another matter!
I have a big garden and see it as a job to keep right, not necessarily something I enjoy doing but maybe could change my mind on that if I had time to enjoy it.
Realistically I would need multiple dogs and I would be running with them. I don’t feel safe running on my own, I do enjoy it though. I don’t have a dog because I don’t have time with having a horse. If I didn’t have horse then I would. I don’t keep horse at home, if I did I’d have both! ?
If it wasn’t for my long suffering OH supporting my horse habit... I am very grateful.
The devil makes work for idle hands and I need to be busy otherwise I do nothing. I can’t think of how to fill my time. As another poster said, if I don’t have multiple tasks and a busy day ahead, I just stop. I can’t get going.
Whether I get all the stuff done is another matter!
I have a big garden and see it as a job to keep right, not necessarily something I enjoy doing but maybe could change my mind on that if I had time to enjoy it.
Realistically I would need multiple dogs and I would be running with them. I don’t feel safe running on my own, I do enjoy it though. I don’t have a dog because I don’t have time with having a horse. If I didn’t have horse then I would. I don’t keep horse at home, if I did I’d have both! ?
If it wasn’t for my long suffering OH supporting my horse habit... I am very grateful.
mini_b
Well-Known Member
House and car at the moment is erm. Oh dear.
Errin Paddywack
Well-Known Member
I started doing dog agility before giving up riding and quickly got hooked. Exercise, brain training and all the thrills I got from riding without the danger. Being able to just put the dogs in the car and go and not having to take a trailer etc is so much easier. Haven't yet got back into competing after covid but getting there. I still have a retired horse but no prospect really of ever riding again and not sure I want to.
Hannahgb
Well-Known Member
I have recently lost my boy, I won't be getting another.
I am going on long walks, running, cycling, gym.
Trying to find new places to walk the dog etc
I am going on long walks, running, cycling, gym.
Trying to find new places to walk the dog etc