I'm injured do I find someone to keep my youngster going for me?

[emmaln]

Hello lovely hhoer's,

I am after opinions please (something I know you're good at he he)

I tore the ligaments in my ankle 11 weeks ago and at first I thought it was just a sprain that would heal in a week or so unfortunately I am still in a splint and undergoing physiotherapy and feel like I'm getting nowhere! My dilemma is that my 4 yr old part bred welsh was just getting to that exciting stage with her schooling and I was looking forward to some winter dressage and a few jump clinics!

I backed her as a 3 yr old then gave her the winter off and worked gradually over the course of last year to build strength and confidence and now with my injury I feel like we are going to be starting all over again! My brother continued to ride her for me for a while but he has his own horse to keep fit and can't do it all! So I was thinking maybe I should advertise for someone to hack her out for me 3 times a week just gently with my brother to give her something to do and keep her ticking over, she loves her work!

I wouldn't be asking for any money as I would want to regain full control and would only want her hacked out as I can't help it but I am a bit precious about how things are done! I would also have a friend take her out a few times first just to ensure that she wasn't too fresh!

Sorry to ramble but what do you think should I look for a rider or just give her the time off?

Thankies

 

[irishdraft]

Personally I would give her the time off, she wont forget what she has already done, then you know you wont have any issues with someone else riding her.

 

[mrchives]

If she was mine, id give her a break
Imagine if something happened and you couldnt ride her again when youre better, this way theres no risk involved. and she'll be ready and waiting when your all fixed! which hopefully wont be too long

 

[Elsbells]

Time off. They never forget and it won't take you long to get her going again.

 

[emmaln]

Thanks guys think you're probably right!

 

[PonyFeet10]

Agree with all of the above!

To keep her doing something and not being so bored in the field / stable all day, could your brother not ride and lead her for you? It would get her out keeping her mind busy but you wouldn't run the risk of injury for another rider if anything was to happen

 

[Wagtail]

I agree with the others. Give her time off and wait until you are fit enough to continue with her yourself. 4 is a very impressonable age and if you are planning to keep her for yourself rather than sell her on then I think you'll regret not doing it all yourself.