juggling children and horses?

Bossdog

Bossdog

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I haven't been on here for ages but was just wondering if it's posible to juggle young children and horses, I just can't figure out how to make it work! I gave up my cob mare to my sharer last year because the travelling after we moved was just horrendous, and I'm now pg with my 2nd kid (already have a 3yo). My hubby works away during the week so I don't have anyone to help me.

So basically, mon-fri I am a single mother of two, is it possible to keep a horse as well? I'm thinking a year down the line here but I was considering getting a baby (horse, not another human). I worked on a stud for a year so I know I can handle a boisterous youngster and I LOVE doing groundwork so I know I can give it teh right training and by the time it's ready for breaking, my sons will be at school/nursery. Has anyone else done this, does it work?! Am I being totally naive?


I love my son and baby but right now I am only broody for a foal!!

Jules xx
 
My little one doesn't go to nursery, so I have her all day with me. When my husband works away, I have to get somebody to do horse for me, as it's just not practical to have her at the yard.
If she was at nursery, it would be no problem as I'd do him when she wasn't with me.
So, in answer to your question, yes, I think it is manageable if your child is in nursery, probably a bit more tricky if not.
 
I find the difference in size between horses and small children tends to put you off balance when juggling them. It may be possible with a shetland or miniature and a rather overwiehgt child (those should be easy to find in the current obesity crisis), however those with back problems should avoid it in case of injury.



grin.gif
 
that really made me laugh ruth83

jules if you have the experience of handling a youngster and the right place nearby for it to run on, then I don't see why you couldn't manage brining on a nice youngster while babies are still little as you wont need to work it daily, so can work the horse when you have baby sitters etc and as you say once little ones are off to school, foal will be ready for some more serious work.
 
Hi Jules, I asked a very similar question recently. I have a 2 year old and 4 1/2 year old. I was having such bad longings for a horse ( I ended my loan of WB when I fell pregnant with 2nd child because my WB needed to work and I was told by doc early on NO physical lifting due to problems with preg and OH put foot down) that within 2 weeks of giving birth to my 2nd child I went out and bought a Welsh A for 'the children' ;-) However, obviously not enough because then after 6 months of searching and pleading with OH that having just one more horse isnt gonna make too much of difference I bought a TBx mare for me to ride. I am lucky because they are at home. However my OH isnt horsy, does begrudge me spending too much time with the horses (am allowed to ride both Sat and Sun whilst he has the children) because he too works away most of the week so wants to spend time with all of us. The children are at nursery but I work then so the rest of the week I have to ride in school whilst they play within eye sight - not conducive to good schooling session - so doesnt happen often. They are quite happy pottering in paddock / garden with me whilst I do most of daily chores. I also get up at 6am before everyone else wakes and get most of it done and then bring in at 8pm when they are in bed. I dont tend to ask baby sitters to look after them as feel gullty. So after a long ramble .. def possible to have a horse if
1) your children go to nursery a coiuple of sessions a week
2) you have a very understanding husband
3) you have a good livery yard to help out with some stuff or they are at home

Its hard but I love it and its my form of relaxation/hobby rather than spending hrs at gym or hairdressers or out on town etc

Good luck!
 
Im in exact same position as you, 3yo who's in nursery twice a week and im 6months pregnant. My pony is for sale as he was bought as a first pony for the 3yo to eventually learn on but now not suitable, its all worked up til now as i have someone to help with the riding and pony gets mucked out, turned out, hayed and fed everyday for me(by the yard). Looking for another pony now to replace one for sale plus in the process of trying to buy back a horse with shivers that i sold last year (he'l be living out so need checked on everyday)!

It'l work if you want it too work and if you have help with either the kids or the horse!
 
i bought a yearling when my daughter was a 2 years old thinking he is ready to break she would be at school and i would have more time. well he is now ready to break and i've just had another baby so that didn't work. my partner helps with turning out in the morning then i go and muck out about midday. then i'm very lucky that my mum comes and sits with my children twice in the week for me to play with the horse and weekend partner is home to look after children. on the other 3 days my horse just get a quick brush and fed whilst the children are asleep in the car outside my stable.
 
hello jules
it is hard work but yes it is possible! i have an 18month old son and like you my partner works away from home thru the week and i have no one to help with childcare, i also work PT, have 2 horses who both live 24 7 at a small private yard. i am able to park my car right outside while i get my horses in from the field and tie up and feed them right next to the car. once they are in and eating, i get my son out and he 'helps' with the grooming, making up feeds and generaly has a toddle about while i get on with the chores! he is then happy to sit back in the car when i am putting the horses out again. as for riding, im afraid i can only ride at weekend when i have a babysiter. so i think getting a youngster who would live out would be a good idea particularly if you are at a yard where you can take your child with you. a good idea is to get a dvd player in your car, which should bide you some time when you get on with things at the stables! good luck
smile.gif
 
The early am thing worked for me when mine was small. Got up 5.30am rode etc and back just as family were getting up. Its difficult but agree worth it and you appreciate the horses all the more when you have kids!!
 
I have a 12 month old son, an 18hh, a 17.2, a 15.2 in foal (due August) and two dartmoor ponies. I don't send my little one to nursery or have any help with horses. I am lucky enough to have them on my own property so my son stays in the car whilst I turn out and then in his pram whilst I muck out. I only ride at the weekend when my other half looks after our son. I have backed the 18hh myself, the 17.2 is being backed later this year. It is hard work but very rewarding and my son gets lots of fresh air (and hardly any colds!).

I did have the horses on livery whilst I was pregnant as I did'nt want to take any risks. I think if i had another baby I would have to get help though! You could always get a 'mothers help' whilst you are dealing with the horses?
 
As youngsters can be quite dangerous (horses not children) have you considered what would happen if you had an accident? I know that you could, God forbid, have an accident anywhere but riding and horses can be a dangerous sport. When my daughter was 5 and my son was 18 months I was schooling a youngster at home when he reared up and fell over backwards on top of me I had actually just got off him but still had quite serious injuries. I couldn't walk for weeks and certainly couldn't drive to do the shopping or take the children to nursery or school, muck out or even walk across the yard to the field. My husband had to do everything. and I will say that this did put a hold on me doing any more young horses until the children were older. I decided to concentrate on my daughters riding until now. She is now twelve and my son is eight and I have bought a youngster and in the back of my mind all the time is "what if?" It is hard, my daughter and I ride together in a field near the house when OH is at work so that my son (who has muscular dystrophy) can call us if he wants anything. I never ride on my own whilst the children are at school (i only work part time) as no one would know if I fell off. However if I kept the horses at livery there would be someone there. The children do help around the yard and you just have to grab the opportunities to ride when you can I can't plan any riding. Summer is great as it is light and I can ride at night once the OH is home from work and it is nice to go out and have a bit peace in the stable and a sing song or a rant depending on my day whilst mucking out, but I wouldn't ride if there was no one at home. On the note of keeping the children amused a nintendo DS works wonders at shows and pony club when they are in the car.
 
Tirion I know what you are saying but If we all lived on a " what if " basis every day of our lives , we just couldnt live or function right .

You could walk out the door today and easily get run over by a bus .

I have 2 childern one who is 3 and the other who is 7 .
I also have T's pony and Missy who is now a 2 year old, we got her when she was 7 mths old .
I Planned to work with from now until shes broken in and by that stage my youngest will be in school , I also have a very understanding husband if Im looking to do more work with my youngster so that also helps .

I understand accidents happen but like I said "I" just couldnt live thinking about all the what ifs .
 
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