Just feeling a bit paranoid but..........

OldGit

OldGit

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In a moment of lucidity, which doesn't happen often these days, and having looked through a load of posts, it occured to me that you guys all really know what you're doing. So bit of an odd question but are there many other non-horsey horsey people out there??
 
Hey Oldgit from what I see you are a pro!! I'm an "all the gear" but "no idea" kinda gal myself....ha ha. Still I don't do anyone any harm and will always help out when I can. Good luck at MK. Sxx
 
Listen OG I have had and been round horses all my life, but still ask folks on here for advice.
The secret is, to know that you never stop learning, and in particular where horses are involved!
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well, i guess i'm horsey enough now, but i didn't come from a horsey background, no-one else in my family rides, my parents rode at a riding school before i was born but that's about it. so, i had to learn slowly (and often the hard way) things that those raised by horse-savvy parents would have known forever! "if in doubt, ask" is all very well unless you don't have a doubt because you don't know any better yet!
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as long as you've got experienced people around you who you can trust are going to tell you the truth about your horse, its management, your abilities etc, it's fine!
 
Didn't quite get what you meant there and I think there are many degrees of horsiness - from generations bred through to 'it started here'. I'd have loved horsey parents and I think my kids are lucky to have a horsey mum and a resident 'guide'. Nobody knows anywhere near close to everything, even when they appear pretty competent in their situation. The top pro's with their teams have a wide knowledge base because of the numbers of people involved, so it must be easier having less minor details to think about or sort personally. All of us have daily 'what the heck do I do here' moments and experience is the greatest teacher of all - if you are a good pupil.

Most of us are in the same boat as you - we just had more practice rowing!

As far as competing - learn the rules and go and watch before having a bash.

Ask as many questions as you like, but perhaps not to the same person and especially if they look really busy - or cross!
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Ah, Kerilli I didn't know that and must say I assumed you came from a long line of horsiness! I have the most un-horsey family who kept trying to make me give it all up
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- it's good to hear from all of the other 1st generation horse-nuts out there
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I think that quite often when children have horsey parents it's almost handed to them on a plate. They don't have to work too hard as there is always help around and they often don't realise the cost involved. From my experience these children more often than not reach their late teens and give up having discovered boys/ alcohol/ partying etc.

My immediate family are unhorsey and I have had many ups and downs and all my money has always gone on the horses. I have worked hard (and still not got very far!) but I think it makes you more determined and certainly makes the good times extra special.
 
*Bows down to the overwhelming knowledge held by M_M*
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I'm also from a non horsey background, but am a horsey person through and through from watching, listening and constantly wanting to learn
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Still a long way off knowing half of what there is to know, but as long as you dont close off from ideas, you will never be less horsey or "behind" anyone else at all
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I am from a horsey family but more hunting than eventing I think everyone just picks up advice and knowledge day by day as you deal with horses, courses, events, diff situations and the forum is a fab way to pool that knowledge. I know since I joined I have had some top advice which has really helped me out this season, and hopefully I have offered some constructive ideas in return. I don't think being 'horsey' is a status achieved by a horsey lineage I think to be a true horseman you have an empathy for the creature, and understanding of it as a wild animal, patience, and open mind, and the commitment and compassion to know when to call it a day.

p.s. I also think periwinkle circles and baby blue gear almost certainly qualifies you as a pro!
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You're only as paranoid as the rest of us!

No horses at all in my family, I didn't get on one until I was 12 and got my first horse after finishing uni at 22. I worked and rode a lot for other people in between (and still do when I can) and have picked everything up along the way. Unfortunately despite being an expert on horsey trivia putting it in to practice appears to be another matter entirely! (and the random horse facts also seem to have nudged out the improtant stuff that I learned at uni and need for my job
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).

Now just get back on with letting us all think that you're an uber-confident and accomplished pro in disguise and we'll hear no more about it!
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*Bows down to the overwhelming knowledge held by M_M*
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HeeHee - I should think so too!
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Seriously though, I'm also from a non-horsey background (unless you count my Great Grandad who used to be a groom up at 'the Big House'
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). I was plonked on a pony at the age of about 8 by my brother's then girlfriend and went on from there.

We all have those 'oh my goodness - I know b*gger all' moments. It's very normal, the key is to have lots of very knowledgeable mates you can use to throw a few ideas around with.
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Oldgit - you really don't need to feel this way at all! I guess I'm from a semi-horsey family - neither parents rode but other family members further back did. I started riding aged 5, was lucky enough to have my own, did Pony Club, rode at university and then.......... b----r all! Have probably ridden less than ten times a year for the last few years so I'm hopelessly out of touch with many things these days. The last time I owned, we still used jute night rug and new zealand rugs! Bear in mind that most people only offer advice in areas that they are strongest in. I know I would only post if I were fairly sure of my ground e.g. I'm happy to offer suggestions when it comes to general schooling and dressage, but wouldn't dare offer help to someone with showjumping 'cos I know zip about it. I'm happy to keep on learnng from everyone on here.
 
Well I've had aeons of training and lessons

I read a lot of books

I know in theory exactly what I should be doing....

Still doesn't explain my swinging leg, pointy toe and occasional panic show jumping. I think it much easier to come on her and say what should be done in theory than actually do it!
 
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I think it much easier to come on here and say what should be done in theory than actually do it!

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oh gosh, isn't it just. but at least you can just about guarantee that someone on here will have been there, experienced it, found out the hard way, etc, and that info can be absolutely invaluable. i reckon there's big mistakes i've made in the past because i didn't have people around me with the right answers, so i really appreciate this place!
 
When I finally think I know what I'm doing I fall flat on my face - and sometimes literally.. Then when I think its all bad and haven't got a clue I go out and produce results.. Strange.

Horses are a learning all the time.. Im from non horsey background had first pony at 12.
 
Couldnt agree more Kerilli - there is a mine of useful information and experience to tap into here. I would really have benefited from a resource like this when I was still competing. So reassuring to know that useful suggestions are just a keyboard away!
 
Cheers all suddenly had a touch of the "should I be here".
I really appreciate all your comments. Put it down to too much vino. I'll not feel sorry for myself again. Just packed the periwinckles!!!!
 
I'm not that horsey, personally or genetically.
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My mother took a few lessons in her childhood, one of my grandfathers drove a horse when he started doing delivery for a bakery as a boy and professed to hate them forever more. my father has only recently been able to say the word "horse" without flinching and scowling . . . so long as we don't have to actually talk about them.
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I would certainly have been voted "least likely to make a living in horses" in school and many people took it upon themselves to either cajole or threaten me if I tried. Given my nature they would likely have had more success if they'd tried a little less hard.
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I'm not keen on dirt or pain or being exhausted.

And yet, somehow, I've managed to make a living out of horses my entire adult life. And what's more, I learn something new every day, every time I ride, watch, teach a lesson, or handle a horse, read a book, watch someone else ride/teach/handle a horse, or even just sit and think about them.
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That's the fascination - every day, something new, something more to improve or decipher or realise you'll never, never, ever do again.
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Well done - of course you should be on here! (and there's no such thing as too much vino!
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). Look forward to seeing you on here often...
 
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