Just playing ponies (rant alert)

[PapaverFollis]

People always ask "what do you do with yours?" as of they are expecting an answer along the lines of "oh we do showing" etc. Although I don't know why anyone would look at my pair and me and think they were going to get a serious answer... but I always say "we feed them and pick up their poos" ?

 

[Sprat]

She clearly takes herself far too seriously. I'm interested to know what her set up is like, and whether that makes her a better rider as a result? I suspect not.

I thoroughly enjoy playing ponies, and I regularly refer to it as such. Can't see that changing anytime soon. Your set up sounds fabulous, and I'm sure most would bite your hand off for such an environment to play ponies in.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

People always ask "what do you do with yours?" as of they are expecting an answer along the lines of "oh we do showing" etc. Although I don't know why anyone would look at my pair and me and think they were going to get a serious answer... but I always say "we feed them and pick up their poos" ?

I generally answer either, charge around the countryside or this and that ?

 

[Ownedby4horses]

Gosh OP, what a snotty comment. I’ve been playing ponies for many decades now and I’m having more fun now than I ever had competing, I swopped the big, gangly legged equines for a sturdy 14hh Dales x (and have three minis) so I am definitely now playing ponies.

I hate the attitude of some people who think that having a smaller equine makes you less of a rider and don’t get me started on “oh but yes, you’re just a happy hacker”, usually made by the sort who wouldn’t dare to try hacking out on their own!

My hubby, when asked whether we show, or drive ours and he usually replies that I spend all my time brushing, plaiting them and kissing them. ?

 

[CanteringCarrot]

As long as you're having a good time, who cares what anyone calls it.

Not everyone wants to he a pro or the next "big thing"

I would've just said, "What an odd thing to say." And wandered off. Uncalled for? Yes. Also just not worth your time, really.

 

[Reacher]

And I'll bet anything you like that our horses are happier than hers.
.

Absolutely!
I think my horse would be delighted he is a pet to have fun on rather than having to earn his keep.

Maybe the lady was just a bit thoughtless (possibly being charitable here). Or maybe she was sneering - there is a type of person who loves to feel superior (or feels inferior).

(I’ve had the “well done for having a go” comment - I wish I’d returned the compliment...)

 

[Gloi]

At least people have now stopped asking me when I'm going to get a proper horse ? after a lifetime of nothing over 14.2.

 

[palo1]

It is a funny old thing, the culture of equestrianism here in the UK...When people ask me about my horses I tell them, sometimes, that we are the last remnant of an ancient British horse cult/tribe and that we have always kept horses for religious/spiritual purposes. That is usually sufficient and precludes any and all conversations about facilities or 'disiciplines'...

 

[poiuytrewq]

My OH tells people I play ponies all day. In the middle of winter when I’m up in the dark and it’s p’ing down to play with my ponies before popping to work to play with someone else’s ponies it really grates. I totally get how you felt. It’s incredibly patronising apart from anything else.
Your yard sounds like heaven to me.

 

[milliepops]

It is a funny old thing, the culture of equestrianism here in the UK...When people ask me about my horses I tell them, sometimes, that we are the last remnant of an ancient British horse cult/tribe and that we have always kept horses for religious/spiritual purposes. That is usually sufficient and precludes any and all conversations about facilities or 'disiciplines'...

that's fabulous.
most non horsey people who ask about mine want to know if they are racehorses. i was long reining my 14.2 welsh round the lanes once and was asked if she was a racehorse. they mean well.
Charlotte's 2012 win helped a bit as people understand Dancing Horses.
but it's more accurate to describe myself as a pony patter since only 1 of the 7 does any work

 

[Rosemary28]

that's fabulous.
most non horsey people who ask about mine want to know if they are racehorses. i was long reining my 14.2 welsh round the lanes once and was asked if she was a racehorse. they mean well.
Charlotte's 2012 win helped a bit as people understand Dancing Horses.
but it's more accurate to describe myself as a pony patter since only 1 of the 7 does any work

My friend was out hacking on her hairy chunky 13.3hh cob, and was stopped and asked if she was mounted police Another friend was out with her hairy chunky 15.3hh cob, and was told how nice it was to see a working Shire Although the best/worst was the person who thought P was a donkey He was most offended!

 

[palo1]

that's fabulous.
most non horsey people who ask about mine want to know if they are racehorses. i was long reining my 14.2 welsh round the lanes once and was asked if she was a racehorse. they mean well.
Charlotte's 2012 win helped a bit as people understand Dancing Horses.
but it's more accurate to describe myself as a pony patter since only 1 of the 7 does any work

Well in that case neither of us would be lying; I DO believe I am the last remnants of an ancient British horse cult...!!

 

[Quigleyandme]

Charlotte Dujardin was interviewed the day after her individual ride in 2012. She commented nobody would believe Valegro had won an Olympic gold medal yesterday if they saw him happily browsing the hedges as she hacked him out that morning. She could have put him on the horse walker or schooled him but I reckon she and Valegro were happier playing ponies and that’s why they win.

 

[windand rain]

I play ponies literally have 4 much adored ponies and I don't even ride anymore. I love just being with them watching them and looking after them someone else is granted the privelege of riding them. I am odd in I love poo picking

 

[catkin]

It is a funny old thing, the culture of equestrianism here in the UK...When people ask me about my horses I tell them, sometimes, that we are the last remnant of an ancient British horse cult/tribe and that we have always kept horses for religious/spiritual purposes. That is usually sufficient and precludes any and all conversations about facilities or 'disiciplines'...

that's fabulous.
most non horsey people who ask about mine want to know if they are racehorses. i was long reining my 14.2 welsh round the lanes once and was asked if she was a racehorse. they mean well.
Charlotte's 2012 win helped a bit as people understand Dancing Horses.t

Well in that case neither of us would be lying; I DO believe I am the last remnants of an ancient British horse cult...!!

Well as most of the native pony breeds have been around for thousands of years then they are living history and heritage.

PS lots of non-horsey people find this fascinating