Looking at a potential share tomorrow

[diamonddogs]

I've been bending the ears of anyone who'll listen about my future horsey plans ad nauseum for weeks now, and at the suggestion of my OH of all people, I'm following up a potential share tomorrow.

The owner is a friend of someone the OH works with, and the horse lives about 10 minutes from where I work. She's a very quiet 15hh bay mare, and has glowing references as a confidence giver.

I'm not building my hopes up too much, because a) I'm told that there's a 10 stone weight limit on her, and I'm quite a bit more, and b) I had a minor operation on my nose last Friday, and I feel like death on legs, not condusive to a successful trial after over ten years out of the saddle.

However, this little lady is only really up for hacking and very light schooling, and is a Connemara x Arab, so I can't imagine her collapsing under my weight (I'm about 11 and a half stone, with plans to lose a stone over the summer) since I won't be riding her flat out, and I'm so lacking in confidence the thought of jumping at this stage makes me break out in a cold sweat.

I think that sharing is the way to go given my present circumstances. The cost is well within my budget, the yard is convenient and I'll have people to ride with, and the OH is beginning to overcome his reservations about horses.

I hope this works out, but if not, I'll probably look around for another share and see how things go.

Fingers crossed!

 

[Booboos]

Hope you like the mare and it all works out for you, but may I make a suggestion without you being offended? If really you haven't ridden in 10 years perhaps it would be sensible to go for a few lessons at your local RC just to get back in the swing of things. I know as an owner looking for a sharer I would expect the sharer to get on with things and you may need a bit more support just to get going again.

 

[diamonddogs]

No offence taken! You're quite right about lessons, and it just happens that there's an instructor on site!

 

[Booboos]

That sounds ideal then

Maybe you could ask for a few pointers when you try the mare, I always ask owners to tell me any advise on how to ride the horse when I view horses - have ended up with some terrific lessons (well on horses I really liked and went on to buy, not wasting their time getting a free lesson!).

 

[Ellies_mum2]

Hope everything works out well for you tomorrow but if not then there will be a suitable horsey round the corner somewhere I'm sure

*crosses fingers*

 

[sachak]

sounds ideal - i hope it all works out for you xx

 

[diamonddogs]

I've just got back and she's absolutely gorgeous!

She's very laid back to the point of nearly falling over, just the right size and seemed quite happy carrying my weight.

The yard is brilliant, and there were some lovely people there, and everyone was very encouraging.

The problem was me, unfortunately. I rode her round the school at the walk, and was very nervous at first, but the girl walked with me and I soon relaxed. I felt very comfortable and secure, but every time I thought I'd take her up to trot, I just couldn't. Everybody was asking how long since I'd had my op (on my nose), and were all surprised when I said less than a week ago.

I really don't know if the nerves came from lack of experience or I'm just not ready to do anything too strenuous yet. I felt very wobbly when I got off, my head's pounding now, my nose has started to bleed slightly and I need a lie down!!!

The people seemed happy to go ahead with the share, and agreed to a month's trial with the option to walk away after that on both sides.

I love this horse, but I just don't know what to do. If I could tell whether my feelings are just a hangover from the op I'd say yes in a heatbeat.

 

[Booboos]

I am so glad she is suitable! She looks super sweet in the photos!

It's very normal to feel nervous both because of the break and because of feeling run down and weak from the op. Why not tell yourself that there is no pressure and you will do as much or as little as you like? Perhaps groom her and mess about with her a couple of times and then go for a little walk in the school. Lessons can be very expenssive but it might be worth its weight in gold to have the yard instructor there for the first few times you ride, even if you only walk, for moral support and encouragement. I always need my instructor there the first few times I ride a new horse as I am a nervous wreck!