Loving the horsey time, how ever minimum.. random post

[Shadow the Reindeer]

I work shifts, and don't have the time i'd like to be around my horse in the week, especially as it's now winter and shorter days. I find when i'm on lates, I make up for my lack of time, by keeping a pristine bed, providing good feed, and making sure my horse wants for nothing. I get great satisfaction from seeing a poo free bed, and a well swept floor. I'm sure my boy can tell the difference between me and other people when it comes to mucking out, as he's always been cleaner for me, the day after i've done his jobs.
I have a sharer twice a week, and he's been just as good for her, which tells me, he's happy with his life, and I made the right choice with regards to my sharer, as he loves her just as much.. having owned him for 10 years, I know him inside and out.
I ride maybe 2-3 times a week (sharer rides or lunges twice a week), either in the school or out hacking. We're just abouts to enter a new chapter in our lives, which involved joining a riding club, and as of this weekend, going out on hacks in different places.
Does anyone else feel a sense of peace when they've spent time at the yard, just doing jobs for their equine? It's what I refer to as 'my de-stress zone'. I do groom him and just spend time with him, perhaps not as much as I'd like, but I do make sure he gets what he needs, even if it's not me being there.

 

[henmother]

I agree! I'm out of the saddle and neighbours granddaughter popped in just to talk horsey, and let me smell her horse slobbered jacket and it was fab.even when I was in hospital one of the lasses brought a bridle in for me to clean and during that time I was concentrating on nothing but cleaning that bridle!! I think because whether its at the yard or even talking horsey nothing else is in your mind. Its so consuming, you aren't thinking of the shopping list, the washing or ironing. Its pure you time. Having a tidy stable is having a tidy mind! I was the only one at my yard that would jump in the muck trailer and take pride in chucking it right back! Enjoy your new hacks, and doing the jobs that winter brings, it is always always a pleasure and we should be thankful for every day that we spend in the company of horses.

 

[noblesteed]

I totally agree! I only get to see my horse 2-3 times a week now and maybe only get a quick ride twice a week, as I am nursing my 4 month old baby. I also have a toddler and will be returning to a part-time teaching job in the spring, so 'busy' doesn't even describe it! My horse time is my ONLY me time at the moment, and that's an hour snatched here and there when I can get my parents to have both my little ones. It really is what keeps me sane sometimes, I can actually relax when I am riding, grooming or mucking out.
Horse has got a lovely sharer and loves his yard so he's happy and well cared for. And it won't be long before I have more time again.

 

[trottingon]

My horses (and my dog) are the only things in life guaranteed to make me smile on a daily basis no matter how I feel.
Whether stressed out with everything else in life, depression, feeling at death's door with illness, in terrible pain through broken bones, curled up in a corner of the stable sobbing my heart out over a death, no matter what has happened I can't think of a single visit to my boys where I have not smiled at some point. I absolutely love them and my time with them, and I wouldn't swap it for all the money in the world....when talk comes up about winning the lottery and we discuss how lovely it would be to get a yacht in the med or a villa in some far flung exotic destination (after we've bought the wonderful property with land and stables etc in the lake district or Cheshire, we're struggling to agree so we might have to buy both ha ha! and the super-dooper all singing all dancing horsebox obviously), I do start to wonder how I'd cope spending time away from my boys, I can just about manage emotionally with a week away once or twice a year at the moment!!!

 

[Moggy in Manolos]

Does anyone else feel a sense of peace when they've spent time at the yard, just doing jobs for their equine? It's what I refer to as 'my de-stress zone'.

Most certainly do, I loved being down the yard all morning with Nell, plus we had a fab solo hack, I find it a great de-stress when I arrive on the yard, it also givs me a great sense of peace. I went for a bike ride when I got home after the yard and did a 25k round trip and swung in via the yard and popped in and gave Nell a cuddle whilst OH used the yard loo! She came right over to see me in my bike gear and had a snuggle which was lovely. The weekends are when I get to spend a bit more quality time with Nell and I cherish that time, during the week it can often be a rush but I live for the weekends when I get to hang out and chill out with Nell She keeps me sane!

 

[Shysmum]

Oh yes, totally agree ! I do all my thinking when I'm riding or sweeping up, just being around horses is therapeutic.