Maintaining a relationship with 2 horses

[dressagelove]

I have two beautiful thoroughbreds, one of whom has been in and out of injury for the last couple of years. Consequently, I have worked with the other one mostly, and found I now have a much closer relationship with that one. My other horse is now injury free and is starting to come on again but I feel like a bit of a stranger to him.

Also, they are both very different to ride, which is good for my riding, but also means that I usually struggle to ride them both well everyday; I will usually ride one well, and the other one poorly if you know what I mean.

Am I just rambling on, or does anyone else know what I mean? I am starting a new job in May, and will have limited time to what I have now, (am currently a student so lots of time!) Im worried I wont be able to give enough time to each of them in turn.

Pasta and lemonade for listening to my waffle

 

[RubysGold]

I know what you mean to a degree.
I have my girl who's been out of work for injury, and because she has to retire to just hacking i bought a 3yo unbacked cob to enjoy.
I love my girl more then him because we've been through a lot together. He's knew to me and we can only do ground work for now so we're not that close yet.
But i know in time I'll love him like i do her, i just make sure i treat them both the same

 

[Holly Hocks]

I know how you feel. Before Rebel was PTS in October I had him and Blue (another TB). Rebel was retired back in around June after arthritis and old age got too much for him. I found that I was spending far more time with Blue - who had and still has a LOT of physical problems. Because she was either in hospital or coming back into work I spent hours leading her out and long-reining her out and Rebel just got feed chucked in at him in the field. I'm pretty sure he was very happy, but I did spend a lot more time with Blue. Now I have Blue who is out of work and lame (probably permanently) and a 2 and a half year old pony. I'm being careful to spend an equal amount of time with both of them. I can't really do much with Blue apart from groom her but I try to at least do this every other day and maybe just lead her to the end of the driveway to make her think she's doing something....it's difficult to do, but I dont' really think the horses notice!

 

[mystiandsunny]

It does get easier with time - especially adjusting your riding to each horse. You have to consciously not make one the 'favourite' and do 'special' things with them both - like going to the beach, or on long long hacks, or whatever.

 

[Jesstickle]

I don't think mine notice that one or other is favourite. Although Nits actually is! Might change now that they're both in work though!

 

[fidleyspromise]

my bond with my first horse got fractured long before the second one came along. we still have a good bond but its nothing like it was. She is my ridden horse and gets more attention.
second horse, has more trust in me and our bond is far better, although she doesnt come in as much or have a s much contact.

I aim to get a better relationship with both of them this year and will take first horse out in hand grazing and just spend some time with her.

 

[Cocorules]

Yes I understand that. I had pony and later her foal. They were reasonably easy to have an even relationship with. Mum died and foal now 21. 3 years ago I got a foal and the bond is nowhere near as strong as with 21 year old. It will probably change once I do more with with young one. My 21 year old will always be my favourite though she is easier to like and a nicer character

 

[summerguest]

Love them equally (same as my kids).....Some days you prefer one, the next day its the other....depending on behaviour etc......(same as kids!) Though I'd like to take the best bits from both and make my ideal horse!!!