Military and Horses

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Rapidash

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Evening all,

Was wondering if anyone here had experience of being in the military and having horses? I'm just starting in the Army (still training) and wondering how well I can combine my future job and looking after my horse.

Currently she lives with my parents who look after and ride her a bit and I pay her costs. I get to ride her about once a month which isn't great but I certainly don't have time for her at the moment! Should I make plans to take her with me to my first posting or resign myself to the fact that she'll have to stay with my parents as I'll be far too busy?

Also if anyone has any stories of fun horsey things they have done in/with the military I'd love to hear them!
 
I know quite a few who are either in the army, or married to army, and would say it depends massively on where you end up. Im near warminster, and they have a saddle club, although we also have several army people where I keep mine. Think the thing is to play it by ear, although that might not be quite what you want to hear! Plus remember you may get posted abroad, my brother is currently in Germany, and my friends hubby is off to Cyprus!
 
Have a look at forces equine as they have a lot of experirnce with when and where you can ride as wel as how to fit it in. plus they do a lot to try and open up more opportunities for forces peoplle to compete
 
I was in the Navy for 13 years and had a horse through most of that, 2 for the last 5. I finished my training first, as you have no say in any of that and where you will be. I spent alot of time deployed, so can affect your ability to train for events etc. If you are in the Army, its much easier as alot of bases have saddle clubs nearby or even have attached stables which offer really good rates. Just make sure that you have planned in a good full livery for when you deploy and that you have the funds to cover it, which your op pay should help with. Also, there are lots of horse sports opportunities so take advantage of those! If you need any more info, pm me.
 
Congratulations on your new career.

My OH is in the army. I have been very lucky that most of the postings have had saddle clubs where we have been able to keep the horses. The only posting I went horse less was Hong Kong and Kuwait. while in Kuwait we sent my mares to stud. Hong Kong I was lucky to be able to leave the horses at my parents place.
 
I sold the my horse when I decided to join the navy.

To me it wasn't practical, I'm sure there are ways id just say it takes a little more effort to get things sorted if your away for long periods.

Army will have options for you to keep your horse too, good luck.
 
I'm ex RAF and had my horses with me wherever I was posted.
The Forces have some good saddle clubs and I'm sure, once your training is complete and you are settled, you'll be able to have your horse with you.
 
My husband is in the army and we've been married 26 years. I did sell my horse when we were posted to Germany the first time many years ago (partly due to lack of finances as I was giving up my job). However, I have taken my daughter's pony to Germany and back. There are transport companies going over to the continent all the time. Saddle Clubs are good as a starting point but I usually moved to other yards after finding my feet in a new place (German and English) There are always other members of the forces or their partners wherever you go who have horses and it is a great way to make new friends.
 
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I was in the Army and had my horse with me at Sandhurst and then throughout my military career. Mine was on DIY but I was prepared to (and did on several occasions) put him on full livery/send him for schooling if I was on exercise or on tour.
 
It's completely doable. I'm in the RAF and my OH is in the Army and he isn't particularly horsey. My lad is on DIY I see to him twice daily, if I'm on courses or exercise the girls at the yard or OH will sort him and when I go to Afghan in a few months he's being loaned by one of the girls at the yard, if not he would be turned away for his own 6 month holiday x
 
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