Missing riding?

Follysmum

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For those that aren’t riding at the moment for whatever reasons. Are any of you not really missing it ?

I only ask because I haven’t been able to ride for 5mths due to a bad fall last year. I have spent more time than usual doing ground work and general care etc with the horses. It really has dawned on me that I really haven’t missed it as much as I thought and tbh I have been just happy being around them.

I am in no rush to get back on board, all my physio etc have been put on hold anyway . I have even thought about not even bothering, my main horse is now retired and after nearly 50yrs of riding regularly I do think I have lost the enthusiasm for it.
 

Tihamandturkey

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It's only been a day since I decided to stop riding - fit feisty mare with a very seasonal head on her atm.

Already missing the anticipation of getting up on her - hoping we can continue to visit yard - it's a small concern & we are going up separately - on part livery so fingers are crossed - my sympathies to those that can't even see their gees ?
 

SpringArising

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I miss riding at the moment, but I haven't been able to ride properly for about six months (one thing after the other with horse) and I had periods when I wasn't missing it, and was relieved due to the enforced break. I feel guilty if I don't ride, which is stupid.
 

Sprout

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I am REALLY missing riding ...... I had to stop last year when my new pony had to go back to his previous owner ( a friend) because he couldn't cope with the Crabb flies here, and I suffered a hand injury with complications, and I am still waiting to see a specialist for that.?
 

The Fuzzy Furry

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Physically, yes I'm missing riding as I cannot walk v far. Not riding also means my hips are starting to play up now.

That said, I'm very fortunate that I have my own yard with no current liveries, so I'm free to spend time with mine twice daily.
 

Bernster

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I’m a bit odd. I’m so busy with work that I don’t have much time to think about it. If I did, then I would be missing it. If it goes on for much longer I will struggle and be bored as it’s the one big thing I do at weekends and gives me a welcome mental and physical break.

I’m also the kind that I’ll properly appreciate what I’ve missed when I visit the yard again (we’re on total lock down). Weird but true!
 

Follysmum

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I miss riding at the moment, but I haven't been able to ride properly for about six months (one thing after the other with horse) and I had periods when I wasn't missing it, and was relieved due to the enforced break. I feel guilty if I don't ride, which is stupid.

I felt awful for my horse more than me at first, he has always been a competitive horse and thrives on work. After about 6 weeks he definitely changed, became much more relaxed in the field and now seems quite happy. I think over the years I have definitely put too much pressure on myself to keep him and myself fit. I really don’t think he’s bothered about being ridden now.
 

Surbie

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I am really missing riding. I had my last ride last Monday and decided to stop for the 'just in case' reasons. I'm now on limited visits to do my DIY tasks, usually on my own at the yard, so I wouldn't ride given the risks in the current climate.

I am noticeably stiffer already and trying not to have eleventy million snacks from boredom. I love riding my horse, he's been in a good amount of work over winter and has come out of it fit and ready to go, but he is getting used to being a lawnmower.

I'm trying to do pilates/yoga/exercises and keep my sense of perspective. I am lucky I can go once a day.
 

NinjaPony

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I'm missing it hugely. Can't help feeling cheated by fate-my pony has spent the last 18 months in and out of work due to COPD and hock issues. The thursday before lockdown the vet gave me the ok to start doing some 'normal' work eg more than just the walk rehab and he was feeling amazing..... and now we are back to square one again!
 

SEL

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yes - but she's broken and has been for quite some time. I got my hopes up after the last vet visit but we haven't been able to keep up with the physio required with the rehab plan due to lockdown so I think we'll be back to square one when restrictions are lifted.

I was having lessons on school horses but obviously that's on hold too.

Count myself lucky to still be able to see my 2 wonky ponies though given what some people are facing
 

J&S

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My own pony (coloured on the left) was retired about 5 years ago and I miss the brilliant ridden relationship that we had prior to her having a leg injury that curtailed her ridden career. In the last 4 years I have been so lucky to have the ride on a wonderful horse, ex BE eventer/hunter who I built up a lovely relationship with but as he is 6 miles from my house and his owner is primary carer I am not seeing or riding him. Last ride, two weeks ago in the sunshine. just hoping he will be fit and well enough to carry on when all this is over, he is 26 yrs old so he needed the regular exercise. As a very old rider I am also concerned about my own fitness to ride at some unknown point in the future! However, I am lucky to have retiree and friend behind the house to go and cuddle and look after to give me reason to get up and keep going, pushing the wheel barrow round the filed must be good exercise!
 

Cortez

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Not at all. But then I haven't sat on a horse since my husband died (5 months ago) and have no desire to do so at all. This really worried me at first, but now I am quite content and feeling that perhaps I am "done" after 50+ years of riding almost every single day. It feels...weird, but I am not unhappy about it.
 

Floofball

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Not yet but I’ve had loads of practice in the past, having mostly had broken horses ? good job I do love just being around them - I really feel for people that aren’t even seeing theirs, hugs to them.......
 

Follysmum

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Not at all. But then I haven't sat on a horse since my husband died (5 months ago) and have no desire to do so at all. This really worried me at first, but now I am quite content and feeling that perhaps I am "done" after 50+ years of riding almost every single day. It feels...weird, but I am not unhappy about it.

Sorry to hear about your husband
I do think also I have had my fun and fair share of riding after the same sort of time. I’m in pain most days now, I don’t really want to risk another bad fall, am awaiting to see a specialist from the last one.

I never ever thought I would feel like this but I do feel it’s time to do other stuff than riding and competing
 

oldie48

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Yes and no. I am missing getting out to lessons and meeting up with friends for a hack but I am relieved to have made the decision not to ride ATM as it takes a lot of pressure off me. Rose seems quite happy and perhaps a break will do her good. I am keeping fit by fast walks with the dog and some home pilates, actually feeling better than I have for a while!
 

Trinket12

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Very much so, things were just starting to click for me and now I'm worried I'll lose that. I also miss just hanging out with her and my barn time in general as it was/is my happy place when life gets crazy.
 
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I couldn't tell you the last time I rode any of my own! But up until today we still had a handful of horses in work so I still rode out a lot a day. But these were horses coming back from injury so needed the do a certain amount of work. That level has now been reached so as of today they are being roughed off which leaves only the 2yo to be broken in and nothing else will see tack until July at work at yard 1! A couple of other injured/wind op horses are still being ridden out at the other yard for another week or so and the flat horses (all 5 of them) are in work incase the flat season kicks off at the start of May. I highly doubt it will but the BHA have plans in place to be able to race within a week of getting the go ahead.

With nothing to ride at work I might get back on Gray and the Welsh Cob, but I might not. I'm not sure yet.
 

RHM

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I am really missing it, this lockdown came at the worst time for me. My on and off lame pony is in the best shape of his life and feeling amazing and my share horse is finally fit enough (and I have finally learnt to ride more than one side of her) to compete. I know there is a much bigger picture to think about but I’m still very grumpy about it!
 

ElectricChampagne

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I'm on lockdown and can't get to my yard as they have had to close. I completely understand why and 100% support them and trust them with my horses. I have absolutely nothing to worry about.

I’m really missing it, I’ve not even had so much as a hand on my own horse for a week now, with no end date in sight. I’m hating it.

I'm the very same and can comiserate. I am getting updates and pictures/videos so I know they are safe and well and in very good hands. I'm just so glad i am in the yard I am in now as any of the previous ones I would have been in the dark and very worried with no updates and no news at all.

I'm hoping the lockdown is lifted soon, but judging by how people here (Ireland) think that the rules absolutely 100% do not apply to them and are going out to beaches and forests for walks I can only see this being extended and stricter measures put in place.

I hope I can manage and see them soon... I miss them so much and I'll honestly say I did have a little cry the other day. But I 100% support the yard on why they made this decision. Its just a pity some rogue people are ruining it all for everyone.

I am really missing it, this lockdown came at the worst time for me. My on and off lame pony is in the best shape of his life and feeling amazing and my share horse is finally fit enough (and I have finally learnt to ride more than one side of her) to compete. I know there is a much bigger picture to think about but I’m still very grumpy about it!

Yes same for me, I had put a lot of work into my horses over the winter and the period of no riding is going to set us back.

It is what it is so I just need to grow a pair and get on with it. I'm so looking forward to the moment when I can bury my face in each of their manes again and breathe in their horsey smell... Its all that is keeping me going right now
 

AandK

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Yes I am. Spent the last 8 months not riding due to one retired and the other injured. Managed 5 rides before the restrictions were announced last Monday, I then decided I would not ride due to what is going on. Luckily I am DIY so I am still seeing my horses twice a day.
 

Orangehorse

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I am missing it terribly. When grandchildren moved out and the others stopped coming (parents are NHS) and was able to do more riding again and the horse seemed very pleased to be out and about after the long wet winter.

Now - no more, I am very sad about it. OH suggested riding in the fields, but I said I was more likely to come off in the fields than on the roads - pheasants, rabbits, etc. - the last time I fell off was when 2 ducks flew up from a stream under my horse's nose. My argument is that I am 6' up in the air, so well away from everyone. OH, daughter, etc. don't think it is a good idea and we are very public with a lot of houses overlooking up. I did consider sneaking out the back way ......

OH saw a family group out yesterday and I know people are still riding but they are more out in the wilds.
 

SatansLittleHelper

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Physically, yes I'm missing riding as I cannot walk v far. Not riding also means my hips are starting to play up now.
.

While I don't wish it on anyone I'm relieved to see it's not just me. Honestly, the amount of people who make comments about me riding but "saying" I can't walk far. I really can't, my back and hips just can't take it at all due to chronic pain and fatigue.
 

doodle

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Yes I am missing it. Was quite pleased over winter had managed to keep going to a decent level. Then February weather hit so down to maybe twice a week. Then I was in hospital for 2 weeks. Had 3 ride then decided to stop. I don’t suppose Robin cares. I will take his shoes off, he has a couple of areas of damage which could do with it, so now is a good time and if he isn’t ridden for another 3 months then so be it. I am lucky I can still go up for grooming and cuddles.
 

Bambelina

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I am so missing it, especially as the weather has actually been decent. I am lucky as the layout of my DIY yard means I can still go down once a day and she is able to be on 24/7 turn out, so I still get my ‘fix’ but stupidly feel guilty for not riding even though she clearly is not bothered lol.
 
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