Must be mad

C

Clovercr58

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23 September 2023
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Hi all, I’ve been lurking for sometime on the forum. I have read lots and found lots of useful information so thank you to all that contibute. I thought it might be nice to introduce myself and my first horse. I’m a complete novice (rider and owner) but took the plunge back in November and bought Coco, she is a Welsh x Gypsy cob. Whilst looking at horses I was fairly adamant a Welsh wouldn’t be what I wanted but just fell in love with her and the rest is history. She came to me barefoot so I am trying to keep her that way and that’s a steep learning curve. We have been doing lots of hacking as she was quite unfit and overweight, I’ll try and attach a photo of the day I viewed her prior to buying and a photo from last week.
She is on full livery now after the first yard we tried quickly proved to be unsuitable for her and us so sadly shes already had 1 yard move in the short time I’ve owned her meaning she’s definitely not fully settled yet but gosh I love her so much.
At 40 years old I am wondering if I have gone slightly mad 😂
 
Hi @Clovercr58 :) We have something in common as I also have unshod natives, albeit mine are non-ridden these days.

Coco is lovely! I'm so pleased to hear you recognised your first yard wasn't the right fit and have moved, and I hope your new yard supports you and Coco enjoying many happy years to come!

While I'm three decades in to horses, I'm also a relative newbie here and everyone is always so welcoming.

Can't wait to see some progress updates!
 
I got my first horse almost 6 years ago as something on my list of things to do before hitting 50. Best thing ever!

Coco looks lovely - hope you keep us updated with your adventures.
 
Hello and welcome. I achieved my lifelong ambition to have a horse of my own at 42. I had a decent job, my son was going off to boarding school and I was fit and healthy so the best time to start living my dream.
 
Thanks all. Full livery is a luxury for now, it’s a safety net for both of us really. What I have already learnt is that even those with years of experience are can be quite set in their ways whether they are wrong or right. I’m quite surprised at how negative many are to keeping horses barefoot, even as a newbie it seems the best way if the horse is happy and can cope with the workload.
Since November I feel like I’ve learnt so much already, we have had feather mites to contend with hence the removal of the feathers. Quickly realised the new yard were over feeding as she went a bit loopy but have cut her right back to a token feed of thunder brooks hh chaff along with some hedgerow herbs to get her supplement in and we seem to be back on an even keel now finger crossed. Any tips would be greatly appreciated
 
Clovercr58 said:
Thanks all. Full livery is a luxury for now, it’s a safety net for both of us really. What I have already learnt is that even those with years of experience are can be quite set in their ways whether they are wrong or right. I’m quite surprised at how negative many are to keeping horses barefoot, even as a newbie it seems the best way if the horse is happy and can cope with the workload.
Since November I feel like I’ve learnt so much already, we have had feather mites to contend with hence the removal of the feathers. Quickly realised the new yard were over feeding as she went a bit loopy but have cut her right back to a token feed of thunder brooks hh chaff along with some hedgerow herbs to get her supplement in and we seem to be back on an even keel now finger crossed. Any tips would be greatly appreciated
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She looks very smart, and welcome to the world of horses*.


*which are not nearly as complicated as many people, especially those trying to sell you something, like to make out.
 
Welcome. You will find quite a bit of negativity and resistance to keeping a horse barefoot. However, don't be persuaded to put shoes on because somebody else thinks it is the right thing to do. There are quite a few good barefoot FB pages for advice and an experienced farrier or trimmer will help you a lot.
 
May you have many years making happy memories together.

And what Cortez said - much is about common sense. So you recognised yard 1 wasn’t working and moved. And you recognised she was having too much hard feed and cut back.

I would say for a novice you are doing much better than so many of the so-called experienced owners.
 
What a lovely little mare.
You sound very sensible (for a mad person) so I’m sure you are going to enjoy your new adventure. 15ish years ago I did just what you describe and read every thread on here to equip myself for my first horse, I reckon it did the trick!
 
Enjoy your horse and carry on using common sense as you have already shown you are… as long as you listen to your horse you won’t go wrong without shoes, if she does become sore don’t ignore it and try and find out why, it could be she has been trimmed too short so boots would be a good temporary solution. Ask on here if you have any worries as there are lots of people who don’t shoe and can advise . She looks like a good type and very pretty
 
She looks lovely.
I got my first horse at 46, a share with my 2 daughters. 12 years on they are both living away from home leaving me with 2 Welsh ponies who share my madness
 
Welcome to the forum! Coco is gorgeous. Definitely not mad. Please do share more progress/updates on your journey with her.

Also personally appreciating the stories of first horses acquired at 40 and beyond. At 32 it's giving me hope for the dream!
 
Welcome! She looks pretty.

The world of first-horse ownership can be positively daunting. I am one as well. Bought my horse when I was around your age, you're never too old to take the plunge. In my experience, the saying 'Two horse people, three opinions' is valid. Everyone will tell you something different, and you'll have to carefully tread around opinions to find your own way. It's a journey (and I love it).
 
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