New owner feeling guilty - please help!

[rose bud]

Hello everyone,
I am just after some advice/opinions please.
I have owned my pony for approx 5 weeks now and have only ridden her once, and am feeling very guilty about it! This is for a variety of reasons, i work full time so at this time of year it can only be weekends anyway and these have either been too bad weather wise (icey roads etc) or hectic with it being xmas.
I have a few days off work this week which i was planning to ride her on, but i am now ill
The trouble is, the longer i don't ride her for the less confidence i have to ride her!
She lives out 24/7 with a field companion, and i check them twice a day.
Am i being fair to her? I plan lots of nice rides in the summer but just feel so guilty at the moment!!

 

[Keimanp]

I wouldn't worry about it, this time of year is hard for everyone! I've not ridden in a fair few weeks, not for the lack of wanting to either!

He is quite happy turned out in the field with his friend and when I next get on him I will take it easy and gently remind him his holiday is over.

Many horses at this time of year are turned away or given a holiday and it doesn't effect them. If your worried about your confidence and bringing her back in to work try and get a friend or even an instructor there to help you.

You have bought a horse at the worst time of the year, relax, enjoy Christmas and New year and get well soon, everything will be fine!

 

[bobreader]

Dont feel guilty, she will be fine and doesn't need human company to be happy all the time after all she is a horse . Much better to ride and play with her when you have the time and the health and then you can both enjoy loads of fun.
After all its not like you have abandon her.

 

[flyingfeet]

If out 24/7 I really wouldn't worry - just say you've roughed her off for a bit

I 100% guarantee she isn't sat in the field stressing about not having to work!!

 

[Black_Horse_White]

She will be fine, and she is having plenty of time to settle in too. Just groom and spend time bonding with her, like you say plenty of time for riding when the nights get lighter.

 

[Jesstickle]

She won't mind one jot I don't suppose. As long as you aren't going to feel so nervous of her that you don't want to ride when spring comes then I wouldn't worry I'm sure she's loving her holiday!

 

[rose bud]

Thankyou for the re assurance so far! I do feel bit better now.
I bought her as a 'confidence giving plod' which is exactly what i need at the moment (after previous bad experiences) and i love her to bits but just worry that she will get bored and start being naughty.
So glad i have all you lovely people on this forum for advice!

 

[Borderreiver]

It's a tough time of year as others have said. I rode yesterday for the first time in ages and it felt so good to be back on board. As an older rider I have to keep going!

Just because you aren't riding it doesn't mean you can't build your relationship though. I would stop feeling guilty and start feeling positive about all those little training opportunities which come up every day when you are doing general care and handling. My personal preference is clicker training. You will end up with the best behaved horse who moves away from the stable door, waits for her tea, walks perfectly beside you and stops on a loose rope when you stop. You can train 'ears forward' for a nice expression or 'lift your hoof' for a tiny signal, all very useful and your horse will love playing. This also builds your confidence and makes your time with your horse very positive. Search for Alex Kurland to get started. I hope that helps.

 

[maree t]

Dont worry so much, try and just enkoy her company. Is there someone who could jump on for a bit before you do if you are nervous . Hope you feel better soon