NEW RIDER - OWN HORSE

[ABR_1982]

Hello everyone,

I have been riding for about a month and I love it so much. I go twice a week if I can and am currently practicing rising trot and to stay standing while in a trot. I used to ride when I was younger but came off and lost all my confidence. I’m 28 now and wish I’d got back in to it a lot sooner. I have a couple of questions,

- When I ride on a Friday, there’s a lot of kids there about 13 and it makes me feel a bit embarrassed or crap because I can’t relate to any of them. is this normal?

- I ride for an hour each lesson but I have more time and don’t feel like this is enough , I’ve looked in to livery and owning my own horse but I dont really understand how it works, if I do part livery how often would I need to see to the horse?

- I love my riding school horse so much, hes 20 would he ever be retired so I could buy him?

I guess I’m just trying to find a way to be around horses more buy don’t have the land to keep one on unfortunately. Sorry for all the questions and sorry if they’re stupid lol. Thank you x

 

[Red-1]

I just caught up on your other thread from June, I am glad the lessons worked out.

For me, the answer is a big, it depends. Buying a horse now would mean a lot of help being needed, which is possible but would cost ££££s. For all I know, you have £££s and this would be a possibility. In which case, be careful who you choose to help, as some people would take advantage.

If money isn't free, I wonder if you would be happier on private lessons, so no kids kicking around? You would likely progress faster too. After 10 lessons, I would expect you to be cantering as well as trotting, if you were on private lessons.

 

[Rumtytum]

Definitely private lessons if you can! My lovely RS is very accommodating and lets me groom ‘my’ horse after our lesson (which I’ve strung out to now include a massage, he loves it! ?). I could stay all day with him if he’s in his stable…. Perhaps you could ask to do the same?

 

[stangs]

When I ride on a Friday, there’s a lot of kids there about 13 and it makes me feel a bit embarrassed or crap because I can’t relate to any of them. is this normal?

Do you mean they’re in a group lesson with you, or they’re just there as a gang on the yard? It’s pretty typical for RSs to be haunted by a bunch of young teens - they volunteer for the horse experience and the occasional ride.

I ride for an hour each lesson but I have more time and don’t feel like this is enough , I’ve looked in to livery and owning my own horse but I dont really understand how it works, if I do part livery how often would I need to see to the horse?

Personally, I don’t think someone who’s just cracked rising trot should be buying a horse, unless you’d be willing to pay for people to school the horse for you, or have full livery with exercising included. Can you have more frequent riding lessons? Otherwise, you could try: stable management classes, working towards a BHS stage or the BHS challenge awards, asking around on FB if anyone wants a volunteer doing yard duties in return for the chance to ride, or possibly looking for a share horse (not a lot of owners are willing to let a novice rider ride their horse, but it’s not impossible).

I love my riding school horse so much, hes 20 would he ever be retired so I could buy him?

Depends on the riding school (whether they have enough money/space for a horse when it’s time to be retired) and on the horse (if he starts making it clear he’s sick of it). If you really mean it, buying him that is, I’d ask around the RS, maybe hint to your instructor. They may be willing to part loan him to you, or even sell in the future as a working livery.

 

[JBR]

I'm a similar age to you and still relatively new to riding. I also feel that I can't get enough of it!

I can only echo what has been said about private lessons. It'll do amazing things for progress. I do weekly 1-hour and just completed my 10th lesson. Precisely as Red-1 expected, I can trot, canter and have now have started to do jumps.

Does your RS offer group/accompanied hacks? It's a fun way to get more riding time without feeling like you're in a lesson. It will depend on how safe the RS feels you are, but it's still something to aim for even if your ability and experience are not quite there yet.

 

[Winters100]

Great that you are having fun with it.

Personally, unless money is in very ample supply, I would not buy yet. At present you would need someone to help with everything, including daily exercise, because you would not yet have the ability to work the horse at the pace required to keep it in good shape. Of course this does not mean that you will never own a horse, you can use this time to learn as much as possible. I would speak to the riding school, ask if they ever run courses on horse care, or if there is a chance to part loan the horse you like so much. Regarding buying him I would think that if you asked, most riding schools would be happy to sell a horse in his 20s for the right price. In a private home he may or may not remain the calm character that you enjoy so much. At present he is probably worked several times a day, and schooled by the instructors. He might be quite different when his living conditions changed.

Good luck with things, try to take it step by step and enjoy the journey, rather than rushing into buying before you are ready.

 

[ABR_1982]

Thank you so much to everyone that took the time to reply.
I have taken your advice on board. It is just difficult and I have all this free time but mostly, I have absolutely fell in love with my riding school horse, Danny. I just adore him. Out of curiosity, how long do I ride for before I buy?
If I do buy (not any time soon) how much exercise would he need?

 

[ABR_1982]

I'm a similar age to you and still relatively new to riding. I also feel that I can't get enough of it!

I can only echo what has been said about private lessons. It'll do amazing things for progress. I do weekly 1-hour and just completed my 10th lesson. Precisely as Red-1 expected, I can trot, canter and have now have started to do jumps.

Does your RS offer group/accompanied hacks? It's a fun way to get more riding time without feeling like you're in a lesson. It will depend on how safe the RS feels you are, but it's still something to aim for even if your ability and experience are not quite there yet.

Oh my gosh! I am so glad I have found someone close to my age! Also that Is a fantastic idea. Do you have an Instagram? It’s ok if you don’t also sorry if that’s forward but I just love that you’re in my age group and have just started x

 

[ABR_1982]

Do you mean they’re in a group lesson with you, or they’re just there as a gang on the yard? It’s pretty typical for RSs to be haunted by a bunch of young teens - they volunteer for the horse experience and the occasional ride.


Personally, I don’t think someone who’s just cracked rising trot should be buying a horse, unless you’d be willing to pay for people to school the horse for you, or have full livery with exercising included. Can you have more frequent riding lessons? Otherwise, you could try: stable management classes, working towards a BHS stage or the BHS challenge awards, asking around on FB if anyone wants a volunteer doing yard duties in return for the chance to ride, or possibly looking for a share horse (not a lot of owners are willing to let a novice rider ride their horse, but it’s not impossible).


Depends on the riding school (whether they have enough money/space for a horse when it’s time to be retired) and on the horse (if he starts making it clear he’s sick of it). If you really mean it, buying him that is, I’d ask around the RS, maybe hint to your instructor. They may be willing to part loan him to you, or even sell in the future as a working livery.

Thank you for your honest reply, I agree I am jumping the gun.

 

[ABR_1982]

Definitely private lessons if you can! My lovely RS is very accommodating and lets me groom ‘my’ horse after our lesson (which I’ve strung out to now include a massage, he loves it! ?). I could stay all day with him if he’s in his stable…. Perhaps you could ask to do the same?

That’s so lovely! I will ask ?

 

[ABR_1982]

Great that you are having fun with it.

Personally, unless money is in very ample supply, I would not buy yet. At present you would need someone to help with everything, including daily exercise, because you would not yet have the ability to work the horse at the pace required to keep it in good shape. Of course this does not mean that you will never own a horse, you can use this time to learn as much as possible. I would speak to the riding school, ask if they ever run courses on horse care, or if there is a chance to part loan the horse you like so much. Regarding buying him I would think that if you asked, most riding schools would be happy to sell a horse in his 20s for the right price. In a private home he may or may not remain the calm character that you enjoy so much. At present he is probably worked several times a day, and schooled by the instructors. He might be quite different when his living conditions changed.

Good luck with things, try to take it step by step and enjoy the journey, rather than rushing into buying before you are ready.

Hello, thank you so much. You pointed things out I hadn’t thought of. I will ask my riding school about horse care, they let me tack him up and Un-tack (unsure if this is a horse term ?) But I’d love to do everything. X

 

[ABR_1982]

I just caught up on your other thread from June, I am glad the lessons worked out.

For me, the answer is a big, it depends. Buying a horse now would mean a lot of help being needed, which is possible but would cost ££££s. For all I know, you have £££s and this would be a possibility. In which case, be careful who you choose to help, as some people would take advantage.

If money isn't free, I wonder if you would be happier on private lessons, so no kids kicking around? You would likely progress faster too. After 10 lessons, I would expect you to be cantering as well as trotting, if you were on private lessons.

Hi thank you so much for reading my other post! I am trying really hard to get on 2 lessons a week. I have budgeted and currently have £600 excess a month is this enough? X

 

[Red-1]

Hi thank you so much for reading my other post! I am trying really hard to get on 2 lessons a week. I have budgeted and currently have £600 excess a month is this enough? X

It would be enough to keep a horse, but not for someone who needs to buy in experience, unless you strike lucky with the livery yard and horse.

As a kid, I was at a big yard where we were one big gang. If someone had trouble, others would ride. In fact, we would swap round bit, just because it was fun! The YO would guide with stable management advice, and part livery included turning out and fetching in. We all mucked in and got long.

If you were prepared to do all the work and found such a gem, then it wouldn't be impossible, however, I think this is unlikely.

The cost is frightening, to keep a horse. If you insure, it can be £200 a month just for shoes, insurance and vaccinations/worming. £150 a week for full livery would be reasonable, but that would likely not include riding or riding advice, so you would still need to pay for help with that.

 

[Muddy unicorn]

Hi thank you so much for reading my other post! I am trying really hard to get on 2 lessons a week. I have budgeted and currently have £600 excess a month is this enough? X

If I were you, I’d hang fire for a bit - you’d be better off using some of your budget to get more horsey experience without actually owning your own. You could go on a riding holiday next year, find a riding school or centre which offers hacks, volunteer at an RDA centre, offer to volunteer at local horsey events, ask if your current school offers part shares, book some stable management sessions.

After a year or so of doing all that, you’d still be a relative beginner, but you’d be in a much better place to start thinking about getting your own. You’d also be sure that you still want to have your own horse after the initial flush of enthusiasm wanes!

 

[Skib]

I was an adult beginner and I could just about afford to own. But I pursued my education as described above. And ended up twice with the ideal long term share to hack. By the time you have been riding two years you will have a better idea of how you might want to specialise. And then buy the horse that is right for that.
I did have 2 lessons a week but as soon as i could canter safely, one of those lessons was a hack. I learned to ride in order to hack and still love it. Nothing has waned.

 

[ABR_1982]

What about if I bought one with someone who is experienced? One of my weekly
Lessons has just been cancelled. Gutted. I originally just wanted to learn to hack tbh. This is all I have to look forward to at the moment.

 

[Muddy unicorn]

What about if I bought one with someone who is experienced? One of my weekly
Lessons has just been cancelled. Gutted. I originally just wanted to learn to hack tbh. This is all I have to look forward to at the moment.

I don’t see how that could work as the horse you would need now would be different from the one a more experienced rider would want to buy.

 

[smolmaus]

If you have a lot of free time and you are really itching for more horsey time, is there an equine rescue or sanctuary nearby that you could volunteer at? I found volunteering a great way to learn the basics of stable management, meet likeminded people and just enjoy horses without the riding element.

 

[ABR_1982]

There’s nothing like that round here. Feel like just giving up

 

[smolmaus]

There’s nothing like that round here. Feel like just giving up

That's unfortunate, but I suppose there aren't many equine rescues about. I think Muddy unicorn has the right idea above. Trekking and hacking centres will usually cater for beginners. My riding school has adult pony camps sometimes which might suit you, look around other local RS's if your doesn't offer it, you never know. And some RS's do sometimes have ponies up for sharing.

I understand you're feeling like you have to jump fully into being horsey now because you've just come back to it. I was the same! But you have the rest of your life to enjoy horses, the great thing about this "sport" is that you can keep going into your 60-70s. There's no panic! Take whatever opportunities come your way and try and focus on actually having fun!

 

[Winters100]

Don't give up Kaye, there is always a way, but I would not like the idea of co-owning. You would have to find someone who you could agree with about everything, from selection of the horse, which as Muddy Unicorn says would be problematic, as few experienced owners want the type of horse suitable for you, to the yard, medical treatment, feed.....the list goes on.

The thing is that you need to learn about horse care, and also to see if it is for you. I say this because I am aware that many of my non-horsey friends think that I have a lovely time with my horses, because they see the fit and shiny horses when we are competing on a sunny day. What they don't see is the early mornings when it is freezing, the days when you are sick but go to the stables anyway, and tramping over muddy fields to fetch in muddy horses. It is a massive commitment. I love my horses and would not be without them, but I cannot say that there are not days when I wish I had chosen a hobby which could be forgotten about when I need a break.

You need to get into the local horse community in my opinion. Look out for any horse related events and go to watch. Chat to people and get to know them. For sure there will be someone in your area who could do with a hand from time to time, even if it is doing the odd check on horses which are turned out, checking water, helping with poo picking. Could you post a note somewhere offering help for free? Make it clear that you are a novice who would like to learn prior to horse owning prior to buying, and perhaps someone will offer you the opportunity to help out and learn from them. They may or may not be able to offer you the opportunity to ride, depending upon what horses they have, but either way you will be learning and meeting people.

Remember that everyone starts somewhere, and that for horse owners an extra pair of willing hands can be very useful.

 

[ABR_1982]

That's unfortunate, but I suppose there aren't many equine rescues about. I think Muddy unicorn has the right idea above. Trekking and hacking centres will usually cater for beginners. My riding school has adult pony camps sometimes which might suit you, look around other local RS's if your doesn't offer it, you never know. And some RS's do sometimes have ponies up for sharing.

I understand you're feeling like you have to jump fully into being horsey now because you've just come back to it. I was the same! But you have the rest of your life to enjoy horses, the great thing about this "sport" is that you can keep going into your 60-70s. There's no panic! Take whatever opportunities come your way and try and focus on actually having fun!

it’s not just that, I have had a terrible 3 years. Just the worst luck ever ty wouldn’t believe. I’m a single mum and this is all I have right now. I know that sounds dramatic but it’s the only thing keeping me going and keeping my sanity for the sake of my daughter. The only reason I didn’t do this sooner is because I had absolutely no confidence. But I do now and I have the funds. It’s not as if I’ve had one lesson and suddenly decided I want to do this that and the other. I’m not looking to get a horse and start competing. I just wanted to hack and care for one. I love animals.

 

[ABR_1982]

Don't give up Kaye, there is always a way, but I would not like the idea of co-owning. You would have to find someone who you could agree with about everything, from selection of the horse, which as Muddy Unicorn says would be problematic, as few experienced owners want the type of horse suitable for you, to the yard, medical treatment, feed.....the list goes on.

The thing is that you need to learn about horse care, and also to see if it is for you. I say this because I am aware that many of my non-horsey friends think that I have a lovely time with my horses, because they see the fit and shiny horses when we are competing on a sunny day. What they don't see is the early mornings when it is freezing, the days when you are sick but go to the stables anyway, and tramping over muddy fields to fetch in muddy horses. It is a massive commitment. I love my horses and would not be without them, but I cannot say that there are not days when I wish I had chosen a hobby which could be forgotten about when I need a break.

You need to get into the local horse community in my opinion. Look out for any horse related events and go to watch. Chat to people and get to know them. For sure there will be someone in your area who could do with a hand from time to time, even if it is doing the odd check on horses which are turned out, checking water, helping with poo picking. Could you post a note somewhere offering help for free? Make it clear that you are a novice who would like to learn prior to horse owning prior to buying, and perhaps someone will offer you the opportunity to help out and learn from them. They may or may not be able to offer you the opportunity to ride, depending upon what horses they have, but either way you will be learning and meeting people.

Remember that everyone starts somewhere, and that for horse owners an extra pair of willing hands can be very useful.

I could ask about, I just feel so embarrassed lol.

 

[smolmaus]

it’s not just that, I have had a terrible 3 years. Just the worst luck ever ty wouldn’t believe. I’m a single mum and this is all I have right now. I know that sounds dramatic but it’s the only thing keeping me going and keeping my sanity for the sake of my daughter. The only reason I didn’t do this sooner is because I had absolutely no confidence. But I do now and I have the funds. It’s not as if I’ve had one lesson and suddenly decided I want to do this that and the other. I’m not looking to get a horse and start competing. I just wanted to hack and care for one. I love animals.

I get that, I came back to horses after several very tough years as well and the benefits to my mental health really can't be understated. I also had that heady, addictive thrill from finally being HAPPY sometimes and of course you want to chase it. But it would not have been healthy in the long term for me to just jump headlong into horse ownership and I don't think it would be for you either. I had been taking a riding lesson every week from the ages of 7-25 and I was still in no way ready to take on my own horse when I came back to it at 30, it takes a different kind of work and learning entirely. It's even harder, basically impossible, to do without a support system of knowledgeable people to back you up. It is worth the time to do this right, not quickly.

Another thing that occurred to me reading Winters100 great post above, does your RS offer adult group lessons? Private lessons will progress your riding faster but you can make friends in a group lesson and that might be worth the trade-off.

 

[ABR_1982]

I get that, I came back to horses after several very tough years as well and the benefits to my mental health really can't be understated. I also had that heady, addictive thrill from finally being HAPPY sometimes and of course you want to chase it. But it would not have been healthy in the long term for me to just jump headlong into horse ownership and I don't think it would be for you either. I had been taking a riding lesson every week from the ages of 7-25 and I was still in no way ready to take on my own horse when I came back to it at 30, it takes a different kind of work and learning entirely. It's even harder, basically impossible, to do without a support system of knowledgeable people to back you up. It is worth the time to do this right, not quickly.

Another thing that occurred to me reading Winters100 great post above, does your RS offer adult group lessons? Private lessons will progress your riding faster but you can make friends in a group lesson and that might be worth the trade-off.

yeah I was originally in an adult group but two aren’t well at the moment and the other two don’t come every week so they moved the two girls that come now and then (they can do more than me) to Sunday and I’m in a class on a Friday but if the class I’m in is for children, I’ll be cancelling. It’s too embarrassing.

 

[DabDab]

Whereabouts roughly are you based? Someone on here might know of something

 

[smolmaus]

yeah I was originally in an adult group but two aren’t well at the moment and the other two don’t come every week so they moved the two girls that come now and then (they can do more than me) to Sunday and I’m in a class on a Friday but if the class I’m in is for children, I’ll be cancelling. It’s too embarrassing.

Well, I managed for 3-4 months being 30 in a class where everyone else was 12-16 and better riders than me. I promise you nobody else gives it a second thought. Children have those spongy brains that retain information faster than we do, gives them an advantage but we can just work harder ? My second lesson there was just before Christmas so we did pony games, just like when I was their age and I forgot to be embarrassed very quickly!

I would only cancel that if they can fit you into a private lesson instead where you'll learn more and then maybe move up to the adult group?

 

[Birker2020]

Hello everyone,

I have been riding for about a month and I love it so much. I go twice a week if I can and am currently practicing rising trot and to stay standing while in a trot. I used to ride when I was younger but came off and lost all my confidence. I’m 28 now and wish I’d got back in to it a lot sooner. I have a couple of questions,

- When I ride on a Friday, there’s a lot of kids there about 13 and it makes me feel a bit embarrassed or crap because I can’t relate to any of them. is this normal?

- I ride for an hour each lesson but I have more time and don’t feel like this is enough , I’ve looked in to livery and owning my own horse but I dont really understand how it works, if I do part livery how often would I need to see to the horse?

- I love my riding school horse so much, hes 20 would he ever be retired so I could buy him?

I guess I’m just trying to find a way to be around horses more buy don’t have the land to keep one on unfortunately. Sorry for all the questions and sorry if they’re stupid lol. Thank you x

I would suggest you look into getting a horse on loan or share. This was you can control the costs and get as much stable hand experience as you need. My Mum and Dad made me do this (particuarly through winter) to see if I was still enjoying it as much as I thought I would. I did and loaned two or three horses for a couple of years before getting my own horse.

I even helped out a chap who did carriage driving for films and he had two three year olds and a four year old horse and he used to let me ride those. I would sometimes find myself on the floor with the three year olds but in those days I bounced and I didn't mind!

 

[Glitterandrainbows]

if you comment on a horse Facebook page local to you asking if you came help care for horses and maybe learn a few things and possibly ride up here you would get lots of comments someone put one on recently and had so many to choose from.

 

[Peglo]

Could you join your local riding club and help at events? Might be a good way to meet people.
Don’t be embarrassed, we all started somewhere and getting hands on experience is the best thing for you and a future horse.
hope you can enjoy your lessons.