Northampton people- I's like to ask a favour

PaddyMonty

PaddyMonty

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As some of you may know, I've been forced to take a break from horses due to injury. I thought I could just move on to other sports / activities and leave horse behind but not so. I seem to be constantly thinking about / missing riding. I guess 53 years in the saddle is hard to walk (or hobble) away from.
Two little problems atm. 1) I have no idea if I can still ride or to what level. 2) Majority of rides I've picked up from being on yards, word of mouth or when out competing which I no longer do.
A post on another thread from a couple of years ago made a good point.......
'The world is literally full of people who would love a competent rider to do stuff with their horse! They don't advertise as they cant be bothered with the hassle of teenagers etc but they are out there'
So here's the favor. If any one hears of someone or knows someone on their yard that could perhaps use my experience in some way please let me know.
I'm certainly not up to competing like I did before. I could possible manage a 90cm xc or 1mtr sj comp occasionally but week in week out is not going to be an option.
Really I'm thinking more of perhaps schooling a couple of times a week, exercising etc.
Type of horse is again going to be somewhat limited compared to pre injury. Horse that try to deck their rider are out. Anything else 16hh or above is a possibility.
As I said, having not sat on a horse for almost 12 months and still having some issue with my knees I really don't know what level or how often I can ride at now but have to find out for my sanity if nothing else.
All help much appreciated
 
If you are headed down for badminton I can offer you something if you just want to check your knee out, see what it might hold up to
 
I wish you were closer to Cheshire.
That's just what I need for my gentle giant. I simply don't have enough time around work to fit in enjoying time with him, and schooling him. At the moment I pay the yard staff for to do it during the week but I'd love it if it was someone who could enjoy him and could spend time with him...the yard staff are always on the clock, and while they take good care of him, they have other horses to move on to.
 
Would a notice in a tack shop work, or did you have a trainer you worked with previously who might know something? Or are any of the previous horses you rode an option? Hope you find something suitable soon - I remember your accident and how unfortunate it was.
Ets- I suggest tack shop as you can be specific about what you can offer/what you want and people have to put a bit more effort to getting in touch and so might be more suitable than say those responding to an ad on Facebook.
 
chaps89 said:
Would a notice in a tack shop work, or did you have a trainer you worked with previously who might know something? Or are any of the previous horses you rode an option? Hope you find something suitable soon - I remember your accident and how unfortunate it was.
Ets- I suggest tack shop as you can be specific about what you can offer/what you want and people have to put a bit more effort to getting in touch and so might be more suitable than say those responding to an ad on Facebook.
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I may have to resort to placing and advert but would rather atm work on word of mouth. People can sometimes be a little economical with the truth about their horse when responding to adverts. 12 months ago this wouldn't have been a problem. Now I can't really afford to take the risk of a major splat unless I have to. The horse I was riding was sold once it become clear I would be out of action for a while. The one before that is now out of action himself I believe.
 
Which bit of northampton? I think you are the other side to me. I know lots of horsey people so I'm sure I can think of someone. Unless of course you fancy the more sensible solution and want to give driving a go? Its what a lot of people turn to when they get to old or damaged to ride to the level they want. I actually prefer it to riding now. Its not all plodding round the countryside either. Driving trials are pretty full on adrenaline junkie events!

Theres always an open offer for anyone on HHO to come and have a play with Leo. He does quiet plods round the lanes if thats all you want to do, but galloping about is what we both live for!
 
I live in Kingsthorpe so Bramptons, Haddons etc would be perfect but giving that I'm no longer talking about 6 days a week I guess anywhere within 10 miles would be fine.
I have tried driving in the past and enjoyed it but not yet ready to give up the saddle unless I have to.
 
I'm MK19 and would love some help with my gelding when my bump gets too big and I have to (temporarily) hang up my boots until normal service resumes! He's only 15hh though and probably a bit far :( shame as he's an absolute angel to ride (school, hack or jump).
 
Still welcome to have a play on my mare - I'm south of Cambridge so not near enough for general riding (and I work her plenty already, it's the ponies I could use someone hacking out!), but certainly welcome to tryyour knee out. She definitely won't kill you!
 
told you before all you have to do is knock a couple of feet off your height and come and knock some sense in to my eleven hander

While you are sorting that out I will keep my ears open for you :)
 
Could I suggest volunteering at your local riding club might be a good way to get back in the loop? As a committee member of my local club I know how hard it is to find volunteers. Chatting to people at events is a great way to find the sort of thing you're after.
 
JFTD said:
Still welcome to have a play on my mare - I'm south of Cambridge so not near enough for general riding (and I work her plenty already, it's the ponies I could use someone hacking out!), but certainly welcome to tryyour knee out. She definitely won't kill you!
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I may have a gentle hack (never thought I'd say that) sorted for this weekend.
We must arrange a time for me to meet your herd. probably on my way back from sailing would be good as travel past Cambridge.
 
WelshD said:
told you before all you have to do is knock a couple of feet off your height and come and knock some sense in to my eleven hander

While you are sorting that out I will keep my ears open for you :)
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My days of knocking some sense in to any horse are now gone I fear. :p
Just to add, if it helps sweeten any deal I'm happy to teach owner on any horse I ride if wanted.
 
annagain said:
Could I suggest volunteering at your local riding club might be a good way to get back in the loop? As a committee member of my local club I know how hard it is to find volunteers. Chatting to people at events is a great way to find the sort of thing you're after.
Click to expand...

Certainly something worth considering
 
PaddyMonty said:
I live in Kingsthorpe so Bramptons, Haddons etc would be perfect but giving that I'm no longer talking about 6 days a week I guess anywhere within 10 miles would be fine.
I have tried driving in the past and enjoyed it but not yet ready to give up the saddle unless I have to.
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Not far from me then. I will have a think. There must be someone who would really appreciate you!
 
We shall stick you on the main man and he'll look after you :)

Can look like this. .......

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But currently looks like this ...
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