Not a very important decision…….

JoBo

JoBo

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But I’m bored, so I need you to help me decide what horse I should take to my Riding Club’s Spring Ride on Wednesday (will be a few hours with possible jumping but never been on it before so don’t really know what to expect).

So Bodey (my coloured cob, see sig):
Pro’s:
I know him inside out and back to front and know he won’t put a foot wrong but will be fun. Great in company.
He has a fab jump and can jump anything up to 2ft9 safely (but see saddle con below).
He is more my size (as oppose to pony squashing).

Con’s
I have no GP or Jumping saddle at the mo as the git has got wider again, so would have to go in my dressage saddle.
He had treatment on his back last week (due to tight saddle even though it was check a few months back, he has just grown again), and is fine for gentle riding now but I’m not riding him until Tuesday.
He has to wear a nose net for the midges (not that this is really a problem).

Or Badger (the Fjord, see my sig):
Pro’s
Badger has a fab comfy saddle.
It would be great experience for him to get out and be a big boy all on his own (he has only been out once on his own without Bodey).
I think Badger would love it.

Con
Badger isn’t a natural jumper and 2ft ish would be his max.
Badger might find it quite exciting (however it would only be for the first 5 minutes).
I’m by no means big for Badger as he easily take my weight but he is a pony. Don’t want to be called a pony squasher.
Badger has only been in the box once on his own, however he was fine last time, so think he would be ok.
Badger isn’t as fit as Bodey.

So which one should I take, and I promise I will keep to what you guys say!?!?
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I vote Badger, just as it will be good for him, and you will be frustrated on Bodey in a dressage saddle, as I guess you can't jump like he usually does in a dressage saddle.
 
Badger. As much as I can understand you wanting to take Bodey - quite simply it wouldn't be fair on him. And Badger could do with the experience......
 
Oh you don’t have to steal a ride, you are more then welcome to come and ride him anytime you like, but I warn you he is well and truly in plod mode since Mum has been back, bless him.
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I got to the bottom in order to provide you with my considered opnion, then got the two Bs mixed up
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Badger, with the qualifier that he's unfit, so you might have to come home early
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Badger. As much as I can understand you wanting to take Bodey - quite simply it wouldn't be fair on him. And Badger could do with the experience......

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Yeah you are so right, I suppose I just enjoy Bodey more, just because he is more agile and stuff. But will be good for Badger, and I know I will have fun on him! Really looking forward to it!
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Badger, with the qualifier that he's unfit, so you might have to come home early

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Well he isn’t really unfit, he did managed a 2 ½ hour sponsored ride a few weeks back (I was on Bodey, friend on Badger), so think he will be fine. He just isn’t worked as hard as Bodey, but I still ride him a few times a week, with Mum riding about 4 times a week (she only walks and trots).
 
I think Badger has earned his stripes for this.....he deserves the challenge!

If you get him out and about and he proves himself to be the gem that we all know he is, then I'm sure your mum would join you and Bodey on a few rides soon.

Be a great experience for him. You'd be compromising to take Bodey due to the saddle, so it wouldn't be as much fun for you as riding him on a ride normally would.
 
I say Badger too!! I think you'll have a lovely time and will be a great day out for him! (and more comfy for you saddle wise!)
 
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Badger, with the qualifier that he's unfit, so you might have to come home early

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Well he isn’t really unfit, he did managed a 2 ½ hour sponsored ride a few weeks back (I was on Bodey, friend on Badger), so think he will be fine. He just isn’t worked as hard as Bodey, but I still ride him a few times a week, with Mum riding about 4 times a week (she only walks and trots).

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Ah well, in that case, the qualifier is removed - go squish!
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Thanks Patches, I would love to think Mum would be able to do these kind of rides with me but I know in my heart that she ever will be able to unfortunately because of her Alzheimer’s. It’s so hard to think she is only going to get worse not better. A W/T test is in a controlled environment but this kind of ride is completely different, she just wouldn’t be able to cope with the nerves and other horses no matter how good Badger was. Sorry gone on a bit there, haven’t I?
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But yes it’s great experience for Badger, so that’s made my mind up he is going.
 
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Thanks Patches, I would love to think Mum would be able to do these kind of rides with me but I know in my heart that she ever will be able to unfortunately because of her Alzheimer’s. It’s so hard to think she is only going to get worse not better. A W/T test is in a controlled environment but this kind of ride is completely different, she just wouldn’t be able to cope with the nerves and other horses no matter how good Badger was. Sorry gone on a bit there, haven’t I?
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But yes it’s great experience for Badger, so that’s made my mind up he is going.

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Plus i can walk/run for 4 mins with her on lead rein to do a W/T test but I'm not walking round a sponsored ride, especially as i know she'd want to do some trotting!!!
 
Oh totally, don’t you worry about that. I’m going on my own so will have to be on horse back photos. Unfortunately _Gina_ (my sis) isn’t a member of this riding club.
 
Im sure you have read up about and know a lot about Alzheimer’s. But My gran has this horried diease and now cant tell you who I am but can beat me at a game of cards every time. The doc said they hold onto there memory for there passion and my gran has played cards all her life with friends etc. So maybe your mum will always remember how to ride even if it becomes harder for her. My gran also loves coming to the yard and petting the horses - I wish you and your mum all the luck in the world
 
Thank you wind, Alzheimer’s is a horrid but strange thing isn’t it. Mum remembers things that are important to her very well (she is constantly talking about her 2nd and rosette at the W/T dressage a few weeks back), but can’t remember every day things, like making tea. She has ridden all her life (rode our big 16’3hh ID, jumping, dressage etc.) but now can only walk and trot on Badger (who is basically a riding school pony). She loves him and riding very, very much though (she says it’s her life) so going to keep her riding for as long as possible!!!!!!! I took her for a lovely plod around the block earlier.
 
Another vote for Badger!!

It would be a shame to undo Bodey's back treatment. And hacking in a dressage saddle would be torture (well, it would for me!!!)
 
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