not ready for sharer?

[UKa]

Hi, I feel like getting rid of some awkward feelings here - ok, I have decided to advertise for a share on my girl as I am 5 1/2 months pregnant and only so long will i be able to carry on riding her as much as I do now.
Now I had someone up who seemed really nice and lives nearby and has offered a lot of help but I am not sure if I can handle a sharer again, having got used to doing all the way I want it done and having the horse when I want. I was a bit terrified by possibly being pushed over by a slightly confident person and end up giving away too much of my freedom when all i wanted is someone for a couple of days a week to ride her and maybe take on the odd extra day during the time when I am unable to do much after childbirth. Am I being unreasonable? Or maybe should i trust my gut feeling and see other people first before making decision?Sometimes I wish life would have just continued as before. Sorry about the rant ...advice on the horse share appreciated if this makes sense ...

 

[PinkFairy]

Think you could follow the golden rule - dont fall for the first one you see! LOL, bear her in mind but take a look at other people as well, to be fair. You could find someone closer to what you are looking for who isn't too pushy

 

[Broodle]

Having heard so many tales of unhappy shares, I'd say you can't be too fussy/careful so don't feel bad about looking around a bit before making an agreement. There are plenty of easy-going flexible people out there who will fit in with you (you just have to find one!).

 

[the watcher]

I think you have plenty of time to decide. I did my horses myself up until delivery day, with a friend coming over a couple of evenings a week, but to ride, not to help.
I paid for somebody to do them for a couple of weeks after the birth then I was back to it. When I returned to work I recruited a horsey au-pair who did the horses on my terms

 

[UKa]

Thanks, all, these thoughts are much appreciated indeed. And I like what you say, Watcher, because I am hoping to be able to go a similar routine but then you never know. Hubby is also very keen that I get someone as he feels it would help financially at least to build up a safety net for the odd vet bill should one come up – all financial contributions will be saved for horsey on this deal. Personally I could do without the stress of finding someone but I think I will wait for some more applications and to listen to my gut feeling very closely, last thing I want is to having to stress about the horse while I am pregnant/ with newborn. I have a very good friend at the yard who has promised to help me out only she cant ride herself due to injury but I am planning to do lots of work from the ground later on it has done wonders before to my girl also hubby has started picking up some of the duties, at last! Thanks for this, I will take it all in my stride.

 

[Como]

Hi I posted a very similar post a couple of weeks ago. The responses were very helpful and helped my make up my mind not to get a sharer (at least for the time being). Search for the thread 'pregnant- horse dilemma'. I do have a friend that rides my horse a couple of times a week, but I am going to ride as long as I can and then give him a holiday over the summer as baby is due August. I hope to be riding as soon as possible after the birth. Good luck - your horse may enjoy a holiday this summer, mine always comes back from a grass holiday relaxed and even more of a pleasure to own. My situation may be different as he is on full livery.

 

[ClaireH78]

Not quite the same situation but I broke my leg badly and knew I would be out of the saddle for at least 4 months.

I debated whether to find someone to ride whilst I couldn't and help with him but in the end decided against it. I didn't want anyone "taking over". In the end he has had the time off work and has got a bit fat but is happy. I was very lucky to have a supportive network at the yard to help with the daily chores (although he is on 5 day livery).

 

[UKa]

Thanks Como, I will try and find your thread, it is so difficult isnt it. I think this is all worth considering and I think a few weeks off wont harm the horse especially as it will be springtime with more turnout I think I dont want to rush into anything despite pressure from other half

thanks for this! and good luck to you that all your baby and horse plans work out!!!