On a bit of a downer...

Don’t worry about it, if anything horses prefer being left to be horses with the occasional check in from their human! They’ll never be wasted as long as they’re happy.

Saus technically could be ridden (and does enjoy a few mins of walk), but it’s just not worth it and she’s happy being a field pet. Cob is ridden and does enjoy it, but I’m not doing a lot with her at the minute because I’m settling into an A-level routine, she doesn’t have a care in the world and is quite happy to have some time just being a horse! It’s good for developing a bond as well, just focussing on the nice, low-pressure ground stuff. Even my “doing stuff”, to some, would look like “wasting” a horse 😂.

Never feel guilty about not “doing things” as long as your horses are getting good care 😄
 
The only time I feel sad for horses not 'in work' are the ones on their own and/or the ones clearly not getting their needs met (poor coats, poor weight, inappropriate rugs) as I have met the odd person who seems to think if a horse isn't working for them they don't need to bother with them.

This is clearly not the case with you, your horses sound happy, respected and well cared for. I did chuckle at them watching the church goings on I don't know why but I feel it's a sign of a contented herd when they stop grazing to nosey at strange goings on.
 
Cloball said:
I did chuckle at them watching the church goings on I don't know why but I feel it's a sign of a contented herd when they stop grazing to nosey at strange goings on.
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I agree, I suppose it’s like that contented, but slightly nosey retiree down the road that likes to know what everyone’s up to (in a nice, friendly way). My girls are a fan of a spot of people-watching as well.
 
I’m glad you’ve been cheered by the other comments. I was going to ask; would your horses prefer being ridden (assuming they were healthy), by someone that only cared about prizes, in badly fitted tack and living in 24 hours a day? If that’s what being ‘doing more’ meant. No, I think they’d rather stay put, living a lovely quiet life with you. Why do humans think if it doesn’t involved a saddle it doesn’t count? That’s not aimed at you necessarily btw.

Ps if ever in doubt in future, watch Clever Cowgirl on YouTube - she has horses because she enjoys looking after them (and rescuing them from the killpen), rides some occasionally but basically just loves them. And they love her.
 
they are so lucky to have such a lovely life and a human mum who loves them and wants them to enjoy life. don't ever beat yourself up about that. my boy jay was bred to potentially be a grade A show jumper but he chose me - i was never ever going to jump more than a metre, but we have had and still have a great time - i have had him 19 years and we have been all over the place - up to aintree to STARS, done away shows, unaffiliated dressage and jumping and he is still sound at 28 and i ride him for 30 mins every day. he has reiki every week (often more than once) and we are still going out competing, not everyone is so lucky - don't beat yourself up that your guys should be doing more - they are happy and that is all that ever matters
 
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