Retirement and perspective on horses

[VictoriaSponge]

I’m musing over a comment made to me by a livery at the yard I visit to hire the outdoor school. She’s about ten years younger than me and I’m recently retired. I wouldn’t say we know each other well, but we’ve had horses in the same area for going on 20 years and have mutual connections.

I was boxing up to go home and she came over for a quick catch up. Discussing general horse stuff and I told her that I’ve been having the physio out to see Jay once a month, particularly because his straightness is not the best and I want to make sure it’s down to babyishness and not discomfort. She seemed quite dismissive of this and said I should work him though it, the issue being that “you have more time to worry about imaginary things now you’re retired; you wouldn’t have bothered about it 20 years ago”.

Although a little rude I’m not particularly bothered by her comment; I’m confident that I’m doing the right thing by my horse. But what’s true is that 20 years ago I wouldn’t have got a physio out, I likely would have worked him through it as that’s just what you did. Now if I sense an issue, I consult an army of professionals; partly because our way of thinking towards our horses’ welfare has changed; but also because I have the time and brain power to investigate these things that I didn’t have when I was working.

What’s got me thinking is that now I do have the time, that may provide an opportunity to overthink things that I would not have considered otherwise, and that’s not necessarily beneficial to our progression.

What’s the balance?

 

[Sprogladite01]

Times change and knowledge and experience grows. So of course things are done differently to 20 years ago. I don't think her comment is completely fair - we do the best we can with the information we have at the time

 

[pistolpete]

Well if the horses welfare is improved it can’t be wrong. What does concern me is the army of physios/chiros/back people who all have different opinions. Find ones that genuinely know their stuff and stick to them like glue!

 

[Alibear]

Same as above, we did the best we knew at the time, and now we know better, we do better.

 

[Jambarissa]

Wow that is next level rudeness!

Agree we just didnt have the awareness and access to help 20 years ago that we do now.

 

[Nicnac]

That comment from her would have probably elicited a sharp response from me.

I was talking about this recently with my coach. Yep 20 or 30 years ago we would rock up to a competition not really having had lessons or practiced specifically for it and the horse would probably have seen the farrier in the past 8 weeks.

Now we practice specifically for a competition, coaching, arena hire, physio/osteo with vets, equine dentists, coach(es), possibly nutritional input and so on. Times have changed.

 

[splashgirl45]

Why shouldn’t we do the best we can for our horses, I wouldn’t have thought of a physio 20 years ago, I did always get my saddle fitted to my horse but didn’t have it checked every year, I just thought once it was fitted that was ok. I now know that’s not the case and some saddles on my old photos are definitely not right but I did the best I could with the knowledge I had. This young person is talking like we did all those years ago when we knew no better.. also what she intimated about a retired person having more time to worry came across as rather rude to me

 

[palo1]

That comment from her would have probably elicited a sharp response from me.

I was talking about this recently with my coach. Yep 20 or 30 years ago we would rock up to a competition not really having had lessons or practiced specifically for it and the horse would probably have seen the farrier in the past 8 weeks.

Now we practice specifically for a competition, coaching, arena hire, physio/osteo with vets, equine dentists, coach(es), possibly nutritional input and so on. Times have changed.

So much has changed! I do think 20 or 30 years ago perhaps some people's general preparedness was greater; I see some quite fragile horsemanship where every single clinic or competition is a huge deal needing masses of prep/support. But we do listen to horses a bit better on the whole I think and that is a good thing, particularly because horses, their breeding and production seem to be so much less robust and we ask a great deal of horses that are perhaps not so well suited to the ask we make of them. I dunno, it is all so different now; it's very hard to know what is what sometimes...

 

[Nicnac]

@palo1 Agree. I was talking about me rocking up without preparing not in general, but I do think people are better prepared now and the horse's benefit from better care (although with all the awful abuse stories around again that's probably a moot point).

As to the retired comment received by the OP it was just rude. Personally I worry less now I have more time as I can get what's needed booked in and be there rather than having to juggle my diary and work life.

 

[palo1]

@palo1 Agree. I was talking about me rocking up without preparing not in general, but I do think people are better prepared now and the horse's benefit from better care (although with all the awful abuse stories around again that's probably a moot point).

As to the retired comment received by the OP it was just rude. Personally I worry less now I have more time as I can get what's needed booked in and be there rather than having to juggle my diary and work life.

Yes It is interesting though isn't it? 20 years ago I felt quite responsible for prep for a competition; I would have some lessons beforehand but they were not especially specific and I knew that basically it was up to me to know what was needed. Jumping under about 2'3 (old money!) /70cm was just part of general riding and most people who wanted to jump wanted help above that height. Same with Prelim dressage. I think more people understood the basics if you see what I mean? But I also think, to a degree that we have been duped into neediness, losing our sense of confidence to a degree; we are routinely told that there are experts we must have for every aspect of horse care and so, our responsibility is diminished, along with knowledge and confidence. I don't like that and I think it might breed a degree of laziness in our horsemanship, as well as making it so much less accessible and sustainable financially. That in turn makes us less happy as we struggle to maintain all the external support and actually only learn what others want us to/choose to share. I don't want to diss those folks that really help horses at all but it doesn't always seem to me that the legion of experts, conflicting methods, approaches etc are without some cost in our autonomy and ability to help our own horses, that we should know best. But I am sooo grateful for improved Veterinary, dental and farriery knowledge these days!!

 

[ihatework]

Leaving the rudeness of your acquaintance aside (!) I think the question you pose is a very valid one.

There is a balance to be had and knowing where that point is, is often very difficult.

For sure we have so much more knowledge on horse behaviours and access to supportive care etc, which we must make use of.

There are plenty of people guilty of cracking on regardless at the detriment of the horse.

BUT there are also plenty of overthinkers who look to find something wrong to excuse/compensate for their lack of horsemanship when what the horse really needs is to be managed and ridden better.

 

[SantaVera]

Agree with ihatework sometimes we do overthink and throw money at a problem that a few weeks in the field ir conversely more exercise would cure.

 

[gallopingby]

Interesting comments and l agree times have changed some things for the better others less so …..but… twenty years ago or even thirty or forty there were more people around who had a far better understanding of horses/ horsemanship than many people today. The old stud grooms were on the whole very experienced who worked a ‘way of life’ information was passed down from one generation to the next and a much was learnt as a matter of course. These days more people are in a position to buy a horse and keep it at livery on either a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ yard where countless people will happily ‘advise’ them on how to solve whatever problem they may or may not have,often suggesting a quick fix so that they don’t ‘waste’ time / money or the chance to be out competing. Sometimes time or wait and see is a better option.

 

[lynz88]

Much has changed even in the last 10-15 years. I never "bought" the idea on physio but now having done it for so long with mine and also me, I recommend it to anyone and everyone and my understanding of joints and muscles is growing exponentially. One thing hasn't changed for me though, and that's taking a bit more of a "wait and see" approach vs hitting the red panic button immediately unless warranted. My vet tends to take the same approach.

 

[Goldenstar]

Well it appears people manners have not improved.
What an appallingly rude thing to say .

 

[Lady Jane]

Same as above, we did the best we knew at the time, and now we know better, we do better.

Exactly this. Now I'm retired I do have more time to research & read - and check the provenance of what I read before I take action.

@VictoriaSponge I suspect the green eyed monster raised its head - your friend simply doesn't have the time (and maybe the money) to care for her horse as you do

 

[honetpot]

I am retired, and I worry less. I would say years of experience makes you pick up things sooner, but I always amazed that people think that because your older you have lost perspective on a situation. I often appear very laid back about things but it doesn't mean I haven't thought things through, in fact I am usually thinking one step ahead, and horse management wise six months in advance.
Not surprised about the comment unfortuately, it shows ignorance.

 

[VictoriaSponge]

Thanks all, some interesting thoughts.

Times change and knowledge and experience grows. So of course things are done differently to 20 years ago. I don't think her comment is completely fair - we do the best we can with the information we have at the time

Absolutely this.

Leaving the rudeness of your acquaintance aside (!) I think the question you pose is a very valid one.

There is a balance to be had and knowing where that point is, is often very difficult.

For sure we have so much more knowledge on horse behaviours and access to supportive care etc, which we must make use of.

There are plenty of people guilty of cracking on regardless at the detriment of the horse.

BUT there are also plenty of overthinkers who look to find something wrong to excuse/compensate for their lack of horsemanship when what the horse really needs is to be managed and ridden better.

I think this is what got me about her comment. Although a very crude way of saying it, I do get where she was coming from; I’ve probably just been put off kilter by the rudeness of it which was quite unexpected. I suppose one benefit of being retired is that I’ve had enough years of experience to know when to trust my gut and ask for professional help, and to not overthink it and crack on otherwise.

I guess the key is to stay open minded to all the “tools” available to us now but not forget the basis of the traditional horsemanship that many of us grew up with.

 

[lme]

I agree that we know more now. 30 years ago, my horses didn't have regular saddle checks or physio, only really saw the vet for vaccinations or injuries, were shod as soon as they came into work and were not allowed to 'get away' with refusing to do something. Now my horses have regular physio, saddle checks every few months, have regular input from specialist vets, don't wear shoes unless needed and are very much allowed to express their opinions.

 

[nikkimariet]

My most detested remark a person can make is ‘in my day’. Well it’s not your day now is it? We have innovated, modernised and yes, idealised, certain situations and protocols (explicit and implicit). Times change. You try and stand still and you will end up moving backwards. Because the world keeps on turning.

I’m of two minds about it. There are plenty of people in the horse world who know there is an issue and choose to bury their head in the sand about it. Similarly, those who are aware that there is an alternative (be it bit, saddle, girth, feed etc) and still choose to continue down the same old path that is giving them the same old undesirable results.

People who promise to get their saddle checked. Don’t. People who promise to get the edt out. Don’t. People who promise to book in a physio session. Don’t. People who promise to feed their horse more/less. Don’t. All the while complaining their horse ‘won’t’ do XYZ. Or how hard XYZ is.

I’m not sure if it’s solely ignorance or a general loathing to spend money when it is needed, but either way it makes me want to skydive without the parachute.

And then you have those that feed 25,000 supplements and claim the moon and stars must be aligned for dear Daisy to ‘choose’ whether she wants to be groomed or worked that day and over complicate every single process involved with basic horsemanship.

I’d rather deal with a whitterer who worries about death over a hair in the wrong direction than ignorance is bliss, neither situation is the ideal and we all mostly like to think we are right. To a certain degree anyway.

Yet even in my youth our horses had regular saddle/physio/shoeing/joint supplements/whatever. Competing seasons were carefully planned out to avoid overworking and exercise was all round to include fun stuff away from whatever discipline hacking/beach trips etc. They went to the vet when needed and bills were never crowdfunded.

Some small things have changed management wise (ie I keep my horses barefoot now) and I have more knowledge surrounding stabling/turnout and my personal views have changed on what I admire and what I can accept.

 

[humblepie]

Gosh 20 years ago - there were people such as equine physios and dentists - she makes it sound like it was centuries ago, and even back in the 70s we had a dentist. We fed straight feeds but these were worked out for the particular pony and they would have had the winter off jumping as very few indoor arenas. I have a lovely little pair of brushing boots specially made for a 12 hand jumping pony probably very early 70s with velcro attachments, which was the first time the local saddler had used it. As with most things, it is trying to take the good from "old fashioned" practices and what the true horseman or women knew and the good things from modern practices.

 

[palo1]

Gosh 20 years ago - there were people such as equine physios and dentists - she makes it sound like it was centuries ago, and even back in the 70s we had a dentist. We fed straight feeds but these were worked out for the particular pony and they would have had the winter off jumping as very few indoor arenas. I have a lovely little pair of brushing boots specially made for a 12 hand jumping pony probably very early 70s with velcro attachments, which was the first time the local saddler had used it. As with most things, it is trying to take the good from "old fashioned" practices and what the true horseman or women knew and the good things from modern practices.

This!

 

[tristars]

I have not been to a competition for 30 years, but we did have ,most of the input, chiros, back people, dentist, very regular farrier vet, a friend is a saddle maker etc

If a horse is not straight it is usually a development thing, they have not reached the point in training when they can relax enough through the strong side to bend and be supple and built up enough on the weak side to stretch it, I go through this all the time, I will not try to work a horse till it is straight because if you do it can get worse, every work session involves starting with achieving relaxation into a long rein, then focusing on keeping straight and correct bends, then moving on to other work,

Hope you don't think i am rude too, just saying a big part is the sheer patience and effort needed and has nothing to do with overthinking or pushing them through something, yes there is a time to ask for more, but sure you will feel
When the time is right

Thinking about what you do with the horse is a big thing for me,

 

[VictoriaSponge]

I’m of two minds about it. There are plenty of people in the horse world who know there is an issue and choose to bury their head in the sand about it. Similarly, those who are aware that there is an alternative (be it bit, saddle, girth, feed etc) and still choose to continue down the same old path that is giving them the same old undesirable results.

People who promise to get their saddle checked. Don’t. People who promise to get the edt out. Don’t. People who promise to book in a physio session. Don’t. People who promise to feed their horse more/less. Don’t. All the while complaining their horse ‘won’t’ do XYZ. Or how hard XYZ is.

And then you have those that feed 25,000 supplements and claim the moon and stars must be aligned for dear Daisy to ‘choose’ whether she wants to be groomed or worked that day and over complicate every single process involved with basic horsemanship.

I very much agree with this; ignorance is bliss does seem to be a mantra for too many in the horse world.

If a horse is not straight it is usually a development thing, they have not reached the point in training when they can relax enough through the strong side to bend and be supple and built up enough on the weak side to stretch it, I go through this all the time, I will not try to work a horse till it is straight because if you do it can get worse, every work session involves starting with achieving relaxation into a long rein, then focusing on keeping straight and correct bends, then moving on to other work,

Hope you don't think i am rude too, just saying a big part is the sheer patience and effort needed and has nothing to do with overthinking or pushing them through something, yes there is a time to ask for more, but sure you will feel
When the time is right

Not at all; working through it may well be the correct option and for the most part what I’m doing, just with the input of a professional. It was the implication that the physio is involved because I have nothing better to do with my time that irked me! Horse isn’t massively wonky, it’s not really noticeable from the ground and for a 6yr old IDx it’s to be expected. I’d like to aim him at the bigger qualifiers next season and I wouldn’t be happy to have a judge sit on him atm as although minor, straightness is a basic thing to be expected.

Gosh 20 years ago - there were people such as equine physios and dentists - she makes it sound like it was centuries ago, and even back in the 70s we had a dentist. We fed straight feeds but these were worked out for the particular pony and they would have had the winter off jumping as very few indoor arenas. I have a lovely little pair of brushing boots specially made for a 12 hand jumping pony probably very early 70s with velcro attachments, which was the first time the local saddler had used it. As with most things, it is trying to take the good from "old fashioned" practices and what the true horseman or women knew and the good things from modern practices.

We’ll quite! I think she may have been coming from the angle that 20 years ago I was employed with three small boys and had less time for such “advancements”. Who knows?