Orangehorse
Well-Known Member
My horse is 24, I still ride him once or twice a week and he seems reasonably keen to go out. He doesn't move when I approach with the saddle, but he is a fidget when putting on his high-viz wraps and knee boots - but then he always has been to some extent. He will paw the ground when I try to put on his one knee boot.
We don't go very fast, or very far - which is the problem. I am bored stiff with going the same, short rides. I remember with fondness of our long rides over bridlepaths either by ourselves or in company and we would box up and go out to more interesting and pleasant riding. I think "is this it?" I could go to a riding school about 15 miles away that does regular rides out and pub rides and they over lovely countryside and have a few canters - but it is a bit expensive to do it regularly. Also there is the time/energy factor for me. I say that it is toss-up to who lasts the longest, him or me.
I have had some nice rides recently but if we come to a steep hill he stops half way up and wants a rest. Then he restarts OK. He has also slightly caught a toe - I have decided that if he had a bad trip, threatens to fall then that would be it, although my physio says I should lunge him before riding to warm him up but that is a bit easier said than done in my set-up. He isn't a complete crock - he nearly had me off the last but one ride when he shied and tried to run off at something the other side of the hedge and he goes along with his ears pricked and is interested in everything. So it seems terribly mean to stop riding while he is still enjoying it and is safe to ride.
If I did stop riding I would have his shoes off (probably immediately get an abscess), but he would still need a trim. I might sell a bit of tack and a rug or two but it isn't going to make any difference to how he is fed and looked after. I know my OH would think, if he didn't say, that if he can't be sold or ridden then why keep him .................. (but then he is a farmer).
I was shocked at myself when I thought earlier this week "should I retire him." I have never even thought about it before.
We don't go very fast, or very far - which is the problem. I am bored stiff with going the same, short rides. I remember with fondness of our long rides over bridlepaths either by ourselves or in company and we would box up and go out to more interesting and pleasant riding. I think "is this it?" I could go to a riding school about 15 miles away that does regular rides out and pub rides and they over lovely countryside and have a few canters - but it is a bit expensive to do it regularly. Also there is the time/energy factor for me. I say that it is toss-up to who lasts the longest, him or me.
I have had some nice rides recently but if we come to a steep hill he stops half way up and wants a rest. Then he restarts OK. He has also slightly caught a toe - I have decided that if he had a bad trip, threatens to fall then that would be it, although my physio says I should lunge him before riding to warm him up but that is a bit easier said than done in my set-up. He isn't a complete crock - he nearly had me off the last but one ride when he shied and tried to run off at something the other side of the hedge and he goes along with his ears pricked and is interested in everything. So it seems terribly mean to stop riding while he is still enjoying it and is safe to ride.
If I did stop riding I would have his shoes off (probably immediately get an abscess), but he would still need a trim. I might sell a bit of tack and a rug or two but it isn't going to make any difference to how he is fed and looked after. I know my OH would think, if he didn't say, that if he can't be sold or ridden then why keep him .................. (but then he is a farmer).
I was shocked at myself when I thought earlier this week "should I retire him." I have never even thought about it before.
