Share or lessons? Please help me decide!

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Broodle

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Hello All,

As some of you may know, I returned to riding about 2 years ago after a long break. I had a wonderful share arrangement for the first year and had regular lessons after that when I moved across the country. I have now moved again (but for the last time - phew!
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) and really don't know what to do. I would love another share, but am worried that I won't be able to offer an owner much in the way of time because of my work commitments. Also, I know that my riding would benefit from some more lessons.

Pros and cons...

Share:

I really really miss having that one-to-one relationship with a horse/pony and also (perhaps oddly
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) miss the stable duties etc. I also desperately miss pottering about the countryside and get far more pleasure from this than I do from schooling etc. BUT, I could probably only offer one evening during the week and one day at weekends because of work/transport issues - would an owner really take me on if I can offer so little do you think? I am very happy to contribute financially and do chores etc.

Lessons:

Before my most recent move I was having regular lessons and felt that I was really improving. Before that I rode like the undisciplined teenager I was when I gave up many moons ago, and I think I still have so much to (re)learn. I know that I would benefit from more lessons but it is really hard to get enthused about loping round in endless circles being shouted at by scary ladies...

I should say that if I did look for a share then I would book in for a few lessons first as I've had a few months out of the saddle because of the move etc. Wouldn't want to disgrace myself (any more than is strictly necessary) when trying out potential share horses...

What shall I do?! I am the world's worst decision-maker and am always dithering... Argh! All opinions gratefully received.

Mince pies to all that made it this far
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Kate x
 
Was just going to say that there are many types of sharing so don't be put off if you can only offer 1/2 days. I have a uni student that only rides on a friday whilst I am working. She doesn't pay but does my stable chores so saves me money. This suits us both - I like being the main rider but she also has lessons with my instructor.My horse benefits and she has other commitments but keeps her hand in. Maybe you could also have lessons on your shared horse?
 
How about getting a share and joining a riding club, i find i really enjoy riding cub training sessions and i back it up with a few private lessons, works out cheeper and keeps me and my loan horse busy and working towards something.
Good luck with whatever you choose
x
 
Thanks for all your thoughts.

Chocolate Log - I could afford to do both money-wise, but am limited time wise atm sadly.

Cavalo and Minerva - That's an interesting idea about doing RC/having lessons on a share horse. I had assumed that owners would be anti this, especially as I can offer so little time, but I guess I need to keep an open mind. I just really don't want to take advantage of anyone's good nature.
 
Finding the right share horse for you could take some time, I'd get yourself back into lessons and start looking for the right share horse, if the right one comes up then you can stop the lessons at that point.
 
Start having lessons with a decent instructor, and keep your eyes open for a share horse. To be honest, some people would be delighted to have financial contribution from someone who only wanted to ride a few days a week!
 
Burtie - That sounds like the sort of excellent advice my mum would hand out - thank you! Why can I never come to these conclusions by myself??!
 
i have some who only helps me 1 or 2days per week and she gets to go to RC rallies/lesson or i'll teach her. I personnel don't see this as a problem and all my person pays is for diesel/lesson and comps
I personnel like arrangement cos i don't want sharer, I want help.
She helps me out went see can and also i can arrange with her to go away and she'll do horse for me brilliant
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, or she will groom for me aswell. So if your committed, folks will be very gratefull for your help in exchange for rides
 
thx but this arrangement works for me and i'm on my third helper - i'm a fussy so and so but i also think i'm nice aswell
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If keen why don't you put advert up in local tack shop, plus if you look on BHS website under RC and look for your local RC clubs, then email secretary you never know what's out there
 
Why don't you start with riding lessons at a good riding school and if you do miss the mucking out etc im sure they would appreciate a little help on a morning or afternoon around the yard. This way you may also earn yourself a free ride! You could always put up ads in tack/feed shops looking for work for rides on a weekend or set days through the week?!
 
Thanks Rochelle. If I can find a nice RS then offering to help out could indeed be a good option for the short term. Just need to get my a** in gear - lol!
 
Get christmas out of the way and then make it a goal for next year!! By the end of 2008 you may even have your own horse!! Good luck
 
Have a good look around!

It took me a long time to find the right share for me. Horse is exactly what I'd chose if I were to buy one and his owner is happy for me to go up 3/4 times one week but not at all or once the next week as life smetimes races by.

Any day I go up is a bonus as I do chores while I'm there so she gets a night off. I don't pay anything (just my petrol!) But I have free rein with him and she has someone she can call if she's late from work or going away.

It wirks for us - I hope you can find soemthing similar x
 
I'd look for a share. Some people may well be happy to share on the basis of once or twice a week. I used to exercise a horse once a week. It was a great arrangement.
I don't think your heart is in schooling/lessons so I think sharing is for you.
 
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