Should I just ask?

[hobnob]

A few years ago I used to ride regularly with my friend who keeps her horses (2 that can be ridden, 1 pony) in a field near her house (I rode her horses). Said friend has since moved away to college, so I don't see her very often any more, though she comes home most weekends. We were talking recently and she was saying about how her horses don't get ridden very often. I am wondering whether to offer to ride them for her? But I feel rude/pushy?!!!

Im currently doing an equine course at a nearby college, and I'm more confident in my riding now due to this (but said friend says I ride well). I would be happy to ride one of her 2 horses (one more suitable for a novice - the other can be strong and nappy). Their house and nearby field is within walking distance from my house (I don't yet drive) and of course I would be happy to poo-pick, groom and feed as necessary to help her parents out, as well as contributing financially. I would be able to help most week days (5/7).

(Sorry about the waffling!! )

I'm just worried because the field is pretty isolated so I wouldn't like to be there in the dark (but my boyfriend would probably come as he lives 5 mins from field). She doesn't have a school so I would be riding in a small paddock which is fine. Her hacking means crossing a very busy main road, but I could have someone walk out with me or ride with a friend who keeps her pony nearby. Also worried incase something happens (injuries, etc), or if I fall (another reason why I wouldnt want to be alone there). Would you reccommend insurance? and how much would this be?

Have never done this before, so probably fussing more than necessary.... But just feel like I would be interfering maybe? Maybe its just me hahaa.

 

[Brandy]

If you don;t ask you won't get!!

Maybe you cuold start out by going at weekends in the daylight, poo picking and riding. You will struggle at this time of year to do anythign much in the dark, and will probably not be able to ride int he field if it is anythign like mine at the moment!

Say to friend that you are open to suggestions and come up with an agreement.

You can join the BHS and get thrid party insurance that way.

 

[Paddy Irish]

I don't see any harm in asking , after all she may be glad that someone is there from time to time keeping an eye on things , you could ride out together at weekends when she's home at first so that she is happy that you are ok with the horses ... i think it could really work , but you'll never know if you don't ask and she can always say no .. you could drop an xmas card through the door just to break the ice and just say that if she's looking for any help with the horses you're looking for some riding / stable work in your area. good luck x

 

[LaurenBay]

If you don't ask, you don't get!

She maybe really happy for some extra help.

 

[hobnob]

I shall ask

Fingers crossed she doesn't say no!

 

[Sherbie]

I think you friend may be glad of the help, and especially considering she actually knows you. You never know she may be thinking the same but not sure whether to ask you or not. It sounds as if you have thought this through enough too, you have kinda answered your own questions as to the hacking and going to the yard in the dark lol. I agree with Brandy get your BHS membership and you will have some insurance covered with that.

Go for it, just ask!

 

[mszig]

Def worth asking, maybe she was hinting by saying they don't get ridden very often but didn't feel she could ask you.

 

[mulledwhine]

If you don't ask you don't get I offered to help my ex sister in law and 2 months after, she gave him to me as could not cope with his wacky ways