struggling to get back into the horse world

[lazycat]

Having been miserable and horseless for five years, I began looking to buy a few months ago (I particularly owe thanks to ester, spring arising and flying circus for helping me out) but after I realistically assessed just how much university work I have to do in my final year at Cambridge and money issues cropping up left and right, I realised I can't own again until I'm on my feet with a steady income.

Now it feels like I'm trapped in a long period of stagnation and that my previous experience is being undone. I used to ride and do the horses everyday but the longer I spend out of contact with it all, the rustier I'm becoming.

'So get proactive!' you might think. I'm trying. The share horses I trialled aren't suitable (without going into too much detail these were usually owner issues rather than a problem with the horse) but I'm still looking. I went to have a riding lesson today and it's just worlds away from what I love about riding: freedom and connection. I have social anxiety on top of other MH issues and I find the group lesson dynamic incredibly stressful but private lessons cost as much as I used to pay for DIY livery! I think this is the best option I have at the moment though.

I probably sound like a whiner but I'm looking for some encouragement from other people who have been in my position before. Did anyone else have horses when they were young and then struggled to find a way back into it in their 20s?

 

[honetpot]

I am on the committee of a small riding club outside Cambridge we cater for people who are just trying things out and because we are low key our lessons, we use the instructors the other clubs use, we have more space and less pressure.
I know you haven’t got a ride now but please come down and introduce yourself. The club field is not far from the guided bus and we are always after helpers. Our next event is gymkanna and clear round.

I know what you mean about being in the outside of things. I moved house not far away but just far enough so I know no one and as I am not at livery unlikely to meet many people. I would have helped at PC but it would be strange as I no longer have children going.
The riding club has got me doing things again and even though I have been in hospital I am thinking about the next event.
You might make contacts or find out about people wanting to share.
I think horse give a rhythm to your life, they make you want to go outside when it’s cold and wet.
Cambridge is difficult because everything is so expensive but there are some schools with a good reputation. I wonder if there are any I know of that are not on your list

 

[lazycat]

Thank you so much for extending the invitation to visit. I'll PM you

 

[ester]

is that over RC HP?

OP I sent my oldie back 'home' to my parents so we could be particular about his care when I moved from wilts to cambridge for work autumn 2016. I've managed to keep my hand in with a couple of localish friends (all hhoers or ex hhoers!) but it's still been a massive change. I also currently carry more weight than I think most RS set ups would allow - hoping dropping medication will drop that again but agree it's not going to be the same going down that route either.
I've currently immersed myself in other exercise, joined a cycling group and DIY lol.

 

[lazycat]

is that over RC HP?

OP I sent my oldie back 'home' to my parents so we could be particular about his care when I moved from wilts to cambridge for work autumn 2016. I've managed to keep my hand in with a couple of localish friends (all hhoers or ex hhoers!) but it's still been a massive change. I also currently carry more weight than I think most RS set ups would allow - hoping dropping medication will drop that again but agree it's not going to be the same going down that route either.
I've currently immersed myself in other exercise, joined a cycling group and DIY lol.

Yes, I remember you telling me about your golden oldie! I empathise with you a lot in terms of the change.

I do think I need to pick up exercise again. It's been difficult with my mental health recently and I stopped going to the gym... riding 'standing' trot today for half an hour on the lunge was an... interesting change from sedentry desk life

 

[honetpot]

Yes it’s Over, still going after 30+ years. My daughters were members when they were about six and seven.
We have a go Le Trec, if your a member a free tack sale and regular lessons at the club field.
We are really lucky as we get lots of support from local businesses, so we try to keep costs down.
We no longer have a web site and we do everything by Facebook . It NewODRC

 

[Courbette]

I've found this to some degree. I also has a 5 year break and started riding again early last year in my early 30's. I've not found it hard finding places to ride, it is more getting to do the type of riding I enjoy. I love dressage want to brush up on my lateral work and so far have not been able to find anywhere suitable to do this. I took on a lovely part loan but there have been teething issues and I am quite limited in what I can do with him.

I'm going back to University this Sept so am considering writing a 'wishlist' of horsey things I have always wanted to try and maybe concentrating on having some fun with less time pressure for a bit. I'm a bit concerned about losing the 1:1 bond with a horse and I enjoy doing all the stable jobs etc but this way I have more freedom over my time and money and by going for quality over quantity can try and cross a few things of the bucket list.

I also had big aspirations about getting fit this year too. I joined an equine pilates group, had an assessment and then so many people dropped out it got cancelled before my first proper session

 

[ester]

I am on the FB page just not managed anything yet! I may have actually asked you that before must try harder even if just to provide some help . Though probably also wonder if I start missing it more then!

lazycat I'm too attached to my routine not to gym, that and my body falls apart if I don't but I do understand your struggles too.

 

[honetpot]

I have got to the point that I can talk myself out of anything.
I had all mine revaccinated so I could do a bit of unhand showing, but never got around to it, now I am not able to do much that’s not likely to happen.
I think if you are at uni or have a job it is really difficult to fit things in.
I think in one of the villages they have a club and do horse share so you only commit to so many days a week

 

[Jill's Gym Karma]

You won't get to ride, but if you just want to be around horses again, why not look into RDA volunteering in your area. Experienced, competent horsey people make great helpers, and an RDA set-up should be understanding and supportive with mental health issues. Volunteering always looks good on a CV and you'll probably meet a much wider range of people than at uni.

 

[ester]

I have got to the point that I can talk myself out of anything.
I had all mine revaccinated so I could do a bit of unhand showing, but never got around to it, now I am not able to do much that’s not likely to happen.
I think if you are at uni or have a job it is really difficult to fit things in.
I think in one of the villages they have a club and do horse share so you only commit to so many days a week

I have a vague feeling that is burwell way, I have definitely seen them mention it a few times.

 

[lazycat]

I am going to visit a charity next week with talk of volunteering and maybe a share on one of their ridden rescue cobs. Very excited.

 

[sport horse]

Go to the Riding Club and get to know people. You may strike lucky and meet someone who would be glad for some help exercising their horse?