Taking horse to college - anyone any experience of this?

[cem]

My daughter is starting an Equine course in September and planning to take her horse to college with her on a half livery arrangement where it will be ridden mainly by her but also for a specified number of hours by selected other riders. Has anyone tried this and any comments/advice? Thank you

 

[Tapir]

I took my horse to Warwickshire college with me while I did a degree many years ago now.

He was on working livery for the first year. The only real problem I had was that sometimes on the days the college were meant to use him, they didn't but didn't let me know, so I wouldn't ride, thinking he'd already been worked. There was also no turn out until about mid-May so that meant he'd be standing in his stable for far too long without being exercised.

I did use to go up late at night and let him loose in the indoor school so he got at least a little bit of playtime.

The working livery bit did keep the costs down and allowed me to have a couple of non-riding days a week which was quite useful if I had a busy workload.

The following year I kept him at college too but just on regular diy livery.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I sent my horse to an equine college for two years.

This was on a "full loan" basis and he was ridden by students of all abilities. I also had times when I could ride him, which worked well.

During the time he was there he was treated well and became something of a "yard-darling" (trust him!). I couldn't fault the way he was treated in any way.

College is quite a bustling, busy atmosphere. Some horses can deal with that, others can't so well (mares particularly IME); mine loved the busyness of the place which was good but do bear this in mind.

Also....... word to the wise. Don't take your best bridle, reins, stirrups, girths & irons!!! Because they WILL get separated and be used by everyone else whilst at college. Ditto rugs. Make sure that you label EVERYTHING, including the saddle! Metal dog tags are brilliant, plus there's a company who do tags which basically slide onto a dogs collar (oh gosh, wish I could remember the name, think its Indigo tags or something like that), they do metal tags of various sizes - ideal for a bridle, reins etc etc. Label rugs with either dog-tags or indelible ink!!! I bought a cheapie bridle to send mine to college with. So be aware that this can and will happen! Label EVERYTHING: stirrup leathers, stirrup irons, every blimmin thing basically!

Also: turnout at college can be very limited, especially if its a wet winter.

But oh what fun it would be to take one's own horse to college; lots of opportunities to improve together, competitions etc etc. Your daughter will enjoy doing stuff on her own horse!

 

[Tapir]

Yes, I should have said that the access to amazing facilities, coaching and competitions was brilliant and brought us both on huge amounts.

 

[cem]

Thank you for your replies, she is looking forward to it very much, I will get on to the tags to mark everything with!!!

 

[Laafet]

I took my horse to Uni but didn't keep him at the Equestrian site, for many reasons. There was a fantastic livery yard 2 minutes away and kept him there. Best thing I did, most of the other girls had sold their horses and missed riding as we didn't really do that as part of the course. I had very little social life but had a fantastic time competing and hunting my horse and making friends that I still am in contact with over 10 years later.

 

[foraday]

It does depend upon the college etc!!

As others have said MARK/TAG everything, turnout is nil or very minimal, communication is zero as well so as others have said sometimes he may have been worked or not!

I work at my friends transport company and loads of young ladies take their horses off to colleges etc to use the facilities, a lot then reduce down to DIY there and then usually due to lack of turnout they tend to find a place local. Although some on the 'academys' do stay on that yard as they get turn out etc but they have to be one heck of a rider and have a super event pony to match!

Everyone that does it though has super good fun, but again if your horse needs turnout, don't do it!

Good luck!!