blitznbobs
Well-Known Member
Yup complete with raisin string
Taking horse to University
- Thread starter billyncameo
- Start date
ponies4ever
Well-Known Member
Sorry to distract from OP but this is a situation that I will be rapidly finding myself in as am taking A levels this summer to head to uni in September. I was planning on loaning horse out for certainly first year if not longer but with a multitude of physical problems recently discovered and also the fact that she can be a git on the ground I no longer think this is going to be viable as finding someone I trust with her and who would want her might be a challenge! Parents are not horsey and she's not kept at home so she will have to move. I have enough saved for certainly a year of assisted livery if not two (I'm in SE currently so I'm fully aware how much livery can be!) but Im still concerned that its going to really impact my uni experience as I will be doing physio so a high intensity course. Can anyone reassure me it will be fine or otherwise advise??
JenTaz
Well-Known Member
I really don't agree with the people who have posted saying you have to miss out on a lot taking a horse to uni, i had my horse with me at university for 4 years on DIY and worked part time alongside my degree sometimes up to 25 hours a week if there was shifts going. I loved my time at uni and didn't give up a thing.
No I didn't go out every night, but I did go out twice a week most weeks with my friends and loved having my horse with me, but I was lucky to go to a university that had its own equine department and therefore a yard about 10 mins walk from the university accomadation with competitions on most weekends which i participated in. I would have hated university without my horse and I have made some great friends throughout my horsey time at uni.
No I didn't go out every night, but I did go out twice a week most weeks with my friends and loved having my horse with me, but I was lucky to go to a university that had its own equine department and therefore a yard about 10 mins walk from the university accomadation with competitions on most weekends which i participated in. I would have hated university without my horse and I have made some great friends throughout my horsey time at uni.
oldie48
Well-Known Member
TBH I think it depends on the degree you are doing. My daughter did a science degree followed by grad med, there was no way she woud have coped with having a horse and I was so relieved that she decided to sell her eventer before going up to do her first degree. She had a great time at Uni, made lots of friends and spent the summers travelling. It widened her perspective and meant she went to the uni that she wanted to go to rather than the one that was most convenient. There will always be the opportunity to ride but university can open so many different opportunites and experiences, I think its a pity to close them down even if you are doing a degree that requires few hours in lectures.
blitznbobs
Well-Known Member
What did you study?
11bluewolf
Well-Known Member
I am just finishing up my degree and I really was so worried about going to university because feared I would miss my horse too much (see one of my threads from three years ago - https://forums.horseandhound.co.uk/threads/missing-your-horse.735029/#post-13347051 ). I was never in the position to be able to take my horse but there is no way I would have managed. I have had the best time at university but it has also been hard work. I really do miss my horse but terms are short and holidays are long and it makes spending time with him over the holidays so much more special! I think university if a good time to step outside of your comfort zone, join new societies, get onto committee roles, meet new people... I have done all of this and it really has changed me as a person. I am so much more confident now, but this has come with me constantly involving myself in whatever I can. I really do not think my experience would have been the same if I would have had to rush off twice a day to the yard.
Obviously it is ultimately your daughters decision but maybe she could come back at the weekends/ every other weekend? this way she would get a bit of the best of both.
I think it is a huge privilege (myself included) to know that your horse will be looked after for you while you are at university, So many people have to sell their horses before`
Obviously it is ultimately your daughters decision but maybe she could come back at the weekends/ every other weekend? this way she would get a bit of the best of both.
I think it is a huge privilege (myself included) to know that your horse will be looked after for you while you are at university, So many people have to sell their horses before`
FinkleyAlex
Well-Known Member
I took my horse to university. I studied Law, so only had about 12 hours of contact time each week, plus I worked when I could, had a full social life and was part of several societies. I didn't keep mine on DIY as my parents and I thought it might be a bit much, and financially they were willing to support me, so he was kept on part livery and I had a sharer to see to him twice a week. I actually think DIY would have been doable without missing out on much, as long as you are motivated. A lot of my student time was spent unproductively - lounging around in bed, being hung over, procrastinating etc...I actually think having a horse on DIY can make you more productive as a person, however I don't think everyone is naturally a 'doer' (I'm not).
One thing I would say is that I could not have managed without part livery when it came to exam time - I was revising for weeks for hours that worked for me, which wouldn't have worked for my horse.
I did my masters (LPC) with two horses on DIY and managed fine - again only about 16 hours per week. I did really struggle to revise for my winter exams, but I did pass them. When it came to my summer exams, the horses were out on grass livery by then, so I was able to revise more easily.
Don't forget to factor in transport costs - we were ferrying mine up and down the country twice a year.
I will also say that I'm a Lawyer now, and often wish I'd spent more time with my horse(s) during my studies, as it's so hard to find time for them now. Could your daughter put her horse on grass livery rather than DIY? It would be more economical and easier from a time-management perspective.
One thing I would say is that I could not have managed without part livery when it came to exam time - I was revising for weeks for hours that worked for me, which wouldn't have worked for my horse.
I did my masters (LPC) with two horses on DIY and managed fine - again only about 16 hours per week. I did really struggle to revise for my winter exams, but I did pass them. When it came to my summer exams, the horses were out on grass livery by then, so I was able to revise more easily.
Don't forget to factor in transport costs - we were ferrying mine up and down the country twice a year.
I will also say that I'm a Lawyer now, and often wish I'd spent more time with my horse(s) during my studies, as it's so hard to find time for them now. Could your daughter put her horse on grass livery rather than DIY? It would be more economical and easier from a time-management perspective.
SonkyDonkey
New User
I took my horse to university with me, during my third year I even had both of my horses with me at uni on DIY livery (There was no one at home who was able to look after my old boy during third year). It was a big commitment but I wouldn't have changed it at all!!
I went to Aberystwyth Uni and had my horses at the University yard for the first two years then moved to a local yard for my third year to reduce costs. The uni yard was fantastic as it was purely students so I found it a brilliant way to meet other students. We went out on yard nights out and we were all close enough that we could walk to the yard the next morning (this was a huge bonus after a night out!). We also all helped each other out, especially during holidays where most of us stayed at uni to reduce cost and stress of transporting the horses home.
Financially it was tough but do-able. I always put the horses first before nights out. I did also tend to give them some time off during exams so I didn't have to stress about finding time to ride as well as revise. I do think it helped me structure my day and be productive with my time which alot of my non-horsey uni friends struggled with. I was up early every morning and ready for the rest of the day and also had a reason to leave my flat every day.
Edited just to add: I did leave my horse at home for the first two weeks of first year so that I could get involved in freshers week properly which I would recommend if you were looking to take a horse during first year. I also lived in catered accommodation for my first year so I had more time to go out and meet people around the horse not having to food shop, cook or wash up!!
I went to Aberystwyth Uni and had my horses at the University yard for the first two years then moved to a local yard for my third year to reduce costs. The uni yard was fantastic as it was purely students so I found it a brilliant way to meet other students. We went out on yard nights out and we were all close enough that we could walk to the yard the next morning (this was a huge bonus after a night out!). We also all helped each other out, especially during holidays where most of us stayed at uni to reduce cost and stress of transporting the horses home.
Financially it was tough but do-able. I always put the horses first before nights out. I did also tend to give them some time off during exams so I didn't have to stress about finding time to ride as well as revise. I do think it helped me structure my day and be productive with my time which alot of my non-horsey uni friends struggled with. I was up early every morning and ready for the rest of the day and also had a reason to leave my flat every day.
Edited just to add: I did leave my horse at home for the first two weeks of first year so that I could get involved in freshers week properly which I would recommend if you were looking to take a horse during first year. I also lived in catered accommodation for my first year so I had more time to go out and meet people around the horse not having to food shop, cook or wash up!!
JenTaz
Well-Known Member
I studied Agriculture with animal science, spending most of my winters/ spring time doing night lambing on local farms, I had about 12-15 hours contact lectures a week depending on if we had practicals or farm visits, farm visits were full days as were practicals so put us up to 20 hours a week of contact time some times. It just depends what people's priorities are, i certainly would not have coped mentally without my horse at university
billyncameo
Member
We went and visited Nottingham University recently and she absolutely LOVED it! It is by far number 1 choice if she can get the grades. We had a look at the vet school stables. Plan would be staying at Sutton Bonington and either horse in the vetschool stables or livery nearby. Do you have any info on the on site stables, prices etc??
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite
Well-Known Member
Just a suggestion, and I don't know if there are any equine/agric colleges in the vicinity of the various locations mentioned, but one workable solution might be for the horse to go to equestrian college if there is one within easy/do-able distance of where the OP's daughter eventually ends up for uni.
The advantages are that the horse would be kept busy and engaged (and schooled) during the term time, but there would still be opportunities for the owner to ride at weekends, or maybe during the week.
I kept mine at equine college for two years; and it ticked at lot of my boxes at the time.
When I sent mine, 10 years ago now, it was on "working livery" which meant he was used by the college for the students. I was able to ride on one afternoon per week, plus weekends. There were all sorts of competitions going on at college so plenty to do!
It might well be a cheaper alternative too, and you'd have a perfectly schooled horse at the end of it all!
Just offering this as a suggestion.
The advantages are that the horse would be kept busy and engaged (and schooled) during the term time, but there would still be opportunities for the owner to ride at weekends, or maybe during the week.
I kept mine at equine college for two years; and it ticked at lot of my boxes at the time.
When I sent mine, 10 years ago now, it was on "working livery" which meant he was used by the college for the students. I was able to ride on one afternoon per week, plus weekends. There were all sorts of competitions going on at college so plenty to do!
It might well be a cheaper alternative too, and you'd have a perfectly schooled horse at the end of it all!
Just offering this as a suggestion.
Tiddlypom
Carries on creakily
Err, it’s a no to working livery at a college from me, and certainly not if you are hoping to get an improved (or even a sound) horse back afterwards.
The Fuzzy Furry
Getting old disgracefully
Totally agree.
Having observed student lessons and the standard of riding, I'd not send anything to my local college whatsoever.
Cocorules
Well-Known Member
I dropped out of uni because I couldn't take my horses and it didn't work for me not having them. I had sisters a year behind me so they looked after them for the few weeks I went but I knew that wouldn't work in year 2.
I then re-started at the uni closest to my parents and lived at home. My parents paid for me to run a car and didn't charge me for living at home. I managed to keep my horses and when I finished uni and got a job further away took them with me.
I socialised with others who were living at home and there were a lot of those. I went to get a degree to get a job that meant I could afford my own horses, rather than the broader life experience but still gained life experience.
I then re-started at the uni closest to my parents and lived at home. My parents paid for me to run a car and didn't charge me for living at home. I managed to keep my horses and when I finished uni and got a job further away took them with me.
I socialised with others who were living at home and there were a lot of those. I went to get a degree to get a job that meant I could afford my own horses, rather than the broader life experience but still gained life experience.
Tala08
Active Member
I think this is really important. Uni courses vary so much in terms of the number of lectures / seminars / practicals you're required to attend each week & some have a high minimum attendance requirement to even sit the exams. I did a science based degree & was in 5 days a week with lectures every morning & practicals every afternoon which meant all my studying had to be done in the evenings. A friend of mine had two seminars a week so their extra studying could be done during the day leaving more spare time.
It might be worth either asking the lecturers or 2nd / 3rd year students to see what the expectations are of the course. Uni was really hard for me & I personally wouldn't have coped with a horse on DIY on top of my studies (especially 3rd year). Everyone is different though & I think the support network at the stables will be really important.
emilylou
Well-Known Member
@ponies4ever I did physio at uni and would have found it near impossible to have my horse. They can send you away quite far on placement and the workload is huge.
Rosiejazzandpia
Well-Known Member
I chose to go to uni at home and live at home so I could keep my horse. I'm not a social person and could never understand the fascination with going out with strangers and getting drunk for fun.
I kept my horse on grass livery, had 12 hours of contact on my course a week and played ponies when I could. I also rode for others which paid the livery bill each week. My parents were supportive and I didn't miss out on the "university experience" as everything is down to individuals and how much you want to party and get drunk.
When my boyfriend was at university I moved my horse closer to him, and then moved her back to my home yard. Having severe anxiety and depression I wouldn't have coped with uni without my horse, she was my peace and quiet and my place to switch of from any uni stresses. I also had plenty of yard friends and didn't really make any friends through university.
I would say if your daughter thinks she can manage a horse and university then let her go for it. If it works then that's great, but if she's struggling she will soon realise for herself that perhaps it's time to rethink the horses.
I kept my horse on grass livery, had 12 hours of contact on my course a week and played ponies when I could. I also rode for others which paid the livery bill each week. My parents were supportive and I didn't miss out on the "university experience" as everything is down to individuals and how much you want to party and get drunk.
When my boyfriend was at university I moved my horse closer to him, and then moved her back to my home yard. Having severe anxiety and depression I wouldn't have coped with uni without my horse, she was my peace and quiet and my place to switch of from any uni stresses. I also had plenty of yard friends and didn't really make any friends through university.
I would say if your daughter thinks she can manage a horse and university then let her go for it. If it works then that's great, but if she's struggling she will soon realise for herself that perhaps it's time to rethink the horses.
My equine life
Well-Known Member
Fo
do you know what any of the livery yards were called? Especially the grass livery!!
dogatemysalad
Well-Known Member
Grass livery in Sutton Bonington was called Hobgoblins. Next to the primary school. Can also recommend Home farm at east leaks, though not grass livery, but great facilities and hacking. There are lots of yards in the area and anywhere near East leaks, West leaks and Gothamn has endless hacking.
My equine life
Well-Known Member
Can’t find anything on line does it have a website? Do you know if it has any facilities x
Caol Ila
Well-Known Member
I brought the horse to uni for an undergraduate degree. Then a master's degree. Then a PhD. Then... another master's. I never found the workload to be an issue. Who spends 24 hours per day studying? A lot of my friends who are students think they should, but don't think there's any benefit to studying for 12 hours when you can study for 5 or 6. I didn't have as much time for other clubs or societies as people who did not own horses, and by that, I mean I joined the Glasgow Uni Mountaineering Society during my PhD and was an active member.
There were some limitations, like I couldn't be a rafting bum or even go back to my parents in Colorado during the summers (I was at uni in Massachusetts, and moving the horse back and forth 2000 miles wasn't feasible). I was stuck out east. I also didn't do a year abroad as an undergrad because I couldn't work out what to do with the horse. So when I got into a master's program abroad, I made the sensible, mature logical choice: I put the horse on a plane and took her to the UK.
There were some limitations, like I couldn't be a rafting bum or even go back to my parents in Colorado during the summers (I was at uni in Massachusetts, and moving the horse back and forth 2000 miles wasn't feasible). I was stuck out east. I also didn't do a year abroad as an undergrad because I couldn't work out what to do with the horse. So when I got into a master's program abroad, I made the sensible, mature logical choice: I put the horse on a plane and took her to the UK.