time off over winter - do you do it?

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mazziek

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Was wondering how many of you give your horses/ponies time off over the winter? mine are currenty on a month off and im getting some stick from others at yard for doing so! one i have just taken all his shoes off so i want him to get used to it. i just wondered? am going to be bringing them back into work getting ready for the season in january till then we will just be pottering about not doing to much. i was sure id read somewhere that mary king used to give her horses soem time off but i might be wrong
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I did last year. It was getting to a point that due to weather and work I wasn't riding as much, and then I would feel guilty all the days I didn't ride. Making the decision to just give mine time off made me more relaxed and also gave them time to jusr be horses. Ignore the people at the yard - your horse, your choice.
 
most event riders give their top horses the winter off. i dont, well it kinda is but its not intentional (due to weather, exams, dark nights and no indoor). I woudlnt feel guilty at all chick, dont worry about all those bitches, theyre everywhere and think they know best when really they probs no nothing haha.
 
I used to rug mine up and wave bye when winter came, just feeding and making sure he was ok.

Giving time off, is better as it gives your horse time to go over what he has done/lernt form lessons and see/doing new things. (Or so I'm told, it's like a baby)

So just tell other people on the yard thats what you want to do, what they do with their horses is up to them!!
 
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To the other folk on your yard tell them to mind their bloody business, Your horse , if you want to give them time off then its your right to do so .


C&G x

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Yay to that.
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I've given mine off comps till Christmas but still riding, one gets annoyed if doesn't do work and other would prob go wild and untamable!

But, each to their own, it's no ones business what you do with them
 
thanks for the responces feel all geared up now! making me want to tell them to shut up! ur all right, its my horses and i will do what i want and when i want! they make me feel like an idiot at times! like you said happens in every yard! feel a new years resolution coming on haha
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[ QUOTE ]
I did last year. It was getting to a point that due to weather and work I wasn't riding as much, and then I would feel guilty all the days I didn't ride. Making the decision to just give mine time off made me more relaxed and also gave them time to jusr be horses. Ignore the people at the yard - your horse, your choice.

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Bang on advice! I am donig exactly the same thing. Make a decison then you will feel better as you know where you stand with yourself. People will get bored eventually with focusing on your life and your decisions.
 
My horse gets worked harder during the winter, than the summer. It's a time of year I really like - and I find it very easy to get and keep him fit (with the assistance of exercise help).

But it's personal choice - and if it's easier for you to give your horses time off at this time of year, then it's no one elses buisiness but yours.
 
Merlin gets December to Feb off usually...... He says he needs a break
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and I hate the winter
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He may have to be kept ticking over for this winter though as daughter wants to do riding club with him........

I havent told him yet though
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