Training "Buddy" - Would this work?

[muddy_grey]

Ok so a bit of background first. I got H 3 years ago now with the plan of SJ her. My life fell apart a bit and 3 years on we haven't done much, but fingers, toes, legs, arms etc crossed I will have transport next month.
I am at a lovely yard where I work and if I am away I know H has the best care. YO and I treat the horses like our own and H looks amazing and is very happy there BUT... No one SJ. YO does a bit of dressage, but isn't that bothered and none of the liveries compete at all. In fact I am the only one who ever leaves the ground. Also all my old horsey friends no longer have horses or have moved away.
I currently share a lesson with YO every week which is great, but if I jump it is kind of tagged on the end. I am planning on asking if it would be OK if I had a private lesson once a month so that it can be really jump focused. As you all know jumping on your own is annoying especially when you have to get all the jumps out! My non horsey OH comes down when he can, but he often travels for work so it might be months between.

So finally my question:
I was thinking about advertising for a "training buddy" once I have transport. I would ideally like someone who SJ (possibly events) that maybe keeps their horses at home or is often alone and would appreciate help too. Either I could go to them or they could come to me (we have a small indoor) or hire a venue or all 3! Maybe just a couple of times a month. Just someone to do things with. I was thinking of asking my instructor if he had any pupils who might be interested, but wanted to check it didn't sound too crazy first (he already thinks I'm mad enough)!

Do you think there are people who might be interested. Obviously finding the right person would be key.
Could also go to shows to help each other out or clinics??????

I have tried putting the basics of an ad together and it sounds a bit like a creepy dating profile! 30 something horsey girl seeks likewise friend for good times. GSOH essential (chuckle)

Sorry this got a bit long! Nothing to offer except a half eaten banana

Thanks
Alone in Canterbury

 

[EmmaB]

Definitley do it! When I first got my horse I was on a yard where no one really competed or went anywhere at all and without my own transport I was stuck! I would have loved something like that, and I'm sure there are plenty of people who are in the same situation. Having someone to go out to places with makes a huge difference!

 

[Tronk]

Definitely a great idea! I would be your buddy but fear Lincolnshire might be a bit far!!!

When you get your wording right please post it up so I can copy
Were you going to put it on Facebook or advertise in tack shop or something?

 

[milo'n'molly]

Yep, do it sounds like a great idea. Anyone in Yorkshire fancy the same deal let me know

 

[PorkChop]

I agree it's a great idea, I expect loads of people would like to do the same thing!

 

[Kelpie]

I'm forever going to stuff on my own so would love a training buddy

I'm in a bit of a different part of Kent to you (near Bedgebury, in fact) but there are places between us we could meet - like Chilham or Blue Barn in Ashford? Maybe hire out Blue Barn one day?

ooh, and Lucy Thompson, who I regularly train with, does a monthly clinic over in Smarden if that is any help to you?

message me if you're up for sorting something out

 

[Fat_Pony]

I could do with a training buddy. But I'm in frittenden near cranbrook. Lonely me at home though so happy to have friendly visitors

 

[millies]

thats a great idea and not creepy at all! i bet theres a lot of people wanting something similer but worried about sounding creepy! unfortunatley im miles away from you but if theres anyone in west yorkshire wants a training buddy..? x

 

[Kelpie]

Fat_Pony, Frittenden isn't all that far from me at all - in fact I go through it once a month to go to my lessons with Lucy!

 

[toomanyhorses26]

oh me me me Im a bit of a wimp when it comes to competitive jumping but would def be up for clinics etc im near Maidstone if that's any good for you and would be happy to contribute to travel expenses

 

[muddy_grey]

Awesome glad it doesn't sound crazy. I thought there must be others who feel the same. Defintaely need to sort out transport now.

Maybe we need to ask HHO for a singles board!

Tronk - I was thinking of posting on local FB groups, but will ask instructor if he knows anyone first.

Kelpie - Blue Barn is the closest place to us that holds regular stuff

TMH26 - Maidstone isn't that far would definitely be up for clinics or school hiring

Right feeling inspired - off to hassle OH about getting transport sorted and organize viewing for the 8th when he is back

 

[toomanyhorses26]

cool - it would be good as I am at a lovely but dead quiet little yard. I have a great flatwork instructor as well who dabbles in a little jumping and she is happy to come out to places

 

[Copperpot]

I would love a buddy. When I was in a livery yard I went to shows a lot. Now I'm at a small yard just me and my friend I don't. I have a lorry but just lack the ooomph to go it alone. When OH had a horse we were always off xc schooling or hunting and doing things. Now it's just me, I kinda bumble along.

 

[coffeeandabagel]

I met up with a woman from a horsey fb page - just out of the blue she had asked if anyone was going on a particular park and ride and wanted company. I said yes and since then we have met up on other occasions. We havent actually arrnaged a joint traiinng session but booked to go on the same clinic to give each other some support! Go for it

 

[catembi]

I'd love a buddy too! My two horses live at home & my 2nd horse has EPSM & a novice sharer, so can only be a hacking companion. Once I get transport, I would love to meet up with someone for comps, lessons & clinics as I get lonely being by myself all the time. Another person would be extra motivation to get on & Do Stuff, & would make comps less scarey.

T x

 

[[59668]]

This is a great idea! I'm in bethersden and know kelpie in "real life". I'd be up for it.

 

[Kelpie]

Hey, so if I figure out a date to book one of the Bedgebury schools with show jumps, as a bit of a meet up and for us to put up jumps for each other, who's up for it?

 

[Kelpie]

Or blue barn?

 

[[59668]]

Well mick isn't back jumping yet but I'm up for it! Blue barn is better for me but don't mind either.

 

[spookypony]

I started a FB group in our area for hacking and training buddies, called it the "[...] Ponies' Lonely Hearts Club". It's been really useful, even though it's often quiet. Not a crazy idea at all!

 

[nic85]

I think it's a fab idea! I'd love a buddy, my youngster needs socialising and I don't have anyone to hack out with and would love to go to shows with some help on the ground/moral support too (Hubby is great but unhorsey and Magic scares him as she is so big! He can cope with Snowy not a problem! Lol)

 

[stilltrying]

Id be inclined to ask instructors if they know of anyone - I'm in Kent too and did a similar thing yrs ago - spoke with Ali Ferry at Chilham who organised a group XC lesson, good way to meet other people wanting to do the same sort of thing : )