Update from the scared lady who freaked out when she found her dream Connie…

[grhands]

I did it!

I bought him!

Dipper Rock (AKA Rocky) is my horse!!!!!!! I have a horse!!! A real one!!!

AAAAAHHHHHH!! I’m all sorts of emotions! Excited, worried, delighted, nervous, overwhelmed, soon to be poor (lol)!!!

At the end of the day, he was perfect. He sailed through his five stage like an absolute dude and even the vet said he was a super little horse with a cracking temperament. So really, if I didn’t buy him then I would never buy any horse! As an added bonus he’s also super duper cute being a Connie! He’s a super sized pony!

I’m wondering if I should start a vlog about our journey as I think it will be an interesting one given my history and horrendous rustiness. I’m not a photogenic person and not at all a YouTuber (I wouldn’t even know where to start really). However I’m a medically retired nurse and I’d LOVE to inspire other scared people who have had serious health challenges like cancer / autoimmune conditions / menopause / depression etc (or all of the above, like me) to get back in to the saddle. I don’t mind making myself look like an idiot if it may help other people. Two years ago I thought I was going to die and had even written a book for each of my three children. The outlook was so poor. Now I’ve actually bought a Rocky!!

Thanks to ALL of you for giving me the confidence boost I needed to make the payment and take one of the biggest steps of my life! Not one of you said I should think twice, and that was what I needed to feel like I could do this. You were all so positive and awesome!!

I haven’t told my 10yo daughter yet. She’s going to cry like a baby! She adores him!

So yes here’s a photo dump of pictures of MY HORSE!!!! Can you tell it’s still a massive novelty?!

Next step… buying EVERYTHING!

Can anyone recommend any second hand sites or good ways to buy starter tack and rugs etc without leaving myself completely broke! We don’t need anything fancy to start… just the basics and we’ll upgrade as we go!

Thanks again everyone!

 

[Cloball]

I got a lot of my stuff from Facebook marketplace (saddle, stirrups, bridle, rugs, saddle rack) if you can bare it

Gs and discount equestrian for things I wanted new. Friends bought me nice things like headcollars and personalised saddle cloth.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

Congratulations!! How fantastic!!

Just make sure you get a saddle that fits, everything else can be cobbled together and as you say you can upgrade as you go!! As long as YOUR NEW HORSE is comfortable that's all that matters. Looking forward to reading all about your journey.

 

[scats]

What a lovely update! Congratulations on your beautiful pony x

 

[Rumtytum]

Congratulations! As a non-horse owner I had nothing to contribute to your original thread, but I can now
He is gorgeous, you look fabulous with him and I’m looking forward to many more happy posts!

 

[Lucky Snowball]

Congratulations, you both look happy together. So pleased for you. Enjoy shopping.

 

[Boulty]

Would second investing the money in a saddle that fits you both well (although no reason it can’t be a professionally fitted second hand one) but that cheap & cheerful is perfectly acceptable for everything else.

Facebook marketplace and eBay can both be good for picking bits n bobs up. If wanting new rugs Gallop Trojan are supposed to be a good, affordable brand.

 

[holeymoley]

I read your other post but didn't comment. I'm glad you done it. Wishing you many years of happiness with him

edited- can't go wrong with ebay for some second hand stuff. Check and see if you have a preloved shop or anything near you that sells on second hand items. Keep an ear out for any equine car boot sales.

 

[Archangel]

Is it a horse you've bought? I couldn't tell from your post .

He's fabulous, you look great together. Congratulations.

 

[babymare]

He is gorgeous. Well done you Now go and enjoy him x

 

[snowangel5]

Get in there and congratulations

 

[First Frost]

Congratulations!
Welcome to the world of owning an overgrown connie - i'm a little bias but IMO to best small horses in the world! He looks like a lovely chap who you will have a lot of fun on!

 

[Glitter's fun]

Very pleased for you.
Don't be overwhelmed- there are two of you working through this together. By the look of you both I'd say he has found his dream human too.

 

[Reacher]

Wishing you years of happiness with your new horse

 

[Mrs. Jingle]

Yessssss! What a stunner he is. I wish you many, many years of happiness with him, no wonder you are so delighted with him. Who wouldn't be.

 

[Peglo]

I’m so happy for you!!! Massive congratulations. You really do deserve to treat yourself (and yes buying a horse is a treat around here ) I’m not convinced the novelty will wear off this one. I would be delighted to follow your journey

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I am so pleased that you went ahead. Congratulations on your new purchase. He looks fabulous and you look great together. I agree spend on a well-fitting saddle and the rest can be picked up cheaply or added to later.

 

[grhands]

Congratulations!! How fantastic!!

Just make sure you get a saddle that fits, everything else can be cobbled together and as you say you can upgrade as you go!! As long as YOUR NEW HORSE is comfortable that's all that matters. Looking forward to reading all about your journey.

Yep! As soon as he’s home my friend Bil the saddle lady will be visiting to get him something m2m due to his unusual shape! That’s one thing I won’t cut corners on.

Thank-you

 

[grhands]

Would second investing the money in a saddle that fits you both well (although no reason it can’t be a professionally fitted second hand one) but that cheap & cheerful is perfectly acceptable for everything else.

Facebook marketplace and eBay can both be good for picking bits n bobs up. If wanting new rugs Gallop Trojan are supposed to be a good, affordable brand.

Don’t worry! My friend in the village is a saddler and as soon as he’s home she will be fitting him up. He’s wide backed with a high wither so needs to have a m2m / professionally fitted saddle.

Thanks for the tip! xx

 

[humblepie]

Congratulations. Might be worth putting a wanted ad on local horse Facebook groups as I know I’ve got stuff I’d sell but I’m not into using eBay etc. He looks smashing.

 

[limestonelil]

So pleased to hear that grh, and wishing you many happy times with your Connie. Great photos.

 

[TheresaW]

Congratulations.

 

[Bradsmum]

Congratulations for being brave and taking that bold step. Here’s to many years of happiness and yes we need a progress report. Soooo pleased for you and he looks gorgeous.

 

[Dustygirl]

Congratulations he looks lovely. We had a Connie called Rocky and he was the most amazing horse. Hope your Rocky is too x

 

[Alibear]

Fantastic news. I hope you have many happy years together although I suspect daughter will be queuing up to steal him off you

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Congratulations, v pleased you took the plunge, hope you have a great time with him

 

[Supertrooper]

I did it!

I bought him!

Dipper Rock (AKA Rocky) is my horse!!!!!!! I have a horse!!! A real one!!!

AAAAAHHHHHH!! I’m all sorts of emotions! Excited, worried, delighted, nervous, overwhelmed, soon to be poor (lol)!!!

At the end of the day, he was perfect. He sailed through his five stage like an absolute dude and even the vet said he was a super little horse with a cracking temperament. So really, if I didn’t buy him then I would never buy any horse! As an added bonus he’s also super duper cute being a Connie! He’s a super sized pony!

I’m wondering if I should start a vlog about our journey as I think it will be an interesting one given my history and horrendous rustiness. I’m not a photogenic person and not at all a YouTuber (I wouldn’t even know where to start really). However I’m a medically retired nurse and I’d LOVE to inspire other scared people who have had serious health challenges like cancer / autoimmune conditions / menopause / depression etc (or all of the above, like me) to get back in to the saddle. I don’t mind making myself look like an idiot if it may help other people. Two years ago I thought I was going to die and had even written a book for each of my three children. The outlook was so poor. Now I’ve actually bought a Rocky!!

Thanks to ALL of you for giving me the confidence boost I needed to make the payment and take one of the biggest steps of my life! Not one of you said I should think twice, and that was what I needed to feel like I could do this. You were all so positive and awesome!!

I haven’t told my 10yo daughter yet. She’s going to cry like a baby! She adores him!

So yes here’s a photo dump of pictures of MY HORSE!!!! Can you tell it’s still a massive novelty?!

Next step… buying EVERYTHING!

Can anyone recommend any second hand sites or good ways to buy starter tack and rugs etc without leaving myself completely broke! We don’t need anything fancy to start… just the basics and we’ll upgrade as we go!

Thanks again everyone!

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So so delighted to read this

 

[Floofball]

Super update! Congratulations, you both look great together look out for local equestrian car boots, great places for bargains - I’ve practically given away lots of my stuff at them but as I had so much stuff still felt like I’d got decent money on the nights

 

[alibali]

Fantastic, congratulations

 

[criso]

For rugs and bits and pieces, local Facebook groups as you don't have to worry about scammers and can collect. Also equine tabletop sales.

For new stuff, Eileen Douglas and Hope Valley are good for bargains.