Weird question.... how much do you like riding your horse?

[Sealine]

I love riding my horse. It's my happy place and it feels like where I belong. Like sitting in my favourite comfy armchair. I've owned him for 13 years and he's got arthritis and he's slowed down and we can't do what we used to. We've had so much fun over the years and it makes me sad thinking of all the things we'll never be able to do again. He can still be an idiot occasionally but I never feel unsafe or nervous. I've fallen off him plenty of times over the years but I've never blamed him for a fall and they were always rider error! He's is no longer as athletic or sporty as I'd like him to be and I'd love him to have the energy and athleticism he had when I bought him as an 8 year old but that's not how it works is it

 

[Fieldlife]

I do think if riding the horse you have scares you more than occasionally, or doesnt make you smile at least most of the time, if might be time to think about whether they are the right horse for you, assuming riding is important for you. Life is too short to have the wrong riding horse for a enjoying a hobby together.

 

[NooNoo59]

This is just the thread that sums up my current state of mind! I have had a rough few years husband died then I had cancer. Current horse is 9 having owned since 4 with my life problems and his lameness issues and covid we have not got anywhere. I overthink every time I get on him, he still behaves like a baby, he trips sometimes but he is tubby as has had six months off rehabbing his hind suspensories. I rode a little cob a couple of months ago, he was so straight forward I wasnt constantly looking for problems I just enjoyed the ride. I am 64 and wont be riding forever. I have a lovely little lorry but I am so far off taking my boy out it seems pointless having it. I miss going out to do a low level dressage and just having fun. Sorry for being whiny, I should thank my lucky stars I have a pony and have survived removal of a large tumour and just get on with it. Any positive thoughts please!

 

[Roxylola]

I miss going out to do a low level dressage and just having fun. Sorry for being whiny, I should thank my lucky stars I have a pony and have survived removal of a large tumour and just get on with it. Any positive thoughts please!

Not really positive, but life is short, horses are expensive. If you aren't getting pleasure from what you're doing I think maybe look for a horse you do enjoy. Don't feel guilty for feeling frustrated- we put a lot of time, energy and money in to our horses, you've a right to enjoy it

 

[NooNoo59]

Problem is with his lameness history he is not saleable. So I then have to have two, and he is a bit of a pet. Not sure I can afford that? But that is my thoughts that life is short!

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I love not just riding but "being" with my little coblet. She "chose" to place herself with me when she was just a baby essentially (just-backed 4yo); there was this little sprite in a field who was essentially everything but everything I'd said I didn't want, and she made it very obvious that she wanted to come home with me!

So I relented. Best decision ever.

I just love riding her; she can be Turbo-Cob when it suits her and when she's got all the stops pulled out she'll go like a Tank all day without stopping (ever!) - and Ploddy Dobby also, when it suits her to flick that switch, and you could chuck a novice up on her when she's in that mode.

She's my best friend really, and that's all anyone could ask.

 

[Roxylola]

Problem is with his lameness history he is not saleable. So I then have to have two, and he is a bit of a pet. Not sure I can afford that? But that is my thoughts that life is short!

Could you find a sharer or loaner for him. If he's sound enough?

 

[Auslander]

This might come as a surprise to some, as it's no secret that I worship the ground Alf walks on - but I can take him or leave him under saddle! Don't get me wrong, he's my old slippers horse, and I know him inside out, and love him to bits. What he's achieved is amazing considering his type. I loved playing with his party tricks when he was younger, and I have huge respect for his work ethic/trainability - but my "type" is super athletic with big paces and lots of vavavoom, and he is none of those! I was very spoilt by getting to ride world class horses when I trained in Europe, and that's what Id opt for, given the choice.

I feel awful admitting it, as it sounds like I'm not grateful for the amazing horse I have, and that I don't love riding him. I do - just not as much as I'd enjoy riding something else of a very particular type.

 

[NooNoo59]

Trouble is he is a reasonable hack in company, but can get very anxious over certain things, also and I hate to admit this but I have never cantered him out so again he is more of a plod round the block type.

 

[sbloom]

Trouble is he is a reasonable hack in company, but can get very anxious over certain things, also and I hate to admit this but I have never cantered him out so again he is more of a plod round the block type.

All of this goes with him not being as comfortable as he could be in his body, the suspensories, the tripping, and this. Have a look at https://www.facebook.com/balanceandalignequine for helping with equine-human relationships, and EquitopiaCenter for some amazing content on posture, movement, equine behaviour (anxiety, borderline fight or flight stuff). We are understanding SO much more about how connected this stuff all is, and even if you can't/don't ride if you can find a new way to be friends with him, and really help his body and mind, it could be a whole new phase of partnership for you. I see the shift in my customers who start to understand this and go with it.

 

[Annagain]

This is just the thread that sums up my current state of mind! I have had a rough few years husband died then I had cancer. Current horse is 9 having owned since 4 with my life problems and his lameness issues and covid we have not got anywhere. I overthink every time I get on him, he still behaves like a baby, he trips sometimes but he is tubby as has had six months off rehabbing his hind suspensories. I rode a little cob a couple of months ago, he was so straight forward I wasnt constantly looking for problems I just enjoyed the ride. I am 64 and wont be riding forever. I have a lovely little lorry but I am so far off taking my boy out it seems pointless having it. I miss going out to do a low level dressage and just having fun. Sorry for being whiny, I should thank my lucky stars I have a pony and have survived removal of a large tumour and just get on with it. Any positive thoughts please!

You sound like I did with Charlie, he never really did anything wrong but he always felt like he was about to blow and I just couldn't cope with it. He then started bucking and was diagnosed with KS (very mild - the vet said he'd plenty with worse x-rays who were working brilliantly.) so I thought I wouldn't be able to sell him but after I rode a friend's cob who jogged and bounced everywhere but just made me laugh I knew I had to. I was offered £3k for him by an acquaintance but I wasn't convinced it was the right home for him (or that he'd even stay there very long). He went to sales livery who was brilliant with him (and me when I turned up in floods of tears to drop him off!) and it took a while but we found him the right home. By the time I'd paid livery and commission I got less for him than I was offered but I didn't care about that, I jut wanted him to be happy. A year on, he's just placed 7th and 4th in his first two ODEs, I've got my new boy who is just wonderful and I love riding again. I'm off games at the moment waiting for an operation and I hate it. I know if I had Charlie I'd be secretly pleased that I didn't have to ride.

I think you'd be surprised at being able to sell him - you will have to take less for him and work hard to find him the right home but it's doable.

 

[Season’s Bleatings]

I love riding my horse. Until his tendon injury, he was probably the nicest horse I had ever ridden and I’ve had huge amounts of fun with him. He is a big, civil gent and just a lovely person.
He has been on box rest since May- had surgery in June and has been on a walking regime since two weeks post surgery. He is now fairly fit and we are starting basic ridden work.
I am very happy to be back in the saddle but it is a bit stressful. He isn’t a sharp horse but he is a spooky sort of chap and naturally athletic so it’s a fun combo
We just have to slowly make his world bigger to keep that brain in line. Rehab is tough!

It’s really interesting to come back to this thread.
Rehab is/was VERY tough but the point around “slowly making his world bigger” really resonates. We tried to do that ourselves a few months ago and it did not go well… sent him to a pro for some hacking and he’s a total joy now. Still has the odd moment but he’s feeling so confident and happy out hacking (our hacking is only roads) and seems to be really enjoying himself.
What his career looks like I do not know - only time will tell - but having never really been an enthusiastic hacker, mainly doing it because I knew it was good for him, I am really enjoying it and equally I am just overjoyed to be doing something normal with him again.

 

[AutumnDays]

Having had bad news with regards to my riding future, I just appreciate being with mine. I love just hanging out with them, we do lots of walkies in hand, agility or just chilling together. They youngster was bought before everything went wrong, with the plan of her being my next riding horse, got as far as backing her then that was it, but she's not going anywhere and loves walkies with the dog etc. Plus she never made height and never will! I made a point of getting another who was advertised as non ridden to join our gang. They still give me a purpose and a focus, just we are side by side, not ridden

 

[Ample Prosecco]

Ooh very interesting question that I somehow missed first time around:


* How much do you like riding your own horse(s)?

I am very fussy. I really did not much like riding Toby so even though he was fab in many ways, I sold him. My RI thought I was mad, but it was 100% the right thing to do.
I loved riding both Amber and Lottie. I feel horribly disloyal saying this, but I actually prefer riding Lottie now, than I did Amber. She has nicer paces, she is more rideable and she is much, much easier to hack.

* Do you find yourself wishing you were sat on something else?

I occasionally wish I was sat on Amber when stepping up a height because I loved knowing Amber had more jump than I would ever need. But I am slowly trusting Lottie can also jump. I think I am under-estimating her, just because she is economical and does not balloon things. And because she was sold as a 'failed show-jumper' having been bred to SJ but never getting above 100cm SJ. Which was fine by me because I never planned going higher anyway, but now I do have ambitions for more in the future .....

* How often do you find you feel nervous or intimidated by your horse's behaviour under saddle?

Never Lottie. Amber was a pain to hack but did not actually scare me after I learned to ride her power a bit better. Riding in general often scares me, because I am a windy rider. But I trusted Amber and Lottie totally.

Do you ever feel like your horse isn't athletic/sporty enough for you?

* Amber never. She was far more athletic than I needed. Too much so really. With Lottie I started off thinking she had more ability than I would use. Then I started worrying she was not able to step up as I have moved on. But as I said, I think I am under-estimating Lottie and she will show me over time that she is definitely athletic and sporty enough.

* Do you like her personality on the ground.

This is the only thing I'd change. I'd like her to be a bit less grumpy and reactive to being groomed, stroked, massaged etc. But she is very very well behaved and easy to handle. She is a dream to deal with, really. I'd just like to be able to spend a bit more time grooming/petting her. But she hates it so I don't.

 

[Ample Prosecco]

ETA I'd agree with @RachelFerd that many riders on my yard really don't much like riding their horses. They are scared of them and don't trust them. I think it's about a 50:50 split.

 

[Season’s Bleatings]

ETA I'd agree with @RachelFerd that many riders on my yard really don't much like riding their horses. They are scared of them and don't trust them. I think it's about a 50:50 split.

Yes I think I see some of this too, and I suppose I’ve been there myself! Both in this rehab scenario and with previous horses, but feeling much bolder now I’m riding more regularly again.

 

[9tails]

I enjoy riding my horse but she's really uncomfortable! She's a Gelderlander, she's not built for riding. She's safe, reliable and keen - I don't think I've ever been scared of riding her. She looks like she's about to blat off over the horizon at all times, but look closer and my reins are relaxed. We go out, I have a lovely ride, tell myself to do it more often then spend the next two days nursing achey legs and bum sores. Chamois Butt'r has helped a lot, though I'm trying out liquid talc because the butt'r isn't cheap.

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

Bit of Friday afternoon ramblings really. I've had lots of horses over the years, and probably sat on a thousand or more whilst working in various parts of the industry, but it struck me this week that my 6yo is probably the horse I have enjoyed riding the most of all the horses - he's safe, he's light and responsive, he wakes up to jump a big XC fence with plenty of buzz but he'll also wander around open fields on the buckle end. He's just also a pleasure to deal with in all respects. He had a few moments at the start of his 5yo year where there were some not-so-great patches, but the horse that I have now is just *so* delightful.

I've got a vague sense of guilt in that I definitely prefer riding him to my other 12yo - even though I've had the 12yo much longer and competed to a higher level. Don't get me wrong - he's also a total delight to deal with, and I've never enjoyed showjumping as much as I have with this horse - but give me a choice, and I'd be on the 6yo every single time for anything bar a big SJ track. He's just not quite as sensible out on the roads, and not quite so athletic and light when schooling on the flat and he's just a bit heavy in the hand when you're cantering in open spaces. None of these are big issues at all, but they just make me think about how much I enjoy riding the other one

How much do you like riding your own horse(s)?
Do you find yourself wishing you were sat on something else?
How often do you find you feel nervous or intimidated by your horse's behaviour under saddle?
Do you ever feel like your horse isn't athletic/sporty enough for you?

How much do you like riding your own horse(s)?


Not as much as I loved and adored riding my late IDxTB, loved riding her, my heart horse, looked after me, rarely spooked, loved doing western, loved sponsored rides, wasn't stressy, wasn't spooky, uncomplicated, I worshiped the ground she walked on. Loveld being around her for cuddles and bonding moments.


Her son was lovely too, but he did have a bronk in him, but we had many lovely rides on him. He loved me as I loved him

Miss them both so much


Connie mare never ridden I am too big but others had fun.


My current ID. I get occasional nervous panicky moments and have to take CBD oil.

She is spooky ridiculously so - slipped on rd twice + gave me permanent dislocation of shoulder.
Jumps you out of saddle - tho no jumping now due to navicular. cannot relax on her in case she has a donut moment.
Loves sponsored rides too but is lazy sometimes and trips. Not tactile.




Do you find yourself wishing you were sat on something else?................................. yes my late mare


How often do you find you feel nervous or intimidated by your horse's behaviour under saddle?

current ID........................................frequently never know when a donut moment will come.



Do you ever feel like your horse isn't athletic/sporty enough for you?

only as far as buying an ID instead of IDXTB - she is a bit like truck on 3 wheels clumsy and not nimble like late mare

 

[Tarragon]

I was thinking about this question over lunch...
I do love riding my recently backed and very green pony, but it is all work in progress and based on the assumption that I will end up with the sort of pony to ride at some point! I don't know how I will feel if one day I start to realise that he may never be what I hope for.

 

[Jambarissa]

Some of these stories really resonate with me. I've had incredible horses and frustrating horses and terrifying horses and only ever rehomed one that I rescued in full knowledge he could not stay with me.

In hindsight I wish I had gotten help with some, accepted others would be better matched to someone else, and generally moved on. But my horses never suffered.

I only realised quite recently that I absolutely love my current riding horse. Have had her over a year and she was hard work when I got her. I remember thinking a few times about whether I should find another and now I've suddenly realised all the niggles have gone and she's just fab. She's not perfect but I'm old enough to realise that no horse is, I wouldn't swap her for any other horse on my yard or belonging to my friends.

Agree with all the comments that life is short, I think I'll be lucky if I have 20 years riding left in me so realistically she's my last horse. I'm looking for another for my husband so we can relive our youth before we're too old!

 

[Lexi 123]

Looking back on the thread I didn’t answer it correctly so I reply again

* How much do you like riding your own horse(s)?

I love riding my horse she is my heart horse . She really a saint of a horse perfect. A type of horse people would a pay a lot of money nowadays.


* Do you find yourself wishing you were sat on something else?
Yes and no she a brilliant horse but sometimes I find her a bit boring. To be honest she can be lazy and spooky. If I had a bigger budget I probably wouldn’t have bought her. I probably go for a Connemara not a ID / ISH cross to be honest she more ID than anything else no tb or warmblood in her breeding . I would buy something younger.

How often do you find you feel nervous or intimidated by your horse's behaviour under saddle?
Nope never felt nervous


Do you ever feel like your horse isn't athletic/sporty enough for you?
yeah unfortunately my mare doesn’t have the best attitude to work in fairness to her she spent most of her life in a field . I would never sell her as she has been past to pillar to post.

 

[Peglo]

I also read my reply back and I didn’t answer the questions asked or feel I replied like how I feel.

* How much do you like riding your own horse(s)?
I love riding Tali. She feels like home and puts a smile on my face all the time. She is my perfect horse and is such fun.

* Do you find yourself wishing you were sat on something else?
No I don’t think any horse could give me the same feeling Tali does.


How often do you find you feel nervous or intimidated by your horse's behaviour under saddle?
I only ever feel nervous she might get hurt. I never fear for my safety riding her but I do worry about dangerous drivers and her being in an accident or getting injured.



Do you ever feel like your horse isn't athletic/sporty enough for you?
No she feels athletic but with the added bonus of riding like a pony. It’s what I love about Haflingers, although I have been blessed with both my girls having excellent temperaments. I know not all have very good reputations.

 

[NooNoo59]

All of this goes with him not being as comfortable as he could be in his body, the suspensories, the tripping, and this. Have a look at https://www.facebook.com/balanceandalignequine for helping with equine-human relationships, and EquitopiaCenter for some amazing content on posture, movement, equine behaviour (anxiety, borderline fight or flight stuff). We are understanding SO much more about how connected this stuff all is, and even if you can't/don't ride if you can find a new way to be friends with him, and really help his body and mind, it could be a whole new phase of partnership for you. I see the shift in my customers who start to understand this and go with it.

So hacked him out today he kept snatching at the reins and his chest like flies were bothering him but there weren't any flies. We have been hacking nearly every day for 6 weeks so he should be feeling more settled and confident. Got a body worker coming tomorrow so will see what she thinks. Have sent videos to vet and he is pleased with progress re rehab.

 

[Barton Bounty]

So hacked him out today he kept snatching at the reins and his chest like flies were bothering him but there weren't any flies. We have been hacking nearly every day for 6 weeks so he should be feeling more settled and confident. Got a body worker coming tomorrow so will see what she thinks. Have sent videos to vet and he is pleased with progress re rehab.

That would suggest to me , ulcers or similar. Have you tried activated charcoal or aloe vera ?

 

[iknowmyvalue]

Another one re-answering this now, properly.

* How much do you like riding your own horse(s)?

so much that I regularly don’t want to get off. I miss it if I don’t get to ride him/spend time with him for only a few days.

* Do you find yourself wishing you were sat on something else?

Yes and no. I adore riding Pepsi, he’s so much fun, and I worship the ground he walks on. But I do so wish I had the opportunity to ride my mare, who was my heart horse, again. And if I had to pick a horse to go hunting on, I’d pick her every time. It’s been over 7yrs since she died, and I still miss her.

* How often do you find you feel nervous or intimidated by your horse's behaviour under saddle?

Embarrassed by his behaviour? Sometimes yes, scared of it? Never, even though certain situations turn him into a fruit-loop. I can predict what will trigger it, and it’s never actually dangerous. It looks a lot, but actually he stays incredibly polite and I can always stop, and he’s never bucked/reared/spun with me.

*Do you ever feel like your horse isn't athletic/sporty enough for you?

Nope, he’s the most athletic horse I’ve ever owned and I love it. Even if he does jump me out of the saddle sometimes…

Probably more athletic than I’ll ever need, but maybe he’ll help me be brave because he makes it all feel so easy

* Do you like their personality on the ground?

Yes, but I wish he was a bit less stressed/worried about things and let his personality shine more often. I feel he’s been let down by people, because underneath the anxiety he’s the sweetest horse. Incredibly polite and easy to deal with, and when he lets it out, very loving and funny.

 

[NooNoo59]

That would suggest to me , ulcers or similar. Have you tried activated charcoal or aloe vera ?

He has no other signs good coat not losing weight not aggressive with food etc

 

[Barton Bounty]

He has no other signs good coat not losing weight not aggressive with food etc

BB never had any signs either apart from being girthy

 

[SEL]

I do wish the microcob was a hand bigger and her body was in better shape. She takes up the leg so well that I tend to forget she's 13h (which is actually a bonus on our overgrown bridlepaths). She's wizzy but as safe as they come on the roads and I trust her to listen to me in dodgy situations

I rode out with someone this week who was updating me on a jumping clinic and I did feel a little bit of regret I haven't got THAT horse - although I'm not as brave as I used to be so in all honesty I'd probably be the person owning the flashy warmblood that never rode it.

 

[sbloom]

So hacked him out today he kept snatching at the reins and his chest like flies were bothering him but there weren't any flies. We have been hacking nearly every day for 6 weeks so he should be feeling more settled and confident. Got a body worker coming tomorrow so will see what she thinks. Have sent videos to vet and he is pleased with progress re rehab.

Vets are medics, they diagnose and treat pain and are generally very good at it. Always first call. They are not functional movement specialists though, just as your GO would have no idea if the way you move is storing up issues.

Some bodyworkers really understand movement and the long term effect of poor posture and compensatory patterns, some don't and simply use different methods to vets to treat pain.

I have no idea where you are but if you'd like a recommendation for someone to take a more holistic view I'll help if I can. I speak as a saddle fitter specialising in biomex for horse and rider.

 

[hock]

My big boy very hit and miss atm. We’re in a period of change in terms of work and feel as though I’m not “on it”. But he’d forgive me anything so it kind of makes it worse. I’m counting the minutes to ride my very sharp mare and the 4 yr old. The sharp mare has no pressure at all (although she’s mega) as she has t been out yet so I’m loving riding a totally different type of horse. And the 4 year old makes me feel like I’m gods gift to horses as he’s so easy easy willing kind and fabulous .