What should I do? Help needed

[Bethf15]

So my experience with horses has been very scattered. I got a few years of lessons as a child then stopped as my brother could no longer fund them (my brother brought me up). After that I helped in various stables which I enjoyed but obviously was hard work. I'm 21 now and have had a few lessons in the past 5 years. I used to read horse books like there was no tomorrow! But I really lack the hands on skills. I have loaned 2 horses, the first one was short lived as the owner moved yards and the second one ended up being too far of a commute for me and the drive was too much of a hassle. This year I am desperate to get back into horses, my goal is to go on a hunt. I would say my riding is of a high standard, I need some more lessons but am slightly reluctant to spend so much at a riding school and do nothing with it. I have been thinking of getting my own horse in the summer but I have these thoughts that it won't be worth it. I want horse management/ riding to be my main hobby but I am really struggling with maintaining it. I just need some advice, I see so many horsey people living my dream life and I just think how can I get there? I live in high wycombe, bucks and there isn't much equestrianism about, I am moving to Burnham in June (even less there) and I don't have any horsey friends. I would love to compete and do something with my skills I just feel there are no opportunities for me unless I get my own horse and even then there will be so much work and risks. What should I do?

 

[Pearlsasinger]

If I were you I would start with horse/stable management courses, which will stand you in good stead if/when you do get your own horse. I used to live near High Wycombe, many years ago and went to a Rs near Amersham and one on the way to Thame, sorry I don't know if they would be there now and can't remember the name of either but I do remember travelling on the bus and then walking a fair distance to get to either of them - I was desperate for my horsey fix.

Burnham is relatively near Cleveden where there is a an Equestrian Centre, I once went there to a talk by Heather Moffett. Again, it is so long ago that I can't remember the name of the place but I would think it is big enough to do BHS courses and exams.

I wouldn't mention your high standard of riding though, I think you'll be a bit rusty if you have only had a few lessons in the last 5 years.

 

[Bethf15]

Thank you, I will definitely be looking into such courses. Yes I had some lessons at Shardeloes in Amersham which was good and will look for that center you mentioned. I just feel stuck in a real rut at the moment and need some motivation to progress with the hobby I guess. Thank you for your advice.

 

[redapple]

There's no harm in posting a wanted ad for a part loan? I would also advise to under-estimate and not overestimate your riding capabilities. Privately owned horses can be a different ball game then horse being used for lessons plus something a bit more forgiving will let you get further quicker.

It's worth getting back into it before buying as its a very demanding hobby both financially and time-wise and it sounds like you might also need a while to work out exactly what you are looking for in a horse partner.

 

[Winters100]

I think you need to maybe look at things differently. Don't view taking lessons as a waste of time if you 'do nothing with it', but take them for the enjoyment of riding and being around horses. The thing with this sport is that you are never finished learning, even the top international riders have trainers. A high standard of riding is only relative - you have to remember that some who are less experienced than you might view your riding as high standard, while others who are more advanced than you are would view it as low standard - this is exactly the same for all of us! If you have only had a few lessons in the last years I would say that a good riding school is the place to start. You don't mention what career you have, but if you want a career in horses then some education will be needed. If not and you just want it as a hobby I would ask the riding school if you can help out on the yard. Or maybe advertise for a local owner who might be willing to share tips in return for some help with the heavy lifting.

To me you do not sound experienced enough to be thinking of buying yet. Plus you need to remember that owning a horse is not just hard work and time consuming, but also relatively expensive. In addition to 'normal' expenditure you need to have funds available in case of vets bills / extra training needed / new equipment / special diets etc. If you do not have family support you are very young to take this on.

There is no rush to own. Take small steps. Start at a riding school and if in a year you are making good progress you could start thinking about a part loan. You have many years of riding ahead of you so you have time on your side.

Good luck!

 

[Bethf15]

Thank you Winters100 that is really food for thought, I appreciate it.

 

[JennBags]

I'm almost 50, have been riding all my life, shared several horses and owned 5, done a fair amount of competing and wouldn't describe myself as having a high standard of riding, I'd described myself as a reasonably competent amateur. You may have a high standard of riding for a riding school but that's not the same as having a high standard of riding!

 

[Bethf15]

Honestly I did not mean anything by the 'standard of riding' I just meant not a novice. Please do not get hung up on that. I have received some really good advice on this thread, I have just been feeling confused about it. Thank you all.

Lovely community on here.

 

[Shay]

Have you thought about volunteering for the RDA? You'll get loads of practical experience, some centers allow rides in exchange (some don't!) and you will be helping others. At 21 you can also still join Pony Club. It might be worth looking on the website for a PC Linked Center near you. It depends on the RS but many allow rides for work once you are insured as a PC member. (Center memebrship is RS based - you don't need your own horse). Or look on the BHS website for a training centre and take your BHS Progressive tests working toward your stages?

 

[Winters100]

Have you thought about volunteering for the RDA?


This is actually a really great idea. Not only will you be learning about horses while you help people, but it will also be a valuable addition to your CV.

 

[Arzada]

Check out Snowball Farm, Burnham. Their What's On page outlines a variety of opportunities for their clients eg dressage, Trec, pole work clinics, show preparation. https://www.snowballfarm.co.uk/

 

[HeyMich]

If I were you, I'd either find a local riding school or a small, friendly livery yard and ask about the options for a horse share or part loan. That way, you can have lessons, progress your knowledge and build up a relationship with one horse, but not have the worry about time/money/stress of owning!