maisie06
Well-Known Member
This is not a dig at anyone so play nicely!!
It struck me today that there are many different kinds of horse owner. There are the "obsessive" types, who live and breath and talk nothing but horses. They are at the stables every spare minute either riding, mucking out or doing other bits but have no life or friends outside the horsey world.
Then there's the dedicated and ambitious "competition crew" These types are highly competitive and live to show and compete, if they couldn't they wouldnt keep a horse. The horse is a working animal not a pet (although this does NOT mean they don't care for it!!) These guys train everyday regardless of weather conditions!
There's the leisure and pleasure riders, these see their horse everyday, but dont feel guilty if they dont ride for a few days and have a life and hobbies other than horses too. They tend to hack, do lessons and take part in local RC comps through the summer - going for a social and gossip session is seen as more important than winning!!
The couldn't care less camp - I doubt anyone will admit to this!! But we all see a few of these come and go on yards!! They buy a horse, often totally unsuitable and it's all go for the first few weeks and then the horse is dumped in a paddock and rarely visited.
The collector - has about 12 horses and 3 full time jobs and not enough time in the day!!
So, I admit to belonging to the leisure and pleasure group - what's yours?
It struck me today that there are many different kinds of horse owner. There are the "obsessive" types, who live and breath and talk nothing but horses. They are at the stables every spare minute either riding, mucking out or doing other bits but have no life or friends outside the horsey world.
Then there's the dedicated and ambitious "competition crew" These types are highly competitive and live to show and compete, if they couldn't they wouldnt keep a horse. The horse is a working animal not a pet (although this does NOT mean they don't care for it!!) These guys train everyday regardless of weather conditions!
There's the leisure and pleasure riders, these see their horse everyday, but dont feel guilty if they dont ride for a few days and have a life and hobbies other than horses too. They tend to hack, do lessons and take part in local RC comps through the summer - going for a social and gossip session is seen as more important than winning!!
The couldn't care less camp - I doubt anyone will admit to this!! But we all see a few of these come and go on yards!! They buy a horse, often totally unsuitable and it's all go for the first few weeks and then the horse is dumped in a paddock and rarely visited.
The collector - has about 12 horses and 3 full time jobs and not enough time in the day!!
So, I admit to belonging to the leisure and pleasure group - what's yours?