Would you bother to ride at the moment

M

MyBoyChe

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Horse only been ridden 3 times since Xmas due to weather in the main. 11 year old TB, only ever used for hacking and schooling, no facilities or transport, field we use for schooling resembles a paddy field so that's out, bridleways similar or horrid muddy ruts, so limited to a 3 mile round route through the village, which is fine but a bit samey. Honestly, would you bother at the moment. Che doesnt seem to care, he is out every day and tucked up at night. I do worry he is getting a bit bored but I cant see that an hours walk, once a week is really going to help with that. I just feel a bit guilty for him although I appreciate he is a lot better off than some as his turnout is never restricted. I do spend quite a lot of time on the ground with him, grooming, playing with his jolly ball etc. Does anyone else just write off this time of year?
 
I have been riding but we have a school so this makes it alot easier because fields are just so rutty and muddy right now. I like to keep working Pete because I like riding - even in the rain! - it keeps him fit and it means he is ready to ride for when the weather is nice! I can sympathise with the no school thing tho - I wouldn't want to ride round a muddy field or go for a hack in the pouring rain. Since you spend alot of time on the ground with him, I am sure it will be fine.
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We havent been able to ride since before Christmas as its been snow covered every day except two and then it was icy....Horses are bored but have been turned out every day except the last couple of days (snow too deep to wade through). (we are in NE Scotland!)

I would quit beating yourself up about it, dont think the horses mind either way! The only thing is they do start piling on the pounds!
 
I don't expect your horse will mind either way! Personally I would ride when possible, even if it's only once a week, so at least my horse has been kept ticking over and he's ready to pick up to more serious work when spring is finally here (oh please, please make it soon!!).
 
know how you feel have ridden a handfull of times in field b4 xmas till now due to weather and no arena there is area of ground that I use for lunging walk/trot only and if I limit this to once a week (weather allowing) then I feel better that she got some form of exercise, did get out few days back for hack for 30 mins and loved it she was abit lookie lookie still all went well and then weather changed again and as I am selling my horse I just hope people understand the lack of exercise and not be put off, I have put her on diet and she has lost 3" I want the sun.
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I used to think that a little plod up the drive was a complete waste of time and bother.

However I am now a firm believer that even a plod for an hour round the block is good for them and their circulation and well being and some exercise for you too
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I had a baby start of december so i havent ridden since october! We have had snow here since mid december currently have knee deep snow (i am also NE Scotland)!! I had planned on doing a pleasure ride the 7th march dont think that will be happening!! My mare thinks she has gone into retirement. She will be in for a shock when she sees the saddle again!
 
I reckon the time you spend with him is important - not the riding. My guy I swear gets muddy so that I'll spend time with him grooming and stuffing carrots in his face. I really notice the difference in him from when I turn up to when I have to go home. Just being with them and giving them company is something diferent from the rest of his day. Well done you.
 
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