Would you keep horses if you couldn’t compete?

Sorry i haven't read all the replies but sounds like a sharer could be the answer, i had a friend ask to share mine after hers died, she is an unbelievable rider and so reliable, those few days off she gives me to do extra work, mum duties, dog walks whatever make a huge difference! I know its not easy to find the perfect person but they are out there waiting to take some of the load off you! Bit of a financial contribution might help too x
 
I have zero interest in competing, never have had. I love schooling, and I love riding decent horses - so I chose to have a very accomplished dressage horse, rather than a happy hacker type. He's no longer up to working in the school, and I miss that - but I love having him around, and I wouldn't mind if he wasn't rideable at all.
I am beginning to feel like I'd like a younger version of him, so that I can satisfy my urges to play around in the school!
 
Short answer is: YES. I love my horse and pony and feel happy getting up each morning and knowing they will be there. I did love competing and it did give me a buzz and also as others have said, some thing to work towards. I occasionally take the big old horse that I ride for his owners out to arena Trec and that just about satisfies my needs! (not sure what he thinks but he does well so I think he likes it too!)
 
After my son was born in 2011, I didn't compete for a few years, but now I've got my connie we are out and about again and I realize how much I would miss it.

In saying that, when I wasn't competing, my husband was, so I got my show fix by being the groom/owner.

Hubby has just had hip replacement 4 months ago, and at the moment seems to be content to be a happy hacker though I do keep trying to persuade him to have a jump ;)

My son is a typical boy, and likes to jump and go fast, so I'd say he might get bored of horses if we couldn't travel to shows and lessons.

Good to see you back LEC x x

OP - I think the pony club loan for 2-3 years sounds like a great option, and worth trying to make some contacts in your local PC...

Fiona
 
Personally, yes, I’d have my horse if I couldn’t compete. I just love being round horses. Being able to train is brilliant, seeing improvements to us both, flnding things easier to do. Competing is the icing on the cake. Love it, but can live without it.
But, we need different people in the horseworld. Selfishly, where would I be if there weren’t people who take a blank canvas of a horse, add some training then sell on? I’ve just got a fantastic horse that other talented people have produced and been able/willing to sell on. I couldn’t have produced him nearly as well. He has a home for life with me (assuming I outlive him of course!), I feel lucky that others were willing to sell him to me though :-)
 
Yes absolutely, I just love anything horsey and enjoy going for lovely long hacks and treks as much as going to horse shows. I love competing and training as it provides motivation and would probably still train. A nicely schooled well balanced horse is much nicer to hack and trek.
 
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