Would you let a HHO member ride your horse?

There are so many people on here, there must be plenty of super riders, probably a few 'well known' people and professional riders as well, then at the other end of the spectrum I'd imagine there's a fair few right numpties :D

Generally, the only reason I get uncomfortable with letting anyone other than paid instructors (who are insured) ride my horses, is that I worry what would happen in the unlikely (but still possible) event they fell off and injured themselves and then what would happen if they couldn't go to work, or drive, and would it be my responsibility to help them out?????????
Perhaps I just think too much:o
 
KristmasKatt said:
Just to clarify; since I was someone who said "it depends", I'm careful about who rides mine because she is only 4, but the people who ride her other than me are not particularly exceptional riders.

Both have never owned their own horse and have mainly ridden in riding schools. My sister is very rusty, she hasn't had proper lessons regularly for about 15 years, and only rides a couple of times a year. But I know that she will sit quietly and won't pull the horse about or be bothered if she messes about but will just continue to ask her to walk on quietly. I will let her ride in the school and hack but I know that she won't actually school my horse because she wouldn't have a clue where to start. I would actually rather have someone who is gentle and balanced but novicey ride her than someone who *thinks* they know what they are doing who might pull her about in an effort to "put her on the bit" or whatever.

The friend who has ridden her, and who i must get to come over again soon, I would let school her occasionally, and would also let her hack out. I know that she is a decent rider, who is gentle and kind. I also know that she has similar ideas to me.

I am grateful to all the people who let me have a sit on their horses when I didn't have my own so I would like to think I will be able to do the same in future. I also think it is a good skill for a horse to be able to adapt to different riders, and is essential if they are going to show at a decent level (not that mine is going to). You have got to think of your horse's best interests, at the end of the day no one can 100% guarantee a home for life and if a horse ever needs to be rehomed or even shared it is important that they can cope with different riders.
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I agree with everything you say :eek: I would be hesitant to put an unbalanced novice on the highland for their sake - he might be fine, but he can be a mini-knobber. I would be disinclined to allow a competent rider of certain schools of thought to ride him for his sake - not because they couldn't ride him - he will work nicely and carry himself properly, but I don't want him sawed in the mouth or pulled down "onto the bit". I'll happily let anyone hack him, or school him if I'm confident they won't screw with his training. I completely agree that all horses should be able to be ridden by different people :)
 
I let a novice ride my pony about 7 years ago, she came off in canter. Dad just laughed it off and told his daughter that shes obviously not ready for a pony yet haha. They never rode her again. :rolleyes:
 
Ladylina83 said:
Yep - she does 3 times a week and is ace but I did worry a little bit at first

My mare looked after her for the 1st week then gave her the full test and she passed/stayed on :-)
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Haha just seen this, dont have time for hho now im at the yard 3x a week :p

She does like to show me up in front of super posh dressage riders but she is being quite kind with me while i get back into it. To be fair she could have got me off if she meant it.

She's a big softie and i'm really glad you are trusting me with her even though i ride like a blob of poop at the minute (but lots more no stirrup work like today and hopefully i will get better soon) :D xxx
 
If it was up to me (as Kelly is a share :p) I would let capable riders on her - she can be a little bit of a diva and it takes a while for her to trust you, and for you to get to know how she ticks - plus she is broken at the moment!! :(
I love the look of TrishCs Monty, Delicia (can't remember the user name!), LauraWheelers Herbie, jesstickles BH and JFTDs neds too.

Anyone want to volunteer a jumper...?? :o I do miss it!!!!
K x
 
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Three have (who I didnt know before meeting on here)! But I have got quite protective recently - would have to make sure they are competant and quiet as he was gelded really late so needs to be "asked" rather than told so to speak (sensitive and sharp especially since going onto haylage and staypower museli!). Or more importantly that I like them hehe :p :)

P.S. I think there are 2 or 3 more people on the forum who have ridden him/sat on him who I actually know because at one point I was so scared of him I let most who wanted to get on him!! But now the tables have turned and I am a protective mother who likes keep him mainly to myself as hes actually fairly safe - Im just an idiot!.
 
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I did and found a fab jockey on here who took my mare BE but then as all was going well the horse broke her jaw. she is having a holiday just now but hope the jockey is up for it next year as I still cant compete:D:D
 
Snowysadude said:
Three have (who I didnt know before meeting on here)! But I have got quite protective recently - would have to make sure they are competant and quiet as he was gelded really late so needs to be "asked" rather than told so to speak (sensitive and sharp especially since going onto haylage and staypower museli!). Or more importantly that I like them hehe :p :)

P.S. I think there are 2 or 3 more people on the forum who have ridden him/sat on him who I actually know because at one point I was so scared of him I let most who wanted to get on him!! But now the tables have turned and I am a protective mother who likes keep him mainly to myself as hes actually fairly safe - Im just an idiot!.
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He's a gem, if a bit of a quirky gem and he's one of my fav hho horses and to be honest you have done ruddy well with him and where you are now. Hope your feeling better x
 
No-one from HHO that I am aware of but then I try to only let numpties ride my boy as otherwise I'd get jealous seeing how nicely he goes for them :)

And totally on the other end of the scale of non-numptiness, Chris Heywood rode him around the Deep Mill xc course that week. And ofc he performed like an absolute dream, the git bag :rolleyes: sigh....
 
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