Would you?

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eahotson

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I am just trying to decide whether I want to continue with horse ownership or not.Something has upset me quite a lot,I am getting very old and my husbands health is not that good. haven't decided completely yet.Thing is I have a lovely young cob mare.She is very laid back and sweet with lovely paces and a trot so smooth that its easier to sit to than rise to.I was thinking of putting her on long term loan to a good RDA centre which I think she would suit.She would drive well if broken to drive, is only about 15hh but can carry plenty of weight.Would not worry if people were a bit clumsy mounting etc. and hopefully a centre like I have in mind would give her a good long term home.Any comments.?
 
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eahotson

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Pinkvboots said:
Is this the same young cob that was bucking with another rider?
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Yes but we have got to the bottom of that.I can't say to much on an open forum but the nub of it was a very stiff sore neck.It has been treated and she is back to normal again.She was I think, having a double hay net which of course can lead to repetative strain injury.I found out by accident as it was being done behind my back. She was also being "schooled" behind my back with the following riding style.Head pinned firmly in.Strong leg aid.Go figure.No I am not afraid of riding her, not at all.
 
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eahotson

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eahotson said:
Yes but we have got to the bottom of that.I can't say to much on an open forum but the nub of it was a very stiff sore neck.It has been treated and she is back to normal again.She was I think, having a double hay net which of course can lead to repetative strain injury.I found out by accident as it was being done behind my back. She was also being "schooled" behind my back with the following riding style.Head pinned firmly in.Strong leg aid.Go figure.No I am not afraid of riding her, not at all.
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Can I also add she would be on loan so could easily be returned if necessary.
 
Tiddlypom

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Ah, it's a while since I volunteered with them, but I'd have recommended Clwyd Special Riding Centre, except that they now only take geldings 🙃.

They certainly used to get loaned or gifted much loved family horses and ponies who no longer had a job with their owners. Some with pretty decent competition records.
 
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Surbie

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It is very generous of you - that height and being a weight carrier is what most RDAs are looking for. You'd likely have a number of groups applying to you.

Personally I would vet the RDA carefully, in the same way that they would vet you and your horse. Are their horses in good condition, does the tack fit well, how are they handled, what is their workload and how are they kept fit/balanced. Do they get hacking? If they are schooled, who does it and who assesses their level of riding? Some have paid staff, others volunteers - what level of horse knowledge do they have? And would your horse be happy handled by several different people each day, with varying levels of competence?

This is not meant to criticise the RDA - it is a wonderful organisation and I love being a tiny part of it, but horses need to have the temperament to deal with changes in handling as well as workload. And for the work being quite dull.
 
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w1bbler

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I've been horse obsessed all my life, until now. Im mid 50's & have recently realised I'm not bothered if I ride or not. I totally get how you could be feeling. Loaning to the rda could be brilliant, you can always change your mind if you do eventually realise you miss it.
Careful on your reasons though, what has upset you, is it yard specific, are you in the wrong place. Make this decision for the right reason, not a knee jerk reaction.
Also do disclose the bucking, even if you believe resolved so the centre knows to keep an eye out for any reoccurrence & ensure they don't repeat the cause
 
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Skib

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You dont say how old you are. And whether you are sure that you want to stop riding? The problem about stopping riding when one is older, is that it is hard to resume, as I found after a year's break during lock down. We had walked and shot a ball at a netball post and done Joe Wickes exercises for seniors but it wasnt enough. Riding demands strong, supple ankles and you have to be able to bear the whole weight of your body on your one (usually left) leg. I had to do NHS ankle exercises in order to ride again properly. And I have tried to ride every week since.

Riding in my old age isnt just a pleasure thing. One reaps benefits. It is good for one's balance both on and off the horse and helps to control one's weight. I think it keeps my mind active too.
 
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eahotson

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Tiddlypom said:
Ah, it's a while since I volunteered with them, but I'd have recommended Clwyd Special Riding Centre, except that they now only take geldings 🙃.

They certainly used to get loaned or gifted much loved family horses and ponies who no longer had a job with their owners. Some with pretty decent competition records.
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Oh dear.I was thinking of them but never mind
 
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eahotson

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Skib said:
You dont say how old you are. And whether you are sure that you want to stop riding? The problem about stopping riding when one is older, is that it is hard to resume, as I found after a year's break during lock down. We had walked and shot a ball at a netball post and done Joe Wickes exercises for seniors but it wasnt enough. Riding demands strong, supple ankles and you have to be able to bear the whole weight of your body on your one (usually left) leg. I had to do NHS ankle exercises in order to ride again properly. And I have tried to ride every week since.

Riding in my old age isnt just a pleasure thing. One reaps benefits. It is good for one's balance both on and off the horse and helps to control one's weight. I think it keeps my mind active too.
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You are of course very right.I haven't fully made up my mind yet.
 
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greasedweasel

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Would you consider a junior Para rider? I have a friend involved and could put you in touch to see if she has any suggestions?

A fortnight ago I would of tried to wrestle her out your hands, even if it had just been so you could have a break but new liveries and the fear of what I’m going to find when I go to the yard are making me question my horse ownership too.
 
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Pearlsacarolsinger

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I know a RDA group, (I am the Chair) where she could have a lovely easy life, living on the family farm with other family ponies, working on 3 days per week, max 3 hrs per day. We are currently looking for a weight carrier up to 15.2hh. However, I would hope that you could find some other solution so that you can ride her yourself. Please don't rush into any arrangement as a knee-jerk reaction.
 
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eahotson

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Pearlsasinger said:
I know a RDA group, (I am the Chair) where she could have a lovely easy life, living on the family farm with other family ponies, working on 3 days per week, max 3 hrs per day. We are currently looking for a weight carrier up to 15.2hh. However, I would hope that you could find some other solution so that you can ride her yourself. Please don't rush into any arrangement as a knee-jerk reaction.
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Thank you.
 
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eahotson

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greasedweasel said:
Would you consider a junior Para rider? I have a friend involved and could put you in touch to see if she has any suggestions?

A fortnight ago I would of tried to wrestle her out your hands, even if it had just been so you could have a break but new liveries and the fear of what I’m going to find when I go to the yard are making me question my horse ownership too.
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Yes I would .
 
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