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A Chance Meeting with a Good Old Riding Friend
Some years back I bumped into an old friend from my teenage years. We reminisced about the good old days. These were the times when we both rode 14.2hh ponies and enjoyed our time competing at the grassroots level and bombing about the countryside. They were good times with happy ponies and smiling grubby riders. Our holidays, weekends and many an evening were fun fun fun and we kept very fit.
Later we both went off to university and at this juncture, my good friend gave up riding. She followed her chosen route to become a successful businesswoman with a happy family. The chance encounter fifteen years on inspired our long conversation about the good old days. My friend excitedly spoke about her rekindled interest and that she had just purchased a horse. Wow, an impressive 17.1hh warm blood with real looks and potential talent.
I later learned that things has not gone as planned. She had become disillusioned and simply given up. So what had happened?
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Buying Horses without Trying Them Out is a Poor DecisionMy good Friend had Overestimated her Present Riding Ability
This is something that must be avoided. Many people give up riding when they go to university and then want to start again at a later stage. This might be when their children have become more independent or when they now have the finances for a horse. For a happy return to the saddle avoid seeking your dream horse. You do not need an elite horse unless you intend to compete at an elite level and have the funding to do so. Be realistic about your requirements and your funds.
OK, so what are your realistic aims, and what horse will suit you? To answer this, decide what aspect of riding pleases you. Generally, it Is one of the following:
- Quietly hacking on a Sunday afternoon
- Weekend riding
- Riding out daily
- Competing occasionally at the grassroots level
- Competing regularly at the grassroots level
- Something more serious
The Financial and Time Requirements for a Horse Owner
The more serious your ambitions the more funds you must have, along with a horse/horses talented enough for your intent. Seriously competing is not easily achieved without a string of horses. You will need good facilities, and plenty of time, as well as a talented trainer and a backup team. So you will struggle if all of these requirements can not be met.
This is not a reflection of your ability and aptitude. It is a reflection of your purse strings and the time you have. However, the good news is that competing becomes cheaper the lower you set your sights. Many riders successfully compete at a grassroots level with one horse and limited funds.
So what Horse is Best for Me?
1. The Occasional Sunday Afternoon Hack
This horse does not need to be anything special and has to be sound enough for the odd plod around. The horse must be totally quiet and easy to handle with excellent manners. This sort of horse is frequently a docile Irish cob. A horse that copes with infrequent riding.
2. Weekend Riding
This horse needs to cope with a very light work regime. They do not need to be anything special but they do need to be calm enough to thrive on light work. A small horse would be suitable for most riders. So why go for a 17hh warm-blood horse? You need a kind sensible horse that gives you ridden enjoyment with a smile on your face. Remember that smaller horses are usually sounder and cheaper to buy and maintain.
3. Riding Out Daily
This horse needs to be sound enough for your quiet daily hacking. Many types are suitable depending on your experience. The horse could be anything from a retired competition horse, needing a slower pace of life to a quiet cob. The type you choose will depend on your preference and ability. Frequently off-the-track thoroughbreds take to this sort of life so long as they have the opportunity to bowl on.
4. Competing Occasionally at the Grassroots Level
This horse needs the aptitude and experience to compete with you. The grassroots standard will be low and many types of horses will turn their hand to this. This horse will need to be ridden at weekends so that it is fit enough to perform without undue stress. Do not expect too much as this horse will not be fit.
5. Competing Regularly at the Grassroots Level
Even at the grassroots level, this horse will need to be fit. Ideally, you will ride daily. To be successful you need some training and must have some training facilities. The sort of horse must be sound for his intended use and must enjoy his job. You will not need a big warmblood with scope.
6. Something More Serious
As you progress in your chosen discipline your horse must be more purpose-built for the job he is to perform. These horses are not cheap to buy and keep. As the physical demands increase so it becomes progressively harder to keep these horses functionally sound. You will need considerable time and commitment to compete seriously.
Be Honest with Yourself
Identify what you want from riding and go for the type of horse you need rather than the type you dream of being able to ride. You can always change to a more competitive horse at a later date after you have developed core strength, balance, and technique.
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Happy Horses are Successful Horses so Pick your Horse Wisely