I always had horses when I was younger, starting with riding with my dad, then we went to horse shows, clinics, had alot of fun. Later after getting married, and having kids, the money just wasn't there. I missed them so much, just holding memories of those good old days. Finally, on what would have been my dad's 76th birthday, on Nov 8, this year, I found "Toby", a 4 1/2 year old quarter horse gelding, that is so much like the horse I treasured when I was younger. He is a dream come true and a blessing. I believe my dad had something to do with this miracle on my dad's birthday, of all days of the year. I found that I have changed quite a bit, in all that time away from horses. I didn't just swing up and gallop away! I am much slower, and oh so much older. Is there anyone else that had such time away, and came back to what they missed so-horses? I feel like I am relearning some things I used to take for granted!

 Yes, I was a teen to right before I got married having a horse.  Right before I got married I sold him knowing also that the money would not be there.  Then had kids , raising a family etc.  Then finally got to be empty nesters about 2002 and the horse bug hit me again.  But still no horse as just cannot afford one. I was laid off my job a year ago and have not found another one. So I figure I will not be able to own a horse again, so I am just hoping to take formal riding lessons since I never got to do that.  But right now again till I get a job and get a couple of bills paid off. Have been on a couple of  "guided trail rides" in 2002 and 2005.  I rode western, but I feel much more secure in a hunt seat saddle.  The first guided trail ride let you trot and canter some, and I could definately tell I had lost a lot of muscle and strength in my legs.  I was sore for a while, but I did not care as I was on the back of a horse.  Know how you feel also with being much slower and older.  Just to not bounce like we used to.   It has been 40 years since I have owned a horse.  The pic in the avatar is my horse I sold before getting married.

Congrats on the new horse.  Have you posted pictures?  Please do would love to see the horse. 

Have a GREAT week. 

 

Hi- no I haven't posted any pictures yet, still challenged in that area of computers. My daughter can show me how. My horse is a sorrel, with a star, one front sock, one rear sock. His tail has a big white spot on the top, so I call him peter cottontail! It is expensive boarding horses here in our area in wis, but $275, is around the best price, and they have an indoor arena. Something I am not used to, but real nice. Hopefully, when my husband retires in about 4-5 years, we can get a small place further north with maybe 5 acres, and keep him there with us. It is expensive, but I just couldn't wait, knowing that my dream would probably never happen otherwise. Take care, and Merry christmas to you and your family.

Your horse sounds beautiful and the white spot on his tail.  Love the name for him, so cute.

You have  a Merry CHRISTmas also.  

 

 

 

Like you there were about 30 years between horse lives. I rode a lot as a teen but lost interest until last year. I adopted an OTTB and had him almost a year. He had a chip removed from his knee before I got him but developed arthritis and can no longer be ridden. I was heart broken but bit the bullet, sent him back to the Rescue where I got him and adopted another one. It's frustrating starting all over but well worth it. My new guy is only 4  1/2 too and has lots to learn. We're taking it very slow. I too thought it would be like riding a bike. But my muscles think otherwise and so much has changed since the 1970s when it comes to equine care, and training. 'Tony No Socks' ('Tony' for short) had a fairly successful race career - a few 2nds and 3rds but no wins. He was retired sound, YEA!!! I've only had him since Sept and with all the snow we've had so far, can only work with him inside for now. Before the snow came I tried him outside and he's afraid of his own shadow. So, we're doing a lot of desensitizing  with a scary horse eating plastic bag on a lounge whip. I hear a lot of giggles coming from around the barn when I get the bag out. He has learned to turn on the forehand, back up, and bend to the inside at the walk and trot. We've just started to work over ground poles and those were pretty scary at first too. He'd walk between them with each ear pointed to each side in case one of those poles should get up and whack him. He will step over them now. The biggest thing is to gain there trust and it takes time. When I'm working with Tony on the ground and he's afraid of something he walks up behind me and stands there so I can protect him or get eaten first.  Anyway, we're having fun and enjoying the new lifestyle for both of us. I wish you well with Toby ( I have a cat by that name) and just take it slow.

Hay Prairierose1 where are you in Wis, I'm in Oregon just outside Madison

 Rode some as a child/teen, with only a few lessons and some trail riding. Not much riding in college except at a friend or 2 that was fortunate to have horses. Then 20 years of work, marriage, family, etc.I bought my first horse ever about 9 years ago, am on #3, the third time's charm (plus lots more lessons and experience). I took many lessons before I could even think about getting my own horse. Now I have a wonderful equine partner. Hope you can have one some day. They are wonderful to be around even if you can't own one of your own at this time.

Okay, so I'm not over 50, I am only 40-- but I can completely understand your situation. 

When I was a small child, I have many memories of my grandad and his Appaloosas and saddle shop, spending the weekend days and evenings there.  I was the token grandchild and the horses were spoiled with all my attention--

After my parents divorced and many, many years later-- I found myself 39 years old and stilllllll missing the life involved with horses.  There's just something about it-- I have always been an animal person, all kinds of pets, but money and life situations didn't allow horses until this last year-- It has been a major adjustment, and I too am OBVIOUSLY much older and not nearly as limber as I was as a small child-- but I love every minute of it. 

 

Kindred spirits! Yes, it was 30 years ago, and things HAVE changed, but life is more complete now that there are horses in my life again.

I ended up with a not quite 5 year old also.  So be cautious. After a couple of dozen PERFECT rides my Jewel broke in half and bucked up a storm!

My advice would be to make sure your ground manners are impecable before you ride with anyone else that would distract your focus from your young gelding. It was that momentary lapse of attention that got me thrown. Ouch!

Pick up a MARK RISHAD book - Considering The Horse is good - the perspective is wonderful whether you ride English or Western.  He's an interesting writer - the stories are wonderful and I am more confident after reading of how he approached problems similar to the ones I face with my horses.

 

Hey Prairie Rose, I just joined this forum or I would've answered you right away. I am 51 and rode a lot as a kid and teenager. Then I drifted away from it to focus on boys (dumb) and school (smart). I always wanted my own horse and finally fulfilled that dream 7 years ago. Now I own 2 horses. When I was younger I thought I was a natural rider. Nothing scared me and I never, ever fell off. Now it's different. I was OK until I bought my pretty little Half-Arabian mare. She was green broke; I couldn't afford a fully trained horse. We've had many mishaps and I know most of them are my fault. The sad thing is that now I am not a confident rider. I want to work on it but every time something goes wrong it is harder and harder to feel confident. The best thing I ever did was take my mare back to her breeder's for the summer for training. A women's riding class was offered twice a week and it was a wonderfully supportive atmosphere. Not everyone was my age, some were younger and some older, but everyone was friendly and it boosted my confidence. So hang in there. Of course you're older and slower but that doesn't mean you can't do it. Take lessons and work on your riding. I found things have changed in the world of horses and lessons are much more technical than when I was a kid. But the younger women will admire you for having the guts to get back into something you've always loved. Good luck!

hi there- thankyou for your email! I agree with what you are saying. The more time I can spend with my horse, the better! The problem is that it is sooo cold up here in wis, that I don't go there when it is that cold. I know he is well taken care of, inside, wearing a blanket, and he gets outside enough too, if it is not cold like today. It is about 7 degrees out, wind chill being colder yet. So tired of this constant cold weather. I drive 20 1/2 miles each way to see my horse, so there is not a place to warm up , when you get cold. I did take lessons to refresh myself, and some things I am happy I remembered from the good ol days! What area of the country do you live? Hope all is working out for you, and hope warmer weather is finally coming! take care!

Prairierose, where in Wis are you? I'm in Oregon just outside Madison.

Hi- I'm outside of west bend about 8 miles. I bought my horse in Dodgeville.

I wasn't computerizing much this winter and missed your original posting. I think there are a lot of us in this "second horse life". This time around I have the full care of my horse instead of lessons, competions, tests and somebody else does the daily care. I like this better unless it's below zero.  Oh, yeah, falling hurts more too.

Hi- I wish I could have my horse with me, so I could spend time with him anytime. I drive over 20 miles each way to see him. He is taken care of like he was their horse, so that is a good feeling, especially on days when it is sooo cold. The only problem is dealing with agressive horses sharing a pasture with him. My guy is more mellow, shares his hay, with ears forward, but is also playful, which can annoy some horses sometimes-like pulling their tail, which is in a wrap. Suppose that could hurt! Someday the plan is to move alittle further north where land/home prices are alot cheaper, and keep him with us. That plan is within 5 years. He will still be young at 10, but me on the other hand, well, I will be old. Hopefully I won't feel it too bad. (I feel old already sometimes)