Riding Rant

Emiry · Advanced

Riding Rant

dangerbunnygirl · Well Schooled

Can you work out an agreement with someone at the barn for doing chores in exchange for ride time? I was a working student all through my teen years and I learned a lot not just about riding but also about how to take care or horses, plus built some killer muscles.

Emiry · Advanced

Unfortunately with high school and work I am unable to make those arrangements, specially living outside of the main center and off a bus route, which means I need to rely on rides from my parents. Plus, we don't have any working student positions set up in my area. If I wanted to do that, I'd have to be a stable hand and the money would enter my hand, then leave it.

I am hoping when I go to collage I will be able to make those kinds of arrangements, so then it will be less of a financial burden on my already broke pocket.

Barnmouser Ash · Grand Prix

I agree with DBG. Perhaps you could also look for places needing exercise riders? Or offer to exercise horses for people at your barn when they can't make it out? Just taking 10 or 15 minutes to warm a horse up and get its mind clicking every day can be the difference between a happy horse and a horse who weaves/chews/is cranky.

I, too, come from a very financially strict household where it is simply not in the budget to even drive to a barn. Unfortunately I'm also in a situation where I don't own my own car (can't pay for gas/insurance), so I can't even take it upon myself to tote my butt out somewhere. I've reached somewhat of a dead end unless there is public transit somewhere, but in the mean time all I can do is dream. It sucks, and I know that if I had the opportunity to be riding, I could be reaching very high levels, but sometimes you have to just be okay with what you've got. I know that even if I haven't ridden in a year and a half, it won't always be this way, and I'll have more chances to improve my skill later. I'm not looking to be some teen prodigy, but I feel like later in life I could very well be riding international level. Right now, it's not an option. It's hard to accept, but sometimes that's all you can do is accept it.

Best of luck finding a way to get as much practice in as you can. :)

dangerbunnygirl · Well Schooled

Honestly it is rarely impossible, there are always people who can help you out if you are honest and hardworking. There are many barns (and individuals) who will exchange stall mucking for some supervised ride time.

justice · Grand Prix

Everybody pretty much covered anything I could add so I will just say that I hope you feel better soon, Emiry : )

Emiry · Advanced

I am hoping that maybe the summer(and the fall) if I have time to exchange work for riding, but with school(6 hours and homework) and my part-time job it is just not possible for me to do any more work, and in my province, it is hard to exchange time for work as my area has mostly public barns, and the private ones are run by the owners and people working off board.

Thanks Justice! Actually my mother just got back from work/visiting Nan and brought back some chicken soup for me!! Nan spoils me when she hears I am sick. (I am not a soup fan, and really only eat soup when I'm sick and can't eat anything else, and the soup must be chicken since I don't like the taste or texture of other soups)

Barnmouser Ash · Grand Prix

I hope you enjoy your chicken soup :) It always makes me feel better, too.

One thing I would note, and I suppose it can be different because I'm from Oregon in the States, but... all throughout high school I had a killer busy schedule. Tough course load (Advanced Placement/college level courses) on top of cadets and marksmanship team (that took more time out of my week than school and homework combined... seriously), but still found time to ride on occasion. During the summer I started my own small training program, taking on 2-4 clients at a time. Although then it was possible to travel 10 or 15 miles to the barns... hmm. Kind of thinking out loud here :) In any case, I guess what I'm saying is.. where there's a will, there's a way ;)

ETA: Totally forgot about the trainer I worked under my junior year. I went to her small farm every day after school and rode 2 or 3 horses for her for about 3 hours and my mother picked me up on her way home from work, or else I rode the bus. I didn't get paid, but boy did I learn a lot. Had my share of spills, and even had an involuntary lip piercing (top lip) from a spooky horse hitting me in the jaw rearing up. By the time I quit working for her, I had my own client and we were looking at buying me a cheapo Craigslist scruffy to turn around. Unfortunately we had a rather scrappy falling out, but it just goes to show, you can find ways to work riding into your schedule. You just have to be patient and flexible despite setbacks. :)

-- Edited by Barnmouser Ash on Wednesday 20th of April 2011 05:33:04 PM

Jackie Cochran · Advanced

I hear your pain Emiry and Ash. I've been there, stuck in suburbs, uncooperative parents, no money, etc., etc., etc..

I read a lot of horse books, riding, management and veterinary. I read out the public and school libraries, not enough by any means but I learned some stuff that I would not have otherwise.

I have often wondered why dressage riders do not learn how to belly dance since belly dancing teaches you how to move your pelvis and how to isolate each part of the body while moving. I had done modern dance, and it helped me some but I think belly dancing would have been better for my riding. Get a book and learn some of the basic moves. My sister-in-law makes a decent amount of extra pocket money by belly dancing.

Sometimes the quickest way to get to where you are going is to take a detour. Eventually determination wins through, at least it did for me!

This is a way you can be doing something positive for your riding while life is not cooperating with you.

Emiry · Advanced

Ash:
I am in cadets also. and am the drum major (well band since we only have a mill band) and untill recently trying to run without an officers help. Lets just say, my work load multiplied by 10 since I had no representation in the office. So my 7 hours turned into way more than that, and I still don't have all the solos finished as my glock head is just as busy as I am withless music experiance/ not an awsome band teacher at school. My life is just stress, can't wait till high schools over and I am finished.

Jackie:
I currently live off reading new and old stuff. My friend is giving me some older (2or 3 years) magazines that she has so I can read them(that and she doesn't want to store them in her house any longer) but I'm excited for it!
Actully my current favorite magizine is Equus. I find it has good stories, and I like the medical articles.
I hope my detour is having to fight to ride in high school and collage due to low level/ experiance because I didn't start riding till last year.

My mom picked up belly dancing a few years ago and her idea of helping me work-out is doing belly dance moves haha. I am quite used to warming up by doing the shimmy.

Kathleen K · Well Schooled

Oh do I ever feel your pain! It certainly sucks when you want/need more time in the saddle and you can't get it. However, I promise you things will eventually get better.

I am in university and I am beyond poor. (Woohoo for being thousands of dollars in debt!) I have TONS of opportunity to ride. I don't know how good of a rider you are, but if you are able and willing to ride greenies you should be able to find a horse or (10...) to ride. Heck, even old schoolies need exercised too. Put an ad out on horse forums, at the local feed store, ect - you may or may not get any bites but it can't hurt.

Also, have you gone up to the barn and said "Look, I don't have a lot of money but I really want to spend more time in the saddle. How can we make that happen?" Be confident but also be willing to accept 'no' if it comes down to that.

Do not say "Man, it sucks that I can't ride more than once a week!" Instead say, "How am I going to get more time in the saddle?" Positive thinking makes things happen!

ETA: Oh and if you do end up free riding, NEVER get on a horse without someone else getting on it first. Always put your safety first around new horses. Not everyone is honest about how well behaved their horses are.

-- Edited by Kathleen K on Wednesday 20th of April 2011 08:29:44 PM

-- Edited by Kathleen K on Wednesday 20th of April 2011 08:32:20 PM

Daniela · Yearling

I had wanted to ride my entire life. I only got to start taking lessons about 10 years ago when I was 34. I am so envious of those of you who have been riding throughout your teens. I had to wait until after University, many years while I was trying to find work that paid enough to even take lessons. You are very young - once you get through school and get either a really good career, or a very high paying job, you will be able to fulfill your dreams much more easily. Your priority needs to be your education and career at this point - it will help you fulfill your horsey dreams much better later.

Barnmouser Ash · Grand Prix

Daniela wrote:
I had wanted to ride my entire life. I only got to start taking lessons about 10 years ago when I was 34. I am so envious of those of you who have been riding throughout your teens. I had to wait until after University, many years while I was trying to find work that paid enough to even take lessons. You are very young - once you get through school and get either a really good career, or a very high paying job, you will be able to fulfill your dreams much more easily. Your priority needs to be your education and career at this point - it will help you fulfill your horsey dreams much better later.

Couldn't have said it better myself. biggrin I think as young people, we lose sight of reality in hopes of becoming something really great. When, in real reality, we have tonnes of time to get there. Emiry, you and I aren't even in our 20's yet; we've got time still before we can kick ourselves in the butt and say, "man, I wish I would have gotten my pro card at age 18," or something like that. By no means trying to pick on you, just keep your chin up and realize that school gets in the way of your life. Life will get in the way of your school at some points as well.

The cadets I was in is a bit different than Canadian cadets ;) I was in Jr. ROTC, which is a citizenship course based around US Military core values (Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honour, Integrity, and Personal Courage -- those were ours for a US Army based JROTC). We spent many hours on the marksmanship range, on the drill floor, learning colour guard (not flag team, colour guard), PT team, at drill competitions, and on top of all of that, I had an officer position for two years. One year being third in command. It's a lot of work for a young adult, but if you can pull through successfully, you will really see a lot of growth in yourself. One day you'll look back and miss it. I promise :)

Nikki Salo · Grand Prix

Emiry, I feel your pain, I had to sell my horse of 10 years to pay for school, and I'm starting my 5th year of university next month. It is hard, but you'll find a way! We're here for you aww

dangerbunnygirl · Well Schooled

I agree with positive thinking, generally if you want something badly enough you can find a way to make it happen,sometimes you just got to be patient!

Emiry · Advanced

Looking at that rant, even though I want to do stuff, I now have a weight lifted off my shoulders. I decided tonight that I will be quitting my current part-time job before I have another job because it is just to stressful. I have enough money stored away to keep me going for a good while, and my vacation pay that I will get will finish paying for my lessons till I go to school in the fall.
So now I start the search for a new job, that (hopefully) won't be as stressful.

Barnmouser Ash · Grand Prix

A tough decision to make, but a brave one. Good on you for budgeting wisely and doing what makes you happy! :)

Goatgirl · Advanced

Quitting work for now seems A good and likely positive move Emiry - it sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now - and your rant seemed loaded with stress. - I don't know you though -- but just guessing from what you were writing about

I hope you are feeling better - health-wise.....

Barn Mouser and Emiry - the time WILL come when you can ride and pursue your equine dreams - we all get a turn -- and your turn will come too.

My son - jumper - 22 - whom I fondly call Snotty Jr. (Horatio Hornblower reference -- don't know if anyone here remembers that A&E series a number of years ago - Hubby and I were addicted) - Anyway - now that we're leaving the farm Snotty Jr. who's in unviversity - studying fine arts - working part time at a sport horse facility and a dressage barn - is trying to figure out how he's going to keep his jumper - he's already concluded he needs a half-leaser on the horse and I know it eats at him - but he knows it's either that or sell him. He's not sure if he can do it on his own - without us here - he doesn't show even though he dreams of Thunderbird Show Park and showing at Milner Downs - but he can't afford it - he scrimps for his jumping lessons -- But - the reality is he may have to let his horse go.. -- so he's in a tough spot like so many of the young people on this board...

I do know - that the chance will come round again for all of you -- it may or may not be soon - but it will be there - just keep believing in your horsey dreams -- I rode all through my childhood and teen years - and then did ten years of 'figuring life out' - but when I came back I think I really appreciated horses and learning and riding more - there were is/was so much more - a deeper understanding and enjoyment I think....

Just remember the 'brass ring' comes round again and again -- your turn will come again

-- Edited by Goatgirl on Thursday 21st of April 2011 11:51:38 PM

coloradocowgirl · Well Schooled

Do you mean that you're saving for horse shows?

I don't know if anyone has already suggested this, but maybe skip the shows and save for more lessons/leasing instead? That might be a wiser choice for now, and then maybe you can show again in college?

Barnmouser Ash · Grand Prix

GG, your post almost made me tear up (if I wasn't so cold-hearted biggrin ) It does mean a lot for you to say that. I don't mean to hi-jack the thread as it's Emiry's venting, but it does mean a lot for you to put the thought into that reply and give such encouraging words. Thank you.

Willow - That's a good point/idea. Shows can be skipped in the name of saving money and spending more time schooling. Perhaps in-barn schooling shows are best, or maybe you can set up "tests" with your instructor to gauge your progress in a "show" environment. Bust out the fancy dressage jacket and the white breeches, shine up your boots, and polish up the tack. Then head on into the arena and ride your test just like you were being judged. Being at home gives you the relaxed mindset, but you're still being "judged" for a "score". :) Can never hurt to see if your trainer is up for it!

dangerbunnygirl · Well Schooled

Even as you get older a lot of it is going to come down to sacrifice, you have to decide what is important to you. Unless you happen to be independently wealthy and money is no issue, you have to face the fact that horses are extremely expensive and getting more expensive all the time.

Sometimes my friends and I joke about all the things we could buy if we didn't have horses, and even though we joke it is still true. Just about every horse person I know drives an older car, don't eat out a lot, take vacations or buy fancy clothes. Even the people with good jobs have to juggle horse expenses with family and other commitments. my horse got a brand new blanket this year but I am still wearing the same coat from four years ago.

It might sound cliche but I think if you have to work for it then you appreciate it more, I never had a free ride growing up. My parents helped where they could but after I was eleven I was mucking stalls to pay for lessons and board. I bought all my own horses and tack myself. I worked a lot of crappy part time jobs to pay for hay.

Keep your chin up Barn Mouser and Emiry, you have time to make it happen.

Emiry · Advanced

Goat-girl: Thanks for sharing. I am so glad I am not in the situation where I would have to sell my horse.

Thanks for the input guys. But for showing, I have everything besides for boots(am trying some half-chaps I found on sale in extra-wide, just ordered them) and I had gotten my helmet & breeches last year, my show coat was dirt cheap(bought used from a friend) and my shirt I also got cheap.

For showing I throw $20 a pay check (give or take) into that fund and have been doing so all year. So it's not like I have been putting mass amounts of money into it, so it's not really enough to support a lease, and I didn't throw much a paycheck into my clothes fund either. Most of my money has gone to paying for stuff I need personally, driving school, I bought my own prom dress, some stuff I wanted, and school fees. So I am really careful with my money so if I did lose my job I could continue on till I can get a new one.

coloradocowgirl · Well Schooled

DBG- I totally know what you're saying, I was also working off my full board when I was 13. The riding is always so much sweeter after you've sweated and waited for it :)