If you’ve got a penchant for ‘blondes’, take a look at these palominos horses and ponies for sale on the Horse & Hound website this week.
1. ‘Stunning’
Height: 16hh
Age: three
Gender: filly
Selling points: “This homebred mare has been very well handled. She is out of a warmblood and by Kambarbay, the Akhal Teke stallion. She has the metallic coat of the breed and is ready to start being backed. She has a lovely, friendly nature and she’s easy, uncomplicated, has no vices and has never had to see a vet.”
Selling points: “‘Rolo’ is a very loving and genuine Shetland. He has been there and done it all and will show any aged child the ropes, always keeping them safe. He can be ridden on or off the lead-rein and is also trained in harness. He is easy to do with absolutely everything and just stands there and falls asleep. He is good to lunge and enjoys flatwork and jumping. He never gets fizzy or over-excited and is never strong — he is snaffle mouthed at all times. He hacks out alone and in company and lives in or out. He has no vices.”
Selling points: “This Welsh section D is beautiful, but needs a strong, confident rider. ‘Loxy’ was bought with very little education. We spent the first year hacking and past year working on her flatwork, however she can still be green. Loxy can jump, but needs a confident rider. She has had some time off but we are now bringing her back into work properly and are currently furthering her education. This is a very sweet mare who needs a one-to-one owner. Loxy is head strong but once you have her she is a super-willing horse. Loxy had a little fright while out hacking (details on request) — she never suffered injuries, but can be a little nappy. She does hack out in company with no issues.”
Selling points: “This pony is well schooled on the flat and loves to jump — he has bags of potential. This is a fun, sensitive pony looking for an experienced, competitive home. He needs a quietly confident rider with competition experience who wants to form a partnership with their mount and discover how far they can go.”
Selling points: “This warmblood x thoroughbred mare is well-handled and socialised, well-mannered and has a very sweet personality. She is good with the farrier, to travel alone or in company, and lives in or out. She was awarded a higher first premium at BEF Futurity as a three-year-old and was placed first in the in-hand riding horse class at the Royal Three Counties Show that year too. She has been lunged, long reined, loose jumped, backed and been on a handful of short hacks. She has never put a foot wrong and is a very quick learner.”
Selling points: “‘Hope’ works beautifully on the flat and is a comfortable, easy ride. She has done dressage, showjumping and has been cross-country schooling. She is extremely honest and genuine and always tries her best to please. She is snaffle mouthed and doesn’t get strong or fizzy. Hope has got the most fabulous temperament — she loves people and would stand all day to be brushed and fussed. She hasn’t got a bad bone in her body. Hope is a real head turner and is now ready for someone to bring her on and have lots of fun with. She hacks out alone and in company and is good to catch, box, bath, shoe and clip. No vices and no lumps, bumps or sarcoids. She lives in or out.”
NB: Horse & Hound has not checked the accuracy of the claims made in these adverts and cannot be held liable if the information included above is inaccurate in any way
The twins — Tilly and Lilly — and mum Rose are all doing well
“Both the mare and stallion have such wonderful temperaments,” said Martin, adding the mare was one of the easiest horses he has ever started.
“I have been in the horse game all my life and I have never come across a mare that was so easy to break, she never put a foot wrong.
“It was enjoyable to get up in the morning and do some work with her — she is very special.
“You don’t need to spend a lot of money on horses. If you have a bit of time, they can turn out to be beautiful swans.”
The mare was sold locally and has gone to a home where they “absolutely love her”.
American Bashkir Curly horses are a rare breed, with curly, hypoallergenic coats.
“The stallion has a temperament to die for,” said Martin, adding this is typical of the breed.
“They are good for all levels of riders and they aren’t at all sharp.”
Twins foals are an unusual sight. While it is common for mares to conceive twins, if they are spotted early enough, vets will usually abort one embryo to give the other foal and the mare the best chance of a safe, full-term, healthy pregnancy.
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.
This week’s edition (31 May) is a training special, including a look at the world’s top trainers and whether you should have multiple coaches. Also check out our summer clothing guide, interview with showjumper and recent winner of the Hamburg Derby, Matt Sampson and feature on health problems in miniature horses
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The sale was held alongside the horse trials at Tattersalls and 15 horses were auctioned. The horses were chosen by event horse agent Sally Parkyn and Lt Col Brian McSweeney (ret).
The top lot was Master Class Ramiro (lot 10), a four-year-old by Ramiro B, out of a mare who is a granddaughter of Master Imp through her damline. The horse was consigned by Jason Higgins. He was the subject of a bidding duel between Oliver Townend and Chris Gould, with Chris the successful buyer at €49,000 (£43,000).
Master Class Ramiro, by Ramiro B. Photo by Laurence Dunne (jumpinaction.net)
Oliver has enjoyed success this spring with Ramiro B horses — both Kentucky winner Cooley Master Class and Badminton runner-up Cooley SRS are by him — and the stallion stands at Harthill Stud, Oliver’s breeding venture with Nina Barbour.
A further eight horses were sold on the evening, with a total aggregate price of €209,500 and an average of €23,278.
Irish four-star and championship rider Trish Ryan signed for the second most expensive horse sold, Lislan Liam, consigned by Sylvia Revill. He was lot six and went for €26,000. He is a chestnut five-year-old by the jumping sire Je T’Aime Flamenco out of a mare by Harlequin Du Carel.
The new elite sports horse auction that is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK
Jerpoint Eclipse, sold for €24,500, made the third best price as lot 12. He was sold by Maurice Coleman and bought by Richard Gordon. He is a four-year-old by Chinook Eclipse, out of a mare with Clover Hill and Chair Lift in her pedigree.
The horses who didn’t make their reserves were led out unsold at between €5000 and €16,500.
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.
Natalie McGoldrick on Tricky Johnie at South of England Horse Trials 2017
An equine vet involved in a terrifying hacking incident has pledged to push her case “as far as possible” to raise public awareness of the horrific abuse riders are subjected to on the roads.
Natalie McGoldrick, H&H’s vet of the year 2017, was hacking her eventer Tricky Johnie near Waterlooville in Hampshire on Tuesday morning (29 May) when she heard a car horn behind her.
“I was out hacking on a quiet country lane. It’s a single track with some passing places to pull in,” Natalie told H&H.
“I was on Tricky Johnie, my intermediate horse, who fortunately is my safest one. We were just riding along and I heard a horn sounding quite a distance behind me. I thought ‘that can’t be anything to do with me as it isn’t even close’.”
She added she heard a few more beeps as the car approached and took her phone out of her pocket as she wanted to record the numberplate.
Natalie said the driver wound down the windows and started shouting at her. With nowhere to safely let her past, Natalie put her phone away and continued riding towards a layby around 100 yards further up the road where she could pull in.
As she was riding away, the driver held her hand down on the horn and Jonnie started to become unsettled.
When Natalie reached the layby, she decided she needed to call the police, so jumped off, dialled 999 and put herself between the horse and the car.
Natalie said the driver then drove “albeit very slowly” into her legs.
“What must have been three seconds felt like about a minute — it went through my head that she was going to keep going and I had Johnnie behind me so I couldn’t get out of the way,” said Natalie.
“I was screaming on the phone to 999, I said ‘she’s hit me’.
Natalie said the driver reversed back, before pulling forwards into her legs again, clipping Johnnie’s hocks as Natalie tried to walk him away.
The driver got out of the car, pushing Natalie backwards and then started to pat the horse.
“It was pretty horrific,” she said, adding nothing much scares her, but Tuesday’s ordeal was “terrifying”.
“I’m a pretty strong person and it shook me up. I’m constantly abused on the roads, but that was a step further.”
Thankfully both horse and rider were not injured in the incident.
Natalie added she was so thankful that she was riding her most sensible horse at the time.
“If I had been on one of my others, that would be a completely different story,” she said.
Natalie posted the clip on her Facebook page and it has since gone viral.
“I posted it thinking that I have a following of a couple of thousand and at least it would make people [in my area] aware,” she said.
“The reaction has been 99% supportive and encouragement to press police as far as I can go.
“I don’t have an arena or fields to ride in, my horses do all their work and schooling on the roads. It is a serious sport for me, I have no other way to keep them and this is how the majority of us do keep our horses exercised.
“I’m going to take this as far as possible — that’s the only way it is going to change is when people realise they can’t get away with doing things like this.”
A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary told H&Hthere have been no arrests at this stage.
“We are investigating an incident involving a car and a horse/rider in Hyden Farm Lane, Waterlooville between 11.05am and 11.14am on 29 May,” he said.
“Anyone with information about this incident should call 101 quoting 44180198842.”
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.
This week’s edition (31 May) is a training special, including a look at the world’s top trainers and whether you should have multiple coaches. Also check out our summer clothing guide, interview with showjumper and recent winner of the Hamburg Derby, Matt Sampson and feature on health problems in miniature horses
Flies are ever-present pests in summer, with horse fly bites being a particular problem for horses and riders alike. Biting flies can pierce the horse’s skin and feed on its blood, while nuisance flies lay secretions in and around the horse’s eye, mouth, nose and other sensitive spots.
Flies can carry disease and an allergic reaction can result from any fly bite, while all flies cause annoyance and irritation to horses and humans alike – an important consideration when working or competing horses.
Types of flies that trouble horses
Horse flies (Tabinidae) emerge in June and July and are most active on warm, sultry days, especially around woodlands. Favourite feeding sites include the horse’s underside, legs, neck and withers. The bites appear as painful papules (pimples) and wheals (small lumps) with a characteristic, central ulcer. These flies will rarely venture into dark areas, so stabling can offer some protection.
In general, home-made fly repellents are of little benefit against horseflies, as they are robust creatures. Insecticides known as synthetic pyrethroids – especially permethrin or cypermethrin – offer the best solution and can be bought from tack shops. Follow the directions on the product, as many are not suitable for daily use.
Black flies (Simuliidae) are small in size (approximately 2mm-5mm) and breed in rapidly moving water. High-risk times are dawn and dusk during spring and early summer, when stabling may be helpful. These flies commonly feed around the face – particularly inside the ears, where they trigger allergic skin reactions to their saliva, and distract the horse – but also on the horse’s neck and underside. Bites form as painful lumps, often with pin-prick areas of bleeding and crusting.
Synthetic pyrethroid fly sprays can act as a deterrent, although physical barriers such as ear nets and oil-based products – oil of citronella, for example – will discourage these flies from landing on the horse. Petroleum jelly applied inside the ears may prevent the insects biting.
Midges (Culicoides) are 1mm-3mm long and hover in swarms at dawn and dusk. Eggs are laid in standing water, so avoid stagnant areas. Different species of midges feed at different sites on the horse. Classically, mane and tail hairs are broken or rubbed away, exacerbating sweet itch in animals that are allergic to the bites.
Insect repellents can be very effective against these pests. Permethrin-based products are best and should be applied in late afternoon. Oil-based products can be applied several times daily to prevent flies landing. Bringing horses in before dusk and using a fan to create a brisk breeze helps keep midges away, while rugs may also be useful.
Stable flies lay eggs in moist, rotting vegetation – typically, hay or silage that is contaminated with urine, water or manure – so are associated with poor hygiene. They feed on horses’ legs and abdomens, and bites typically appear as itchy or painful wheals or papules with a central crust. The best prevention is to maintain high hygiene standards, but repellents can also be used. Permethrin-based products are most effective directed at the legs.
Other problematic insects include mosquitoes, bees and wasps – these produce uncomfortable bites, as well as causing alarm to horses. While wasps and bees are present throughout the day, mosquitoes are at their worst in the two hours after sunset.
How to treat horse fly bites
For a one-off bite, apply an ice pack or bathe with cool, salt water (use a teaspoon of salt to two mugs of water). However, with multiple bites, a mild horse shampoo can help to remove irritating scurf or bacteria and cool the inflamed skin. A topical anti-itch preparation such as colloidal oatmeal, witch hazel, calamine lotion or zinc oxide cream can also help. In addition, try to prevent the horse making the affected area worse by rubbing.
As they are alkaline, wasp stings should be bathed with a dilute acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice. Bee stings, however, are acidic and should be bathed with bicarbonate of soda. The bee leaves its sting behind, so try to remove this with tweezers, as venom will continue to enter the skin. If the stinger is below the surface, it will be shed with normal skin healing.
It is rare for a bite to turn septic; if the area is open and weeping, bathe with a mild antiseptic solution, and if this does not help, consult your vet.
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World Horse Welfare field officer Rachel Andrews worked with the RSPCA to assess the pony and organise temporary accommodation for him, before taking him to the charity’s Penny Farm rescue and rehoming centre.
The colt has been named Mr Melvin Andrews, after the field officers that visited him, and has already become a favourite among World Horse Welfare visitors.
“Melvin was understandably a bit subdued when he arrived, but he’s come out of his shell a bit and shown that he’s a very sweet little pony who has a bit of a cheeky side,” said his groom, Katie Grimshaw.
“He’s already popular with visitors to the centre — everybody seems to have heard his story and people especially love his name.
“Our first priority was giving him a thorough bath and clipping his hair so we could properly assess his condition and treat him for lice.”
World Horse Welfare fears the incident could be the start of a new trend
She added the pony’s skin was in a “terrible state” and he was very underweight.
“We will be building him up slowly to help him regain his strength,” she added.
“We’re looking forward to working with him over the next few months to get him fit and healthy so that he can find the good home that all horses and ponies deserve.”
Ms Andrews added every equine “deserves responsible ownership”.
“[This] includes responsible breeding, selling and rehoming,” she said.
“We’re just glad that Melvin has settled in well at our Penny Farm rescue and rehoming centre and has already shown himself to be lovely a little pony.
“We hope in time that we can find him a good home.”
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.
In this week’s edition, out on 24 May, don’t miss our “cob special”, including how to find the perfect cob, meet champion cob Our Cashel Blue and more.
Hannah Sue Burnett (USA:#) riding HARBOUR PILOT in the cross country phase of the CICO*** section at the Saracen Horse Feeds Houghton International Horse Trials on the Houghton Hall Estate near King’s Lynn in Norfolk in the UK between 25th-28th May 2017
The three riders — Hannah Sue Burnett, Jennie Brannigan and Alyssa Phillips — were all tested at the Ocala Jockey Club International in Florida last year (16-20 November), where Hannah Sue won the CIC3* on Harbour Pilot. All three recorded a positive result for the prohibited substance amfetamine, with Alyssa also testing positive for canrenone and Jennie for methylphenidate and ritalinic acid.
Amfetamine and methylphenidate are listed in the stimulants category of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2017 prohibited list, as is phenethylamine and its derivatives, which include ritalinic acid. Canrenone is included in the diuretics and masking agents category.
Under the terms of the agreements between the FEI and the riders, the trio are suspended from competition for a year from the date of the sample collection (18 November 2018), have to pay the fine and are disqualified from the competition. The parties each bear their own legal costs.
The riders also have to support the FEI’s anti-doping campaign and engage in athlete education, including providing testimonials for FEI education material. They also have to complete an anti-doping education course within a year of the FEI Tribunal decision.
Athletes can apply for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) if they need to use a prohibited substance to manage an illness or condition. The riders all applied for a retroactive TUE after the tests, which were rejected, but they have all been granted TUEs for the same substances going forward.
“All three athletes were able to prove no significant fault or negligence and the circumstances of the cases show that none of them had the intention to dope,” said FEI legal director Mikael Rentsch. “In light of this, and the fact that the athletes have subsequently been granted Therapeutic Use Exemptions for these medications, the parties agreed that the period of ineligibility should be reduced to 12 months [from a potential four years], and the FEI Tribunal has approved that.”
Hannah Sue requested the analysis of the B sample after her positive test, which confirmed the A sample analysis and the presence of amfetamine.
The FEI Tribunal reported Hannah Sue has had a “genuine and documented history of ADHD [attention deficit hyperactivity disorder] since childhood”, the condition being so disruptive she dropped out of school at 12 years old and was home schooled and subsequently dropped out of college. Amfetamines are commonly used to treat this condition.
“There was no intent by Ms Burnett to cheat or enhance performance and she was granted a prospective TUE for her ADHD condition,” continued the document. “Therefore, Ms Burnett’s fault lies not in taking the medication, but in failing to file a timely TUE application.”
The report also said that Hannah Sue has committed herself to educating herself about ADHD and starting psychotherapy for behavioural support around organisational skills and time management, as well as taking her prescribed medication.
Hannah Sue, who told the FEI she cannot recall receiving any human anti-doping education for at least five years, said after the Tribunal decision: “It is with the upmost passion and commitment that I will be returning to the competitive world of eventing. I have taken full responsibility for my actions and am grateful for the opportunity to return to the sport I so deeply love.
“Abiding by the rules that have been placed to ensure fair competition within the sport of eventing is important to me. While I am taking a doctor prescribed medication, I acknowledge and regret that I began taking the medication before submitting a Therapeutic Use Exemption. I have since gone through the FEI process and been granted a TUE going forward.
“I am humbled by the support and forgiveness of those closest to me despite my mistakes. To everyone who fought for me and believed in me when I couldn’t do so for myself — from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I know it will take time to rebuild the trust of many of my fans and supporters, but I am committed to doing exactly that.”
Jennie did not request the analysis of the B sample. The Tribunal report said she had “struggled with depression, attention issues, as well as ADHD symptoms for her entire life (as they are quite prevalent in her family history), but did not seek help through medication until she sustained head injuries / concussions in the past two years.” It also said that she provided documentation showing her concussion history “at times makes her forgetful and impulsive”.
Jennie, who had never previously been drug tested, was initially treated for depression and attention issues with Wellbutrin, which is not prohibited, but was moved onto Concerta and Vyvanse after Wellbutrin did not resolve her issues. Her Concerta and Wellbutrin use were declared on her doping control form.
“Ms Brannigan’s use of these medications was unrelated to her sport performance, but rather, was to treat her ADHD symptoms as well as depression. Ms Brannigan promptly admitted her anti-doping rule violation, promptly provided an explanation as to the cause of her positive test, and waived the testing of her B sample,” said the report, which added that: “Other tribunals have also held that depression is a factor that can lead to a reduction in a sanction.”
Jennie said: “I’m incredibly happy to know that I will be able to come back to compete again this November, and while this situation has been tough on my sponsors, students, owners, and support team I am truly thankful that I have learned how to love the sport even from the sidelines. I am grateful to everyone who has stood by me and I am extremely sorry to have let our sport, country, and my supporters down.
“That being said, I am appreciative to the FEI for recognising I wasn’t taking the medication to try to improve my performance and that indeed I will be allowed to compete on this medication going forward. I know I have learned a lot from this experience, and I hope it has helped others be more educated on anti-doping as well.”
Alyssa did not request the analysis of the B sample. She declared the two substances — canrenone and amfetamine — on her doping control form at the time of the test, which is seen as “a mitigating factor that weighs in her favour when assessing her degree of fault”.
The Tribunal also took into account Alyssa’s youth (she is 21), the fact she is an amateur rider and full-time college student and her lack of anti-doping education — “before she was tested she had no idea an anti-doping programme even existed for riders and this was her first ever doping test”.
The report added that the positive test was caused by medications for ADHD, for which Alyssa has a valid medical prescription and which she believed she was permitted to use. “Ms Phillips’s use of these medications was unrelated to her sport performance, but rather, was to treat her ADHD symptoms,” it said.
Alyssa said: “Today FEI made public that I have been given the minimum sanction possible of 12 months for my ingestion of two prescribed medications, that are banned substances. As most of you may recall, I tested positive for the two prescribed medications at a competition back in November. At the time, I didn’t understand that riders were subject to an anti-doping programme, I thought only horses were.
“I should’ve known to apply for a TUE for my two medications, but I was not aware I needed to. However, I have since applied and both medicines have received a TUE. With that being said, the FEI understood I was not trying to enhance my performance in any way and has granted me a sanction of 12 months backdated to when I was tested in November. So, I will be eligible to compete again on November 18, 2018.
“Despite my ineligibility to compete, I am grateful to be surrounded by people that have supported and continue to support me during this time, along with three happy and healthy horses. I have taken advantage of my time off to really focus on the training and ride-ability of my horses. I am staying positive and using this unfortunate situation as an opportunity to learn and grow as a rider.”
Credit: Brett D. Cove/Silverhub Media/REX/Shutterstock
Television presenter Lorraine Kelly has thanked the NHS staff who helped her recover following a serious riding fall that left her leg “de-gloved”.
The ITV star recently visited St George’s Hospital in London, where she received emergency treatment following the fall in 2012.
Lorraine’s visit was aired on her daytime show on 21 May.
“In 2012 I saw the very best of the NHS after a serious riding accident,” she said.
“It was only the second time I’d been on a horse for a charity event.”
Lorraine fell from the horse and was trodden on, leaving her with a serious wound to her leg.
“After losing three pints of blood, I needed urgent medical care, without it I would have been close to death,” she said.
“I was rushed to St George’s A&E due to the severity of my injury and it’s thanks to the amazing treatment I received that I’m here today.
“It’s strange to be back, I don’t remember a great deal about it but I do know medics were incredible and looked after me so well.”
Lorraine added that she didn’t look at her “de-gloved” wound “for ages” after the fall.
She underwent surgery and was off work for eight weeks while she recovered.
“It was like an out of body experience on that trolley [going into surgery],” she said.
“I could see lots of flashing light and I remember saying, ‘I don’t think I’ll be able to go to work tomorrow’.”
Lorraine recovered on the Gunning Ward, where she said the staff reassured her that she “would be just fine”.
“I owe an unpayable debt to everyone at the NHS who saved my life, but I’m just one of many people that are saved on a daily basis,” she added tearfully.
From checking your weather app 20 times a day to booking your holidays around your competition schedule, horse ownership takes over every part of your life. When you love it, there’s nothing better. But what happens when you dread going to the yard? Or see riding as something you have to do, rather than want to do?
Oonagh Meyer, head of approvals at the British Horse Society says: “Owning an equine can have its ups and downs, but the responsibility to provide good care and quality of life for their horse should ultimately feel like a rewarding experience for the owner. It’s important that owners recognise if they are no longer able to give their equines the time and care they need. Owning a horse is also a large financial commitment, and owners must be realistic about their ability to afford horse ownership long-term.”
So, if you’re considering a break from horses, take a look at these five options that could help you out first – rather than selling straight away.
1. Try a sharer or a full loan
If you could do with a few days off a week, why not look for a sharer or part-loaner? You’ll benefit from some downtime, and your horse still gets plenty of exercise and attention. It’s common to ask for a financial contribution too, so you can take some pressure off your budgeting.
“If short-term financial pressures are causing difficulty with full livery fees, owners could consider changing to assisted, part or DIY livery, or find a sharer who is happy to make a contribution in exchange for riding,” Oonagh explains. “Best practice would indicate this should only be undertaken with clear contractual agreement.”
You may want a bigger break than just a few days off every week. But if selling either isn’t plausible or something you want to do yet, then consider putting your horse on full loan. You’re still in control of their future, without the day-to-day care and riding. It’s a good way to test the water to see if you could sell — or if indeed you want a life without horses in it. That said, great care should be taken to check the suitability of the loan home and H&H recommends a legal contract is put in place so both parties are clear about their responsibilities.
2. Turn your horse away
Whether it’s a lack of time, money or motivation, turning your horse away can help ease your worries and stresses. For horses who don’t need their weight managed or grazing restricted, being turned away is a perfect way to take a break without having to sell. Plus, it can work wonders if your horse has been suffering from any health niggles or behavioural issues — the combination of time off and Dr Green has been known to work wonders in some cases.
Depending on the set up of the grass livery, the owner is likely to remain responsible for their horse’s daily care, although some yards will provide daily checks as part of the service, meaning you only need to visit when you need your horsey fix.
“Even if owners feel that the time has come to give up the day-to-day responsibility of owning a horse, remember that many activities connected to riding have significant physical and mental benefits,” Oonagh says. “Being outdoors and in contact with nature is a key motivation for the majority of riders, and the sense of emotional well-being people have when interacting with horses can be psychologically very important, especially if a rider is in poor health.”
3. Change yards
If you love to hack but have to cross a road that resembles the M25 at rush hour, it won’t take long to lose your motivation. Likewise, if you spend 10 months of the year slogging through shin-high mud, the joys of owning a horse get tiring, and fast.
If you want more time, support, or better facilities, consider a yard change. It might be putting your horse onto part livery or moving from stabling — and all the mucking out — to grass livery. Naomi Dormor owns a young Connemara gelding, and has struggled with the idea of giving up.
“There are so many reasons behind it — money, time, and feeling like I’m missing out on things that other people my age are doing, like travelling. I’m now considering putting my horse on grass or assisted livery to give me some breathing space and to focus on my partner and my career a little.”
Marie Dittman moved to England from Switzerland and found the change in hacking a shock.
“I considered quitting riding shortly after I’d moved to England. In Switzerland, I used to go for hacks several hours long, without meeting anyone or hitting any traffic. Hacking has always been my favourite discipline and it helps me clear my mind after a long day at work. I found hacking incredibly stressful at first. It wasn’t relaxing, it didn’t give me any sense of freedom and for quite a while I didn’t actually enjoy it. That’s when I thought ‘why am I doing this at all?’ But I got used to it, helped by finding places to go for a good canter.”
Sometimes a new group of people, a little extra help, and better facilities can help reignite your love for riding and help get your motivation back.
4. Find a more suitable horse
Owning a horse that needs exercising every day to keep it safe and sane can quickly turn your hobby into a chore. We all have other commitments, and if you’re sacrificing some parts of your life to exercise your horse, it’s no surprise if you lose the love for it.
Riding shouldn’t be a chore, and if your current horse doesn’t fit in with your lifestyle, find one who does. If you like the odd hack at the weekend but can’t guarantee you’ll have time to ride five or six times a week, look for a horse that’s happy to go for weeks without being sat on, rather than one that requires sticky-bum breeches, a neck-strap and a parachute after two days off.
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5. The right support
Sometimes all you need is a fresh pair of eyes and a new approach. Toni Erica spent years battling through injuries, behavioural issues and confidence wobbles with her two horses.
“I tried selling both of them at various times, but never found the right homes,” she says. Taking it as a sign to carry on, Toni also considered retiring them to get her “time and sanity back”. But for Toni, the light at the end of the tunnel came through taking a different approach.
“I tried various professional trainers and vets, using both traditional and natural methods. With Barney, we found he really enjoyed learning by play, so I used that, and he improved so much. With Ginger, it was all about perseverance.
“My main advice is to stay positive and never be afraid to ask for help. As soon as I started reaching out to the right people and telling them how I felt — rather than letting them take over — I started to achieve things. I’m usually a negative type of person, and just hearing positive words and recognising even tiny steps as a positive has helped my entire attitude, and I’ve started to enjoy having my horses again.
“We’re definitely not there yet, and some days I still feel like throwing in the towel, but I’m much more focused now.”
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.
In this week’s edition, out on 24 May, don’t miss our “cob special”, including how to find the perfect cob, meet champion cob Our Cashel Blue and more.
