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Horse talk for mature people over 40

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#1 ·
I thought I would start a new thread for people over 40
who love horses.
This thread is open to owners leasers an people who
love horses

I will start I am 48 years old and I never yet owned a horse
mainly because of finances.
I have been around horses most of my life. I have ridden
all kinds of horses first ponies then horses
I have ridden Arab, Quarter Horses, Morgans, Appendix Quarter horses.
Thoroughbreds, Appaloosas, American Saddlebreds and Paints and lots of mixed breeds too and all sizes 14hh-17hh
I have ridden both English and western
here is are pictures of me riding my friends Pinto 14hh
and my friends Half Arab

My husband knows how much I would love my own horse so in the spring we are looking in to leasing a horse
 

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#27,001 ·
Thank you, Ellen, I am really happy with him!

And you really need a donkey! You'll feel better, and you won't have to sell the donkey. These animals won't injure you accidentally and they are such great friends. I would think they would leave modern medicine for dead when it comes to reducing depression.

Take good care, my dear. :hug:
 
#27,002 ·
Even 'tho might be crippled for life in my gun hand, as an experienced EMT did manage to extricate the foreign body from my thumb, w/out the "help" of a machete wielding horseman w/a driver's license or a Canadian horewoman w/a questionable scalpel. Oh..the AGONY. Thank you AA for the litigation tips; can sue Rick for suggesting the blocks, work maintenance for giving me 2 nice new blocks & my landlord since the incident occurred on his property. In addition, can sue Tracey for "mental anguish" because of her spelling of the word "doctor", since have read far too much in-depth history of WWII therefore was traumatized by "dokter" ("Yahwol, Herr Dokter! Yah, I will slice that, gladly!")

Any reputable lawyer will agree that the incident was the fault of others:lol:

Warning: following picture depicts graphic violence, should not be viewed by small children, large dogs or anyone, for that matter. Note the hole in mid-center...oh...the horror...:shock:

The HORROR! I hope you'll live! :lol:
 
#27,004 ·
Today's ride was .. interesting.. rather like the chinese curse 'may you live in interesting times!!'

Clouds broke to let the sun shine as I tacked up and headed out with George. I was going to meet Gina and Christine, but Christine was to be riding Jemma for the first time, so I suspected a short ride (Christine is a nervous rider). So I decided to take George up the local "mountain" first to get him some work before the casual part of the ride. He trucked along up the hills no issue, which I was pleased to feel. Seems whatever he tweaked in his hind end at the last ride is no longer an issue.

Met up with Gina and Christine and headed out.






About 3 seconds after the above picture, George suddenly stopped short and actually jumped 90 degrees to land partly in the bushes beside the trail (luckily we had only been walking so I stayed on no issue). I had just enough time to think 'what the h*ll?' when the unmistakable sound of a rattling came out of the bushes on the side of the trail!! :shock: :shock: :shock:

I never did see the actual snake, but we assume it must have been sunning itself. Whether George saw it or smelled it, very glad he was smart enough to get us all out of harm's way!!

The rest of the ride was uneventful. Christine actually really liked Jemma, so we rode quite a bit more than I expected.



Nice save, George! Looks like a beautiful day for a ride! :)
 
#27,005 ·
The prospect is a 7yo Al Marah-bred gelding (they are big "using" horse Arabian breeders). He has trail experience, camping experience, will go out alone or with a group, crosses water, not spooky, good for farrier & vet, sensitive but supposedly sane. He currently belongs to someone I know from the endurance community who has decided to change disciplines. This horse is the half brother to a gelding another friend has who has been doing really well on trail.











http://youtu.be/sK1iWJLKspo


http://youtu.be/l2DuEaob3G8
He looks a LOT like the Arab my friend bought from a lady who decided to change disciplines from endurance to --- something, I don't remember what now. He LOVES to run, but she's also taught him to be a good trail horse. I hope he works out for you!
 
#27,006 ·
I know I don't post often ... but I have a question ... so after 20 something years away from horses ... my husband had a "mini mid life crises" and so I decided that I was gonna get back into horses ...

But guess what??? My husband is in love with my horse and all the others at the barn ... he doesn't have any desire to ride, but he loves to feed them carrots and get to know them ...

Is there any advice for someone who now has a hubby enamored with horses? He shows NO desire to ride ... but he loves to interact with them???

Sincerely,

Lacey and Sunny

Same story here! In the beginning of volunteering at the Rescue & right after getting Freebird, I had to talk my husband into going along. Now he willingly volunteers & even agrees when I say we need a second horse. He's still a little intimidated, but definitely has let his guard down. I won't get him to do any day-long rides, ever, I don't think.

Have you considered a "retired" horse - pasture pet kinda pony for him? If there are rescues in your area, more than likely they have adoptable horses that can't be ridden, but make great friends!
 
#27,007 ·
Hello all. We have very nearly finished the first guest room. I will post photos when we do. I assembled the bed yesterday, and today we lugged the mattress down from the attic (queen sized mattress, stairs with a 90 degree turn :)), and I'm putting bedding on it. Still need to get some floor mats, bedside lamps, a lightshade and eventually curtains, plus finish the one piece of timber cornice that was in the thicknesser when the machine broke down. But getting there!

Yay, so we all have a place to stay when we come to Australia. :clap:

Last night, I accompanied two charming young ladies in wheelchairs to a rock concert for people with disabilities. Three loud, enthusiastic sets of popular tunes from the 60s to the 90s. I'm not a Top 40 enthusiast, but the band was very competent and the singer had attitude! Also she enunciated so clearly when singing that I could actually understand all the lyrics, and I kept thinking, "Oh! So that's what that part of the song says!" - since mumbling the lyrics is something of a hobby for actual popular artists... Great fun; also met a good friend whom I'd lost track of about five years ago, and that was fabulous. She's a real headbanger. There was a lot of headbanging at the concert, actually. And I'd brought tambourines and other percussion things for the people who couldn't dance to get involved physically with the music. Everyone had a great time. The dinner was pizza and chocolate, what more can I say? :rofl:

Sounds like a great time was had by all!
 
#27,008 ·
Sorry about that....my DH wakes up and I can't finish my post! :lol:

So we took the long loop, which as 2.9 miles. Got back to the trailer where DM and Pipes were waiting. Ate lunch, allowed Jay to rest and snack on some hay.

After a little rest, I wanted to try another loop, so off we went. Jay actually had more get up and go this second time. :D

We crossed 4 bridges total. One was connected to a car bridge, meaning they were side by side. We were crossing it when a car crossed, it made a rattling sound with the wooden planks. Jay held it together like the man he is. :D

ON the second loop, we saw more hikers. He looky-looed at them, but didn't spook. People there are very horse friendly. We even got to canter a stretch of it.

So....now I know, if I do happen to go with the ladies.....he can DO THIS! I CAN do this.!!! I must remember this the next time I ride with a group. With this experience, it is clear to me that I am a big problem when it comes to group riding. I have gained a fear. Now I know we are a TEAM, and we work very well together as long as I remain strong and confident. :D

IN the end, we loaded up, and headed home. We followed a rain storm home. It missed us on the trails completely! :thumbsup:

What a super way to start my vacation. I must say...I was totally exhausted after the week I had. Many going on, emotionally and physically, closing up for the year. I think I was asleep by 800 last night!! And still a little groggy this morning!
Yes!! Awesome ride, I love it - what a fantastic way to start your vacation. :thumbsup:
 
#27,009 ·
Hi all - it's been a long couple of days around here, hence the lack of posts. My mom had back surgery Thursday - she's doing well, but it was a bit distracting. Yesterday was a long day at work, plus arguing with the fabric protection company about whether three weeks is too long for them to clean the dog urine stain on my couch --- their solution is to open a window and wait for them to get around to it. If I clean it, the protection that I paid $120 for is voided for that piece of furniture. So...

I was the lone volunteer at the Rescue last night... no need for a gym for me after feeding the Fab 5, the minis & donkeys (including toting three full bales of hay to them, the goats, and the Blindies by hand), and the 4 indoor horses (Dancer, who I have shared, Butch & Ace - a mini with dwarfism and a yearling mini, and Piper the Arabian with trust issues that was just turned back over to us. The photo is Piper. She's being kept inside for now, while we work through issues she has from being dumped yet again. The adopter was afraid of her - which does no one any good. As of now, she's letting me and one other volunteer into the stall to feed her and clean, while standing patiently in a corner. She let me scratch her nose a bit yesterday, and pat her shoulder while I put feed & hay down. Progress!


I had a great night at the barn with Freebird after that - a couple of experienced trainers were there who really helped me take several steps forward with her and with my own confidence. I don't think I've come home quite so dirty & sweaty ever.

It has been raining here - again - and we are in a "TorCon4" tornado threat today. I am SO DONE with rain. So very done. We want to go to a street dance tonight, and I really need to get some more quality time in with Bird.

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

p.s., Ellen - I have 3 minis and 4 mini donkeys looking for homes.... ;) Except maybe I won't let you have Sugar D, one of the donkeys, I might keep him! :lol:
 

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#27,010 ·
Saddle bags sound handy! Oh yeah I know you were/are in process of new ear colors but had to tease ya:lol:

I don't want to go to work today but "I don't wanna!" isn't a valid excuse, so better get going here...:wink:
But you have to take a sick day! Remember your finger!! A splinter is nothing to laugh at.......... it is an excuse...... :lol::lol::lol:
 
#27,013 ·
But you have to take a sick day! Remember your finger!! A splinter is nothing to laugh at.......... it is an excuse...... :lol::lol::lol:
:lol:True! As it turned out, I WAS kinda sick today. Stomach unhappy w/me for whatever reason & a headache, but...done w/work now for 2 days anyway. (Oh my gosh, that tiny splinter must've gone systemic, so better call in ALS & take a MONTH off, huh?!):lol:
 
#27,014 ·
Freebird, that little Arabian mare sure has a pretty head...& a watchful look in her eye. Hope she gains trust. I admire your volunteer work...& what a job, it sounds like.

Blue, hope your work tonight goes smoothly.

I'm in a bit of scrambled-brain mode right now, w/work changes/sched upcoming, etc. I've heard nothing yet of my input for my sched after this month is done, but beginning this next week is the changes for just doing that. I've already said about no days for lessons, maybe I'll get a solo on Spirit, Is what is. Will get out there as often as I can to work on whatever Janice wants me to do & get to be around the horses no matter what. All on the Altar, per usual (& so far THAT tack has worked out!)

I did say to her last Monday, when we were going over my June sched & hers, that maybe God just doesn't want me to keep doing this (because of June sched impediments). She said, very calmly & rather off handedly "Oh...maybe not". I think the woman just knows...& I'd say she can "read me like a book", but..she reads me like she reads a horse.

So...one hoof in front of the other! This Monday I'll get out there early, as the pulling out of saddle stands & getting that wall & floor are pending, then just see what happens. After, that, this month, my time a-horse will depend on her schedule w/summer events for kids etc. We always "play by ear" & it always has worked out, so will keep my ears swiveling for opportunities.

Since, w/weird June sched change, I have Sun-Mon off, work Tues, have Wed-Thurs off I think I'll give myself a break tomorrow & not get up way early to get the laundry room...can do that Wednesday. Thursday my calendar has a "SkyView 10am "question mark" as may get a lesson, may not, depending on kids showing up or not. Will find out, maybe, Monday, for sure. W/Thurs was/am trying to stuff in a possibility, as the next week is totally out for both of us 9& I get to see my friend Anita!!)

If you think you're confused by all of this, you have a right to be, lol! Goodness knows, I am! Gave up on sticky notes for June & got out a lined pad!

Our weather is changing every few minutes it seems. Night before last 6 tornadoes were in the area, heavy rain & wind, & bashed my electricity for a little while. Then it's been sun/hot/rain/chilly/humid/sun/rain (yes, sunny while raining). Good grief. As long as the tornadoes stay out on the plains...tornadoes scare me, w/lightning a close second!

'Nite all & later...
 
#27,015 ·
Freebird, that little Arabian mare sure has a pretty head...& a watchful look in her eye. Hope she gains trust. I admire your volunteer work...& what a job, it sounds like.


Since, w/weird June sched change, I have Sun-Mon off, work Tues, have Wed-Thurs off I think I'll give myself a break tomorrow & not get up way early to get the laundry room...can do that Wednesday. Thursday my calendar has a "SkyView 10am "question mark" as may get a lesson, may not, depending on kids showing up or not. Will find out, maybe, Monday, for sure. W/Thurs was/am trying to stuff in a possibility, as the next week is totally out for both of us 9& I get to see my friend Anita!!)

If you think you're confused by all of this, you have a right to be, lol! Goodness knows, I am! Gave up on sticky notes for June & got out a lined pad!

Our weather is changing every few minutes it seems. Night before last 6 tornadoes were in the area, heavy rain & wind, & bashed my electricity for a little while. Then it's been sun/hot/rain/chilly/humid/sun/rain (yes, sunny while raining). Good grief. As long as the tornadoes stay out on the plains...tornadoes scare me, w/lightning a close second!

'Nite all & later...

TJ It is for sure a lot more work than I thought when we started - but I love it & get a great deal of satisfaction. I think Piper will settle in... I feel sad for her, being dumped like she has. She does have sad, guarded eyes. The last adopter called her "dangerous" BUT I know her from other places & she doesn't stick to much of anything if it's not 100% perfect.

I'm hoping the same with weather - we had two outdoor event possibilities tonight. As it stands, weather is not looking fabulous so we're staying in.

Good luck with the whacked out work schedule! :)
 
#27,016 ·
TJ She does have sad, guarded eyes. The last adopter called her "dangerous"
Had to say something, a just saw this: she (her eyes) remind me so much of Janice's Bailey (the TB/quarter horse I lesson with).Janice has told me that she was SO afraid, so guarded (& her eyes still are, except in rare moments) when she got her. She was totally terrified of men. I don't know the whole story, but w/Janice's training she gained her trust & has come a thousand miles from where she was (Janice said she would CHARGE full front any male in sight & wasn't much better w/women. People, simply, had broken her trust).

That guarded/veiled look is still there in Bailey's eyes, until she looks at you & recognizes 'Oh, this one is ok". She's turned into an awesome, patient lesson horse (& like I've said before: way patient w/beginners. Now that I'm getting beginner-onward, she's still patient but she is like "ok, we can GO now, right?")

Point is, she's come very far & the look in your Arabian mare's eyes is so familiar!

She's a keeper, until she finds the perfect owner/trainer/place, IMO.

Ojk, really going away now for now...:lol:
 
#27,019 ·
Had to say something, a just saw this: she (her eyes) remind me so much of Janice's Bailey (the TB/quarter horse I lesson with).Janice has told me that she was SO afraid, so guarded (& her eyes still are, except in rare moments) when she got her. She was totally terrified of men. I don't know the whole story, but w/Janice's training she gained her trust & has come a thousand miles from where she was (Janice said she would CHARGE full front any male in sight & wasn't much better w/women. People, simply, had broken her trust).

That guarded/veiled look is still there in Bailey's eyes, until she looks at you & recognizes 'Oh, this one is ok". She's turned into an awesome, patient lesson horse (& like I've said before: way patient w/beginners. Now that I'm getting beginner-onward, she's still patient but she is like "ok, we can GO now, right?")

Point is, she's come very far & the look in your Arabian mare's eyes is so familiar!

She's a keeper, until she finds the perfect owner/trainer/place, IMO.

Ojk, really going away now for now...:lol:
That describes Piper to a "T". Our founder just posted new photos of her on Facebook - some of the fear is gone already. We feel like she is a keeper - I am kinda feeling that "tug" at my heart strings with her... only time will tell, but she does talk to me when I'm in the barn, especially like yesterday when I was alone. They sense good people, just like we sense good horses.
 
#27,020 ·
Was on the road at 5am to make it down to see the horse by a little after 11. After doing some catching up (haven't seen the owner in a couple years in person, only keeping tabs via fb), went out to see the gelding. He was indeed a bit standoffish, as I was told to expect.. but it didn't take long for me to be able to approach and scratch him while he was loose in the field. Caught him and took him into the barn, where he stood to be tacked no worries. His owner hadn't been able to ride since memorial day weekend (due to an injury from another horse), so I figured it was my best chance to push all his buttons and see what happened.

Went out into the round pen and did about 2 minutes of groundwork. He was alert and definitely suspicious of me (stranger danger!), but he kept his head and did what was asked. He makes this odd whistling sound under his breath when he snorts, which he was doing almost constantly. Threw a leg over him with no fanfare. Again, somewhat tense but sane and willing. His feet are in need of a trim (found out the only farrier in the area had a stoke 8 weeks ago, eek) so didn't do more than walk and trot in the pen. He needs some finishing, but I can handle that. I love his attitude. He totally ignored the neighbor's children roaring up and down the road (which was only feet away from the pen) on several dirt bikes and 4wheelers, as well as not caring about the honking vehicles that went by.

However, the drunk neighbor with the automatic rifle took the cake. No, that is not a typo. I was sitting futzing with the saddle and flapping my arms and the ends of the reins and in general trying to get a spooky reaction when it suddenly sounded like we were in the middle of a war zone. Startled the heck out of me but the horse never flicked an ear. Apparently the neighbor does that a lot.. gotta love West Virginia!! :shock:

Needless to say, he came home with us!! He trailered like a champ. Not sure he had ever backed off a trailer before, but he did so quietly when asked, despite really wanting to see his new surroundings.

Meet Phineas:















 
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