Comments on: Stable Advice: Time for Riding

By: Parri

Parri — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 19:07:42 +0000

Keep your horse home, you will always have farm work even if your horse wouldn’t be there. Get a couple of boarders and enjoy your place just ask for some help around the farm and your have someone to ride with, that would be the best way. Good luck

By: Maddy

Maddy — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 12:17:51 +0000

I have never boarded a horse in my life. However I have 3 friends who either ride at a boarding stable or that board their horses there. Riding in the open is always something most people want, however for training purposes having a barn to ride at is a good idea. You have to think about when winter comes how are you going to deal with not getting to ride even less then normal in the summer, spring, and fall. With your situation not getting to ride as much, I believe boarding would be the best way to go. If chores are getting in the way then eliminating a few things could definitely help your situation.

By: Linda

Linda — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 07:52:07 +0000

No! I board my 3, and wish with all my heart that I had a place like yours. Schedule time to ride just like you schedule an appointment, make an appointment with your horse. I have a busy schedule, and it really helps.

By: o

Wed, 22 Jul 2015 18:41:46 +0000

good info

By: Natalie

Natalie — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 15:08:04 +0000

The quest for time is one many horse owners are a part of. While a boarding barn may save you some time, and give you some extra facilities, it also costs a lot of money. I would suggest that perhaps you try letting a friend board a horse or two with you, and you split the work between you to save time and money. Then, in your extra time, you and your friend can ride together!

By: Olivia

Olivia — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 17:41:46 +0000

First things first- don’t move your horses to a boarding barn! Whether you realize it or not, when you do chores around your property, your horses are there to keep you company. You may not notice that now, but you will if they go away. For your lack-of-riding-time issue, I would suggest a few things. One; make a schedule, or at least plan a designated time each week, day, or however often you want, for riding. Also, prioritize things. Can the new chore wait, or is it urgent? Even if you haven’t ridden all week, don’t sacrifice a larger problem for an hour in the saddle. Depending on the issue, postponing its fixing could be dangerous. Lastly, if you really don’t have time to ride, just make sure to spend some time with your horses. Practicing ground horsemanship maneuvers out in the pasture can be just as rewarding.

By: Miriam

Miriam — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 18:49:47 +0000

I have a similar setup on 20 acres. Here’s what works for me: I have allowed a couple of friends to keep their horses on my farm for free. This way, I’m not running a “boarding” facility. This eliminates the extra expense of liability insurance for a place that’s open to the “public”. Having responsible, adult horsey friends there allows me both more freedom as well as companionship and the safety of riding with others. We look out for each other, pitch in to do whatever’s needed and have lots of laughs and fun!

By: Anna Porter

Anna Porter — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 12:56:26 +0000

My family growing up always had a pony or horse to ride.my brother and I would help our dad with the chores if we even wanted to ride. Since you have a family make it into a contest. EX: have your kids log hours of time they spend helping in the barn. they could clean tack, water, groom, feed, muck out stalls or any other chore that needs done. Kids are competitive so don’t be surprised by all your little helpers. Since your making it a contest have a prize. A new pair of boots for 50 hours, a new piece of tack for 75, maybe a horse for 500 hours. depending on the piece your helper choose you should be paying 2 or 5 dollars an hour which a fair price. if they get a horse they need to log in so many hours a day to compete ect. though you will need to double check and still do harder chores(like fixing fence 🙁 ) you will soon find your self with plenty of time to ride with out sacrificing keeping your horse at home.

By: Tom

Tom — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 20:19:07 +0000

NO matter what, the first thing you do every morning is saddle your horse, the last thing you do at night is unsaddle your horse. You will be shocked about the minutes you can steal to ride during the day, a little here and a little there. Always have your horse saddled, they love the attention.

By: Jeannie

Jeannie — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 18:24:42 +0000

I completely understand where you are coming from! I work full time and also have a 7-acre farm with my horses at home. In an effort to do ANY kind of riding, I started riding my horse bareback (not wanting to take the time to tack up) out to the hay piles I had spread in the pasture. That was 1 1/2 years ago and I still ride that way almost every day. You would be amazed at what training you can accomplish in 5-10 minutes a day! We practice standing, backing, side passing, walking past the hay, opening and closing gates, and anything else I can think of. It’s not the kind of riding that will get us in good shape physically but it is so rewarding and has greatly improved our relationship and trust in each other. While bareback I use a halter/lead rope or bitless bridle. And I never go even 2 feet without my helmet. I’ve seen so many beautiful sunrises from the back of my beautiful horse and there’s nothing like bareback on a bitter cold morning!