Recently I have been trying to help a friend find her perfect horse. The whole process is terribly stressful, fraught with suspicion, doubt, frustration and disappointment. I used to lament that I have never had the opportunity to pick a horse, they seem to just find me, but now I am beginning to feel grateful.
Funny thing is it has got me thinking. How much is 'the perfect horse' due to the horse and how much is due to the riders attitude? My friend is of the opinion that there is such a thing as the 'right horse' and she will know as soon as she sits on it. I have never found this. My first pony Frodo used to scare me as a child and I inherited him when my sister moved onto a younger bigger horse, but soon he became my Mr right and I could not imagine a better pony. Tonto down right terrified me, I had a year campaign to try and sell the bugger but no one else was stupid enough to by him (we only bought him through pity). Tonto, admittedly via sweat blood and many many tears, became my perfect horse. I honestly wouldn't change a thing about him. And then I thought of Sofie. It took me a few months to warm to her, but now I think she is just what I want.
I don't always get what I want, I get what I need.
I would never have picked any of my horses from a viewing, but over time they have all turned out right. I am not a miracle worker, I don't think I entirely changed my horses. I guess I drew out of them the qualities I liked but I also think they changed me.
I don't have any riding ambition. None. I have no goals or ambitions when I take on a horse, baring enjoying its company. This lack of ambition probably helps me enjoy them for what they are.
But before I commit to the answer that it is all in the riders attitude and nothing to do with the horse I should probably share this little advert that I wrote for the next horse back in January 2014.
Before I had even met Sofie, I had described her. Perhaps I am just lucky that the right horse fell into my lap.
Funny thing is it has got me thinking. How much is 'the perfect horse' due to the horse and how much is due to the riders attitude? My friend is of the opinion that there is such a thing as the 'right horse' and she will know as soon as she sits on it. I have never found this. My first pony Frodo used to scare me as a child and I inherited him when my sister moved onto a younger bigger horse, but soon he became my Mr right and I could not imagine a better pony. Tonto down right terrified me, I had a year campaign to try and sell the bugger but no one else was stupid enough to by him (we only bought him through pity). Tonto, admittedly via sweat blood and many many tears, became my perfect horse. I honestly wouldn't change a thing about him. And then I thought of Sofie. It took me a few months to warm to her, but now I think she is just what I want.
I don't always get what I want, I get what I need.
I would never have picked any of my horses from a viewing, but over time they have all turned out right. I am not a miracle worker, I don't think I entirely changed my horses. I guess I drew out of them the qualities I liked but I also think they changed me.
I don't have any riding ambition. None. I have no goals or ambitions when I take on a horse, baring enjoying its company. This lack of ambition probably helps me enjoy them for what they are.
 |
| Tonto the dressage cob, I love working out how this cleaver chap ticks and he used to enjoy flashing his feet in the ring and X-country back in the day |
 |
| Mini me on Frodo who was deaf, blind and arthritic but I loved looking after him |
 |
| Sof and I out in the fields alone on a misty morning, I've been getting into solo hacking as she seems to enjoy it |
But before I commit to the answer that it is all in the riders attitude and nothing to do with the horse I should probably share this little advert that I wrote for the next horse back in January 2014.
I think I would like something 14-15 hands, straightforward, bold and forward going (strong would be OK). I’m not very comfortable with horses that buck. I’m looking for a pony which loves its work, and ideally loves to jump as I can’t enjoy a ride if the horse is not also having fun. I think I would most interested in native breeds, something hardy with a bit of bone and feather, something like a Welsh D would be nice. Afraid I will not take on a cob, though I love them, because of they are susceptible to ring bone and I don’t think I could go through that again. I would like something a little green, 3-7 ish so that we can learn together. However I would not rule out anything under 10. Ideally I would like a mare. I would like the pony to be able to live out happily 24/7 with company and would be interested in keeping the pony barefoot if it has good feet. This is not a purely financial decision, I think it is better for the horse to be allowed to move and barefoot is better for their circulation.The pony would go to a loving knowledgeable forever home. I have been riding all my life and am kind but firm with horses. I have never ridden competitively – just not something I’m into, and I would describe my riding as more effective than it is pretty. I love jumping, but have always had the benefit of a very honest horse so I don’t think I’m particularly good at it. I have experience with young horses I broke Tonto in and have spent the last few years bringing on just backed highland ponies. I am 5ft 6 and weight 60Kg and am 27 years old. I mainly hack in company, but enjoy the odd sponsored ride and local show. I would also like to try drag hunting and endurance. I plan on getting lessons with the new pony to help with schooling as I am a little rusty. I’ve included some pics and a video of me riding.
Before I had even met Sofie, I had described her. Perhaps I am just lucky that the right horse fell into my lap.
 |
| My miss perfect |
No comments:
Post a Comment