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T O P I C R E V I E W
Nikkisian89
Posted - 27 Apr 2010 : 7:32:41 PM Hi..haven't posted on here in a while! Well, i'm just looking for a bit of advice really... I've hardly had anything to do with horses for the past 2 years...i did own an Arab gelding who is currently been taken on by my mum and is going out for loan soon. He's unbacked and has proved too much horse for me over the years. Anyway, i came across a 15.2hh 10year-old Arab mare for part loan that i'm interested in, as i don't want the full responsibility owning a horse and i want something i can ride and get back into. Well apparently she's a "typical Arab" meaning she's quite spooky and nervous but she's lovely natured and would never harm anyone purposely. I'm interested in going down and having a ride but i've not ridden properly for like 5 years! Last time i rode was about a month or so ago on a cob that wouldn't hardly move!! And i'm just thinking would this be suitable for someone like me who has experience with Arabs but hasn't ridden properly for 5-years? Anyone else been in a simular situation? Thanks :)
19 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
Cate
Posted - 29 Apr 2010 : 09:10:22 AM Hi Nikki,
What Alison has said makes good sense.
There are plenty of Arabs out there, laid back and watching the world go round. Don't lose heart, and don't let negative posts upset you. If you feel you want to go and see this mare then do, but keep your options open as I'm sure there are others, especially the way the financial climate is at the moment, who have Arabs and wish for a part loan. Not all Arabs are spooky and often much can be attributed to what they're fed. Take care and all the best in your search.
Cate
alison
Posted - 28 Apr 2010 : 6:07:52 PM Hi Nikki, don't take it to heart things don't always turn out as we expect. I would look around for a quiet 'been there done it' sort - to part loan at the moment. It will give you something to look forward to and also help you regain all your riding skills. Then hopefully in a couple of years when your circumstances change you may be able to buy a horse of your own. Good Luck.
Ali
Nikkisian89
Posted - 28 Apr 2010 : 1:18:35 PM I actually do wish i never would have posted it. I seriously cannot believe how judgemental and opionated some people are on here. It's a long and complicated story with Aldazi. And it's ok for those to judge on the outside who no nothing about it. I lost interest 2 years ago, i wanted to sell Aldazi. My mum who is in a wheelchair wanted to keep him. She took over him and has had a few people look after him for her since then. She does love him but she simply can't afford him. He did get sold at one point but the lady who bought him sold him back to us because she couldn't handle him. I'll always have a soft spot for Aldazi. And hopefully we have found him a home were he can go on loan for 12 months and get backed/broken etc. I appreciate everyone giving me supporting messages but those saying perhaps i should stay away from horses all together and i need lessons on horse behaviour. Well i think it's out of order. I didn't say i was looking to buy a horse in the first place. I want something i can ride and bond with maybe 2 or 3 times a week as i don't have the money to afford to buy a horse or full loan one, plus at this moment in time i don't want the full responsibility in owning a horse. I have owned horses since being 10-years-old and yes, i lost interest 2 years ago, like many people do. And now i want to start riding again for a hobby/pleasure/exercise. Well i'm not even going to explain myself anymore as some people on here are too quick to give judgement. But thanks to those who might at least understand where im coming from.
kimzi
Posted - 28 Apr 2010 : 12:46:14 PM Hi Nikki I remember you're previous thread when you were about your mum taking on the resposibility. There is some really good sound advice already said ie the lessons, the beauty of todays society is that there are plenty of places that would allow work in exchange for rides or lessons so maybe that would be a good way to go until you are financially sound again.
Zan
Posted - 28 Apr 2010 : 12:10:09 PM I've just re-read your thread of June last year that geegee posted the link to--I vaguely remembered it but not the details---and now I am thoroughly confused. You said there that Aldazi was sold, you say here that he is about to go out on loan, and yet he is advertised for sale on the sales pages at the moment??? Even the advert is confusing me because it is stated there that he isn't broken because he belongs to a disabled person, yet you say he belonged to you, not your mum, and that he was too much for you. Well, you say that some of the time.... I feel really sorry for your mother, who sounds as if she loves him, and I feel really sorry for him, because an unbroken 8 year old with issues is going to have a hard time finding a good home. If you really love Arabs, why don't you send him off to be professionally trained, and then you can ride him? If you aren't that committed, then you are probably better staying away from horses altogether, because there's a lot more to horses than getting on them and riding them when you feel like it.
LYNDILOU
Posted - 28 Apr 2010 : 11:26:49 AM I wish I could say something positive as you obviously like Arabian horses , but the message that comes across is that you could take or leave them ?, So I would say leave them until you learn more about them, they are the most amazing animals and very undervalued as a riding horse by those that have little or no knowledge of them. it is not the horses , but the people who need educating before owning them, so yes go and ride the part loan horse , but learn about Arabians from their history, not the person who owns said horse, sounds like she may have made the poor horse spooky in the first place , as the girls here have said , they are so sensitive to their riders, they will pick up minute signals that every other horse might miss !
cmj
Posted - 28 Apr 2010 : 11:22:17 AM Hi
Well why not at least go and ride her to see how you get on. I think we've probably all been on horses that were less than ideal but learnt to improve/relax/cope. As long as neither you or the horse is hurt or upset then why not?
Regards
Cate
Posted - 28 Apr 2010 : 11:19:50 AM Poor Nikki, I'm sure she must wish she never posted.
I was fortunate that I had grown up in London near a dealers yard where they also did rides and where I would work on my days off from school, so had experience with many different types and problems, BUT that still did not give me many years later the experience of owning my own on my own land, which produced many different problems with the horses.
When I lost my husband I moved and brought with me my young colt and two mares and my daughter's pony. I previously only ever owned one! I always used to go by my own instinct, what I read from reliable sources, what I had noticed and learned myself, and if really perplexed would ask a breeder that had years and years of experience. Of course I used to get the usual horrible comments about Arabs and what I should and should not do, which was very daunting at times. When I moved I was very much out of my comfort zone and still recovering from the loss of my husband. I thought all these new people I met knew so much more than me even when in the back of my mind I would think, Hmm don't think that's right. If I had listened to those who had bred and owned stallions for years and because they were so confident in themselves i.e "I've been there, done it, owned them etc.," and shouted me down, I most certainly would never have carried on. They used to shout me down, not listen to my opinions and I now know they were not as experience as they made out! Things they said should be done ....well often if I'd done them I could be without a horse quite easily. Watched how the looked after their horses and gradually began to realize that, hey, they don't know as much as they say. They waffled!!
Quite honestly I agree with everything Holly says.
Having lessons at riding schools most certainly does not equip one for owning one's own horse,unless of course, one actually starts to work there also, which gives experience of handling all sorts of horses in many different situations.
Owning my own horses taught me more than I could ever have learned having lessons at a riding school. Although I must admit it does depend on what is offered. I took a refresher course in riding with a BHS examiner and found it very helpful so on that score, I would say yes, if you can afford it have lessons, but be honest with the person who owns the mare, and who knows, having lessons on the mare might be an option to get you started and boost your confidence.
We all have to start somewhere, and sharing is a very good option for you. I can see where everyone else is coming from but feel there is no real encouragement for you in some of the posts. Life changes and often what we think is good at the time can change due to circumstances, so don't be put off. Think about what you want and can afford and above all be honest with the person who owns the mare.
I'm not saying other posts are wrong, but that they should come across with a little more encouragement.
Not only says that you have lost interest but also that Aldazi was sold! ??? and in his new home ???
As you have asked for advice, mine would be to definately share a horse. You may lose interest again..... And to share one that is within your capabilities, regardless of the breed.
If you are not that committed, then perhaps you would be better off having regular lessons. That way you are learning and you can pick it up and drop it as you wish....
Holly
Posted - 28 Apr 2010 : 10:09:15 AM Well Im going to throw a spanner in the works and disagree to some extent.
I stopped riding when I was 15/16 due to boys and partying and loaned out my part bred arab mare to a younger rider. I then travelled for 2 years around the world when I was 17/18. When I got home from travelling I was desperate buy my dream horse which was a pure bred arab mare and I decided that I wanted to buy a youngster so that we could grow and learn together.
I ended up buying the first horse that I looked at which is my beautiful Nakeeta from Coombe farm in Devon. She was 4 at the time and very fiesty! She has taught me everything and i love her so much. She is the biggest drama queen that i know and has absolutely no patience but she can also be so quiet and loving and has the best temperament ever...but she is unpredictable!
Anyway i went on to back her and break her after having never had experience with youngsters or pure bred arabs and we have bonded so closely. Im not saying it wasnt hard work but ive enjoyed every second. Ive since gone on to buy another 2 year old who i have backed myself and she is now doing ridden showing, endurance and show jumping and she has just turned 6 and then last year i brought another 2 year old who i am just starting to back now. My horses have given me confidence and knowledge and experience that i would never have got from an old plod that did what it was told all the time.
Ive not got any friends in the horsey world so have done everything myself with the help from my non horsey mum and boyfriend who are now both competent to ride and look after my horses if i need them to.
Of course having lessons would be great but that depends on the instructor, on you and on the horse. It would be far better to go and meet the horse and be honest with the owner about not riding for a while and see how you feel about the horse. Get the owner to ride the mare first and see how she behaves before you get on yourself. If you dont feel safe around the horse then dont ride it and politely say that the horse is not right for you. All going well it will work out and you can spend some months getting to know the horse on the ground first just grooming, walking out in hand and lunging etc until you build a relationship. You might even become friendly with the owner and she might give you basic lessons in walk/trot until you get your confidence up. She might be able to introduce you to other riders in the area that you can ride with as most horses prefer company.
I think that you are being responsible by looking for something a bit older and sharing rather than buying. See if you can just trial the mare for a few weeks. Any responsible owner would rather have a prospective sharer trial the horse to make sure they are happy with the new rider before letting you lose on the horse anyway.
I have 2 girls who help me ride my 2 mares and i give them basic schooling and jumping lessons in the field to build up their confidence and it allows me to watch them ride and see how my horses move.
You never know this horse might be perfect for you and if its not you can walk away. Only you will know if you feel comfortable and safe.
I know that after i didn't ride for 4 years when i got back on i hadnt forgotten anything...its like riding a bike if you can ride then you can always ride. (but you will have a sore butt!)
All horse can be spooky...my 10 year arab mare nakeeta spooks at every single drain cover that we ride past whereas my 6 year old arab mare doesnt really spook at anything....it doesnt make you a bad rider if your horse spooks some are just more highly strung and drama queens like my keeta. Although as said above any horse will sense if you are nervous.
Good luck and let us know how you get on if you decide to go and see this mare.
Best wishes Holly
saddlebred
Posted - 28 Apr 2010 : 07:01:24 AM Hi Nikki I lost my nerve when I broke in my high % Arab who was highly strung and spooky. It shook me up because I had been riding my other partbred for 20 years and thought I was a confident rider.
Arabs are very sensitive and intelligent and they will know straight away if you feel a bit worried which in turn worries them
From my own experience I would therefore agree with everyone else. Try to find something quiet to ride first so that you are back into the swing of it.
Good luck and let us know what you decide.
Honeyb060674
Posted - 28 Apr 2010 : 06:36:28 AM I agree with the lessons Nikki, for the sake of your confidence. When you do get round to getting back on an arab you'll enjoy it so much more without any under lying worries! I didn't ride for a few years after Honey retired (there really ISN'T anything that compares to riding an arab!) And Carol (Dinkidoo) let me ride her mare. Albeit shes lovely & quiet, not a bit spooky. I found it was like I'd never been out of the saddle Good luck, once you have regained your confidence get yourself out there & find a nice chilled arab to share
joanna_piana
Posted - 27 Apr 2010 : 10:10:44 PM Hi Nikki Perhaps a few lessons would help you get back in the swing of things. Arabs are very sensitive so they do pick up on your nerves and react to them more than the average horse especially as they are so intelligent They can certainly be spooky too as can most horses but when they are it's all so much quicker! If I was you i'd have a few lessons then maybe find a quiet horse to share and i'm sure you'll then have the confidence for another arab in no time. Good luck hope it goes well.
Nikkisian89
Posted - 27 Apr 2010 : 10:04:24 PM I was told she was a "typical Arab" meaning "spooky and nervous" by the horses owner thank you.
pleasures
Posted - 27 Apr 2010 : 9:15:39 PM I dont post on here often but would be interested to know where you got the idea that a typical Arab is "spooky and nervous". An Arab is not different to any other horse in that if you are "spooky and nervous" yourself then the horse will soon pick up the vibes from you and act accordingly. I agree that perhaps you should invest some of the money it is going to cost you to loan another horse in some refresher lessons to regain your confidence before even thinking about inflicting yourself on another unsuspecting Arab.you may think that I am being harsh but a little knowledge in horse behaviour would not go amiss.
Nikkisian89
Posted - 27 Apr 2010 : 8:33:58 PM I think you're right. I need something that will give me confidence and bring me back into it all again. I don't want to have my confidence knocked before i even start if you get me! Riding lessons are so expensive these days though, and i currently don't have a permanent job so i'm finding fundings quite difficult atm! :(
But my experience with Arabs isn't just from Aldazi. I've rode Arabs and part breds when i was younger and my pony before Aldazi was a 3/4 Arab who i had for 2 years. But i suppose because i haven't ridden for so long i'm not the most confident of riders.
sunny
Posted - 27 Apr 2010 : 8:26:18 PM Hi Nikki, I have to agree with Zan to start with some riding lessons. Maybe have a good chat with the person you are going to share with and maybe they could help you gain your confidenceand help with riding, start with some ground work.
Nikkisian89
Posted - 27 Apr 2010 : 8:20:01 PM Well personally, i don't think all Arabs are the same. And just because i don't have the experience of breaking him in, it doesn't mean i couldn't handle another Arab. I've learnt a lot from Aldazi, and enough to know that Arabs seem to be different than other horses. But i did ask for peoples opinions so fair enough.
Zan
Posted - 27 Apr 2010 : 7:56:36 PM If your experience of Arabs is limited to Aldazi, who you didn't ride, who was, as you say, too much for you, and who I see is for sale on the sale pages at the moment,I'm not sure that equips you to ride this mare. If you haven't ridden for 5 years, when you must have been quite young, I suggest the best thing you could do is invest in some proper riding lessons before you try getting on an Arab.
, as the girls here have said , they are so sensitive to their riders, they will pick up minute signals that every other horse might miss !
