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SueB
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3218 Posts |
 Posted - 08 Feb 2009 : 09:57:10 AM
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Hot chocolate special pick me up.
3 teaspoons of a well known brand of drinking chocolate, a good pinch of chilly powder, red if poss, hot full cream milk, stir well, sit down, relax and enjoy.
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Gerri
Platinum Member
England
4211 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2009 : 10:00:33 AM
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My heart goes out to you, I know exactly what you mean, its really really hard and I am not going to tell you anything different, but there are ways round even the hardest of tasks, you can make up a small area with sheep gates and line them with straw bales so that you have a really small area to work in and the foals don't get there feet through the bars and use a really long lead rope, not lunge line as they are just too long to cope with. also ask at your local tack shop if they know anyone who can help, or at the local school of any teenager that would like a weekend evening job for pocket money. My thoughts and best wishes are with you |
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barbara.gregory
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4531 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2009 : 10:05:30 AM
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I know exactly how you feel, Michelle, awful time of year. I too wonder why I bother but then I see the thread about the horses sold to Kuwait; could have been mine, and am so glad they are here. My girls take themselves in and out by themselves; they are very good about going in their own stables but do need a shove to go out through the mud in the mornings. I have to lead the boys in and out and the 3 year old (four in May) is a pain in the butt, a very big boy and full of himself, towers over me and does he know it!!!
My husband works away most of the time so I am on my own and really struggle to do it all. By this time of year I am telling myself that I can't do it any longer but we still do. At least the end is getting closer, only the rest of February and then march to get through. I usually keep some of my holiday and then when I am really fed up I can book a day off work and do things at a more leisurely pace for that day. I statr at 4.45am and finish at 10.00pm, shove something down my throat and off to bed to start again. Yes, I am barking mad.
Chin up.
Barbara
PS Mental note; ring Delyth next November and make a silly offer for her mares that I really, really want!!!!  |
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NUTTER
Platinum Member
England
2452 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2009 : 10:20:30 AM
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Am on my own too also lisab.. to far apart approx 8 miles to help each other reg.. but if needed we/ she is there..
In a real emergency i do have people 5 mins down the road i could buzz.. not had to yet tho in last 5 years ive had yard..
My yard is 5 mins drive from home or 20 min walk.. so its a case of getting there x2 a day whatever the weather how ever am feeling as most on thread here !!
I do have husband and parents who will help out with mucking out but thats it they would not and are not capable to handle horses..
But hay ho its my interest .. not the cheapest hobbie in the world and am foirtunate to be able to do it and have them .. so i must get on with it !!
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pathannay
Gold Member
United Kingdom
938 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2009 : 10:30:53 AM
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Good topic this - reading other peoplee's stories makes you realise that you haven't got it as bad as you think!!! When I see how many horses other people have to do all alone I feel silly for complaining about doing my three and I only work four days a week so I do have three days to do jobs that make the working days easier!!
I think the most depressing thing about being alone to do your horses is, as Michelle originally said, the fact that you can't share the joys of owning a beautiful arabian by seeing and talking to other kindred spirits at shows and the like. Just before this dreadful snowy weather came it was getting abit spring like and I started getting excited thinking about the coming show season - the snow put an end to that but it isn't long now so I just keep thinking of that to keep me going!!!
Roll on spring!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pat x |
www.azizaarabians.co.uk |
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Montikka
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2653 Posts |
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linda
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
1772 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2009 : 2:37:49 PM
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Hi Michelle,
I have felt like you so many times over the years,
I have always managed everything on my own, but now and again you could just do with "someone" there to help,
When there is ice on the ground and I cant pull the haylage trolly on my own or a youngster decides he/she is not going into their stable, or a foal wont follow its dam or one of the horses just wont go into the wash room,
I know just how frustrating it can be, when you have that extra pair of hands life seems so easy,
I bet there a lots of young girls who would love to just be around horses without being paid, have you got a local tack shop or a riding school near by, anywhere you can put an advert where horsey girls will see it!
When my daughter was young I used to drop her off at a riding school and she worked all day for free and just loved it,
I hope you find someone soon,
Lx
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Edited by - linda on 08 Feb 2009 2:39:59 PM |
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KittyB
Silver Member
United Kingdom
295 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2009 : 2:44:38 PM
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One thing that does keep me going is now we're into February, the nights are noticeably lighter - its still light enough to bring them in at 5.30pm if I manage to get home early from work. I have 3 (at home) and work full time, but am very fortunate to have a hubby and children who will help when I need it, eg turnout at 10am and bring in and feed later on. I do most of everything else myself and am now running on almost empty, especially as I haven't been able to ride for 3 weeks (abcess and then snow/ice). I think we all just have to concentrate on the arrival of Spring.
I expect you've asked for a lad/lass at all the local schools? As "equestrianism" is now a FE course, and riding is included as an option in the GCSE PE curriculum, I'm surprised you haven't had any respondents. When I was a teenager, we all used to go and help at the local stables for nothing - just for the joy of being around horses.
I hope you manage to get sorted soon. Don't dispair - you look to have some absolutely gorgeous horses. |
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Sahir
Gold Member
England
847 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2009 : 3:11:35 PM
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Here's a little rhyme I think may be a help to those of you feeling down in the dumps.
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest if you must - but don't you quit !!
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint & struggling man
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup
and he learned too late, when the night slipped down
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure, turned inside out
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you never can tell how close you are
It may be near when it seems afar
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit !!!
Michelle - print this and put it somewhere where you can read it often - perhaps near you horses. I've read it so many times over the years when life has been so difficult for me and mine. Spring is nearly here and once the days start getting warmer and the leaves are green again you'll start to feel good again - chin up girl - you'll look back at this in June & July and smile to yourself 
Elaine xx |
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Joto
Gold Member
855 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2009 : 5:50:50 PM
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I felt like this in the autumn and actually put 2 of them up for sale on AL.One had developed mud fever, and being rather unwell myself I just found it all difficult. OH talked me out of it, so, I'm sorry that the potential buyers were disapointed but am so glad I decided to keep all mine. They really do become part of the family, it doesnt fell like it but sprinmg really is just around the corner now and hopefully we'll get a good summer this year. |
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ashabarab
Gold Member
England
1378 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2009 : 6:30:34 PM
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when ever l feel down one of the things that really cheer me up is the little whickers [or big bellow from one] of the horses who are always pleased to see me.....
OK so it MIGHT only be the food but l can kid myself that its me
and that worth a lot
ash |
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saddlebred
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
1706 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2009 : 6:53:55 PM
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I dont have a stud to worry about but was in a position of nearly being on my own with 4 to look after and I was panic stricken. It wasnt the work that concerned me as I find that my stress relief... it is the thought of not having someone to enthuse about them, and not having someone to help you bring on a youngster when you do just need a lead file on the roads etc. Luckily, I was able to build a manege which stopped my life long horsey friend from leaving me for a livery yard with facilities... we had struggled without for 4 years.
Nat Pat and Karen - you are all near me and if you ever need a visitor to lap up your every word about your lovely horses you can count me in. Would love to visit... and we are looking for a local stallion to breed a future PBA sports horse so Saudee and Mahaala are on our shortlist!
Must admit this snow has been getting me down. Fed up with carrying water from the house when I normally just run a hose into each stable. It is only then that you realise how lucky you are to have facilities at home. It was much much harder when I was in livery, and when I had horses out at grass so had to do 5.00 a.m. before school/work
Hope you feeling better soon.
Debs |
Based Bewdley Worcs |
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mogwai
Platinum Member
England
2717 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2009 : 8:10:07 PM
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I absolutely know how you feel! In fact only today i had a blazing row with dear OH about the amount of time i spend with the horses versus the lack of time i spend with him. I tried to argue that i actually spend very little time with the horses, but lots of time poo picking, making up haynets, doing feeds and clearing lumps of ice out of water troughs! There are some days when everything goes fine (usually the sunny ones with blue sky!) and others when i honestly wonder what i'm doing! I get SAD too, i only realize how bad i feel when i start getting better in april! The weather, the mud, the cold, the mud fever, the children and that's before you start house work and other "normal" stuff. It's so much easier in the summer.
Here's some of my tips (not all of them work for me all the time!)
1/ have you tried a light box? Great stuff!
2/ prozac! Yep, tried it, and it did work for me! Not a long term solution, but certainly gives you the tools to get back on track.
3/Give yourself a break. I certainly tend to strive for perfection and beat myself up if i don't quite get there. If you don't have much time in the day, do the things you really need to do, leave the rest.
4/ I'd definatly go with hot chocolate . In fact anything chocolatey. I put marshmallows on top of mine for tooth dissolving sweetness. They melt into a really yummy foam on top!
5/How about going down to the local school and asking if they have anyone horsey they can recommend to do "work experience". Even if you get a week off mucking out every now and again, it may be enough to see you through.
I'm not sure any of this helps. Winter is horrible, but we're all there with you!
Take care
Ros |
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bridie
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2395 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2009 : 9:00:21 PM
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Hi Michelle....just think of the sunshine to come, your beautiful horses, hot chocolate & putting the first lead rein rossettes up on the wall in a few years time.
Mandy xx |
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Michelle
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3197 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2009 : 9:06:11 PM
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Thanks girls you have been very helpful.
I go through days when I just wonder what i am doing and then others when I am generally enthusiastic.
I think part of it is the anxiety that is brought on by not having the help to be able to actually do stuff with the horses. When my hubby has a day off he wants to just get the horses 'done' as in muck out, feeds, hay, water. and by the time that's all done he's had enough.
I just went outside and found my two year old (yes her again, she is a bit of a mischief) very firmly cast and making all sorts of strange noises and face shapes. I couldn't shift her, and guess what? There is no one here to help me! I tried to pull her over but it wasn't working.... got her up in the end but all this just makes my anxiety worse!
For those who have pm'd me, I haven't had a chance to reply, but I am near Braintree, in between braintree and witham. x |
IIsis Arabians
www.iisisarabians.com www.ali-abbas.co.uk
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barbara.gregory
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4531 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2009 : 10:01:11 PM
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Hi Michelle
I am on my own all week most of the time. A cast horse, no problem, even my vet learnt how to get them over on your own. You just need two head collars and two long lead ropes plus a lot of determination and hopefully a not too big Arab - not sure it would work with my stallion who is almost 16 hands!
Reassure the horse so it is not thrashing around and put a headcollar round each of the bottom legs i.e. if the horse is on it's left side then the headcollars go on the left legs. Walk back so you have some leverage and give a huge heave on the lead ropes. It takes a bit of effort and a few heaves but usually works. As the horse comes over drop the lead ropes and get out of the way of flying hooves! My vet was most impressed! I am just under 5 3" and weight about 81/2 stone so you don't need to be a big girl to do it. having to do everything on my own most of the time soon made me learn to improvise and cope!!!
Barbara |
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Michelle
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3197 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2009 : 10:19:59 PM
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I will try that next time, to be fair she gets cast a lot and wasn't trashing, but she wasn't helping either, I had ropes around her back legs but she had her neck flat against the floor instead of trying to turn with me!
I am little too and my back is shot and worse since I had an epidural in May! They should warn you (well they prob did but I was high on everything else they gave me by then  ) |
IIsis Arabians
www.iisisarabians.com www.ali-abbas.co.uk
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LYNDILOU
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
13976 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2009 : 09:17:47 AM
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Hi Michelle I felt I had to reply to you as you are going through the winter blues . I have felt this way for years at this time of the year, I dont have help and do the horses (8) on my own, but I have learnt to get into a routine that suits me and the horses, dont put yourself in danger when your OH isnt there, if the filly needs to come in and wont lead sensibly, can you open the gate to the yard and open her stable? rather that than get mowed down putting your life in danger! I am not saying you do this every time as she needs to understand that leading is the only option, but PLEASE dont get hurt, your baby needs mummy |
   
www.dreamfield-arabians.com |
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Cate
Platinum Member
Scotland
1785 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2009 : 09:26:32 AM
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It is hard at times dealing with horses on one's own. Many a time when things take off, like the old girl who looks like she's going to drop dead any day all of a sudden goes nuts as I'm taking the young mare in, and causes havoc with the others with nobody here to help. Thinking to myself: do I need this? But when all is good then I just love them and think, yes! it is worth the scary moments.
Just be careful if you have someone come to help and they are involved in the Arab scene. I had a person, not to help, but who used to come and visit on odd occasions. This person tittle tattled about studs around our area. We both gave our opinions on horses etc., bloodlines just general chat and our own opinions. Unfortunately, I did not realize she was reporting back to these studs the comments I made, but leaving what she said out of it. Through her actions she has caused me a great deal of upset and animosity between me and the studs. She is Mrs sweetness and light and I am the bad person. None of my comments were nasty, I hasten to add.
My point is be very very careful if you take someone into your stud to help who is in the Arabian scene. We all make the mistake of calling everyone a friend, but in reality if we make one true friend in this life we are very fortunate...acquaintances many, friends, but one! |
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Edited by - Cate on 09 Feb 2009 10:31:09 AM |
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alistair leslie
Gold Member
England
1036 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2009 : 09:59:35 AM
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Paton and Lee are in your village so maybe know someone
Harriet or Vicky man the office .
Good luck |
    
blue moon |
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SueB
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3218 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2009 : 10:22:58 AM
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Wise words from Cate.
If someone sits in your home and that person is not a good close friend, be very afraid if they then decide to talk about every person or stud in the UK. You know for sure they will go to the next place and do the same but include you, your horses and your home too.
So many wonder why people like to remain insular in the Arab world. I am by nature open and friendly which has become a bad thing to be in this day and age.
Who is it who wrote or said, keep your friends close but keep your enemies even closer.
Sad world isn't it. |
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weirton
Gold Member
873 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2009 : 10:28:42 AM
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Here, here Cate & Sue,
Been there and got the T-shirt.
Jean |
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Cate
Platinum Member
Scotland
1785 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2009 : 10:33:05 AM
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| I've condensed my previous post as my young daughter said it was a little long winded! |
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Claire
Silver Member
England
422 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2009 : 11:02:01 AM
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Hi Michelle, I just wanted to say that I think you are very brave to post, I have suffered with clinial depression for 10 years and finally came off my medication in september. Unfortunately due to the weather and various other things I am now sinking fast!
Sometimes I struggle to get up in the mornings and the thought of doing the horses at 6 am fills me with dread. I can honestly say though if it wasn't for the unconditional love of my horses and having them to get up for I think I would be much worse. So when it all feels awful just try to remember how much you love them and hopefully when the weather picks up it will all be worthwhile x |
      
Suffolk |
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kirst
Silver Member
Scotland
460 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2009 : 11:37:36 AM
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Hi Michelle,
Sorry to hear you are struggling and a bit frustrated at the moment - and all you need is just a little bit of help! It's not that much to ask really! That is the thing when you have foals/youngstock, you always need someone for a minute or two to help you with something and it's always when no one is there...
I have only one yearling (for now!)and for the first time I am on a diy livery yard. It is working out fine but many a time I have needed help from someone for something .
I can't imagine how you cope in the winter with lots of horses and everything else - baby, house, etc etc! I just hope you do get someone to help you out a bit. It makes such a difference when you have company and encouragement from someone at this time of year. If you get SAD like me then usually this is exactly the time of year when everything is a struggle and your tolerance levels are very low (ask my family they will agree!!).
I just keep telling myself that we are over the worst now and a little sunshine is weeks away rather than months away.
You have some beautiful Arabs - it won't be long till you will be enjoying them again I hope!! Thankfully there are some really nice people on here who have encouraged you! |
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Edited by - kirst on 09 Feb 2009 11:48:10 AM |
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