Getting back on the horse...

Ya'll have been so nice over here in OP, I thought I'd start this post...

A few weeks ago I rode a horse again for the first time since November. It was a friend's mare and one I was familiar with. I felt a bit odd- I always do on a 'strange' horse- but managed to canter and everything. It's really hard for me because I always said that I didn't enjoy riding horses half as much as I enjoyed riding my horse.

Well, I'll never see my horse again, not in this world, so I guess I outta move on. 'When you fall off a horse...' they say. Boy did I fall hard- I was crushed when my mare passed.

I called two of the local stables, places that used to board my horse when I lived in the area, and looked into riding. I'm not making this any easier on myself because I don't want to pay for lessons (and can't afford it!). I might be able to 'rent' a horse occasionally, but I'd really like to just ride around on a horse whose owner wants it to have more exercise (these do exist, just have to find 'em). But mostly I just want to be 'free' to muck around on a horse and not be restricted by a lesson plan or anything (just the owners requirements for what I am allowed to do on their horse).

I dunno what the point of this is. Guess I just feel torn between finding a horse to ride and knowing it won't be the same. Sometimes I wonder if I shouldn't find another (physical) hobby instead.

Ugh, I'm crying now so I'll stop. I miss my mare

Cheers,
Christina

KTC said:

When you spend time riding them and grooming them and just being around them...you get so close.

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You know, that really rings true to me. What a nice sentence. I'm glad you and Prince had such great moments together.

Do you think you've given yourself enough time to try this next step?

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I guess I'll find out. I just feel like I have to do something. I'm sick, and when I have good days I need an excuse to be active. I always keep busy, but I need something else. If riding isn't it, I'll look elsewhere.


Thanks everyone for the kind words. I dunno why I dug this up today, but now I won't stop crying. Emotions just need to run wild sometimes I guess...

KrystalR said:

riding might be a great way to keep her spirit living.

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I hope so. I know it won't be the same, but maybe I should think about it this way. I can take what I shared with my mare and apply it toward a new relationship.

Thanks gals

It's cruel that animals (most, anyways) don't have the lifespans that people do... We shouldn't have to outlive our 'children'

Thank you both. I woke up this morning feeling a little 'silly' for crying last night, but you both made me feel better.

Cheers,
Christina

Soccer Mom said:

Somewhere out there is a horse that really needs a wonderful owner and you could help each other heal.

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No more horsies. Farm is sold, trailer is for sale. Let someone else be responsible for a horse... plus I'll save thousands and thousands per year.


Thank you again everyone. I think I'll call the one stable again and pester them a bit to see if they do have a horse available...

Cheers,
Christina

Well, place A said they'll call me if/when they get new boarders in. Place B said call person X, and so I did and left a message. Just waiting for a call back... person X runs a therapeutic riding gig, so I think I'll take Knight's advice and stay mum about my need to go riding again at first. Just go, help, and see what's going on. I've volunteered with them before (when another person ran the lessons) so it should be therapeutic for me to volunteer, even if I don't end up riding with them.

Meanwhile I'll put more feelers out in case the therapeutic horses are all worked to their max abilities...

Cheers,
Christina