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Post by yellowrattle on Oct 16, 2009 15:12:21 GMT 1
Everyone on here are great for advice and to moan when your idea of re-training has gone wrong.
I've got a little flattie who's 3 1/2 and got her a month out of racing just over a year ago. i wasn't looking for one, iy just happened.
We've had a year of ups and downs. As long as you're prepared to give it time, and take your time it normal works out.
But the girls are right each horse is different but they all have a sense of humour and once you've got that bond there is no greater feeling.
Plus you can ask anything on here, no one judges. This site has been a godsend for us.
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Post by pippi on Oct 16, 2009 19:41:01 GMT 1
Its a small world Flash who was the lady you bought Flash from?
Spike you will have plenty of support from the Ayrshire crew! x
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flash98
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Post by flash98 on Oct 16, 2009 20:15:58 GMT 1
It is a small worl....Sheena Johnstone....she's a lovely lady. I was down at hers not that long ago for a visit, it's lovely over that way.
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Post by shoetimeshadow on Oct 17, 2009 16:38:57 GMT 1
Hi Spike
As the girls have said every horse is so different. Some take to being a normal horse very easily and others just need a little time to get the hang of it.
Not all racers are broken in the same way and not all just want to go flat out in a straight line.
I broke in a hell of a lot of flat yearlings and once they got the hang of the rider on board then it was off around the heath to do some bending and circles and serpintines, halt and go, stand around for a bit, even pick grass with the rider still on. Everyone breaks them in differently.
I am due to get a horse from Lisa and Peter after he has his last run at the end of the month.
And all i will do with him is let him down and let him kick his heels up and become a shaggy pony for the winter. I will hack him about a bit but i will let him do his own thing i wont be asking anything of him, ie an outline or anything that will come next year when the weather breaks.
But as everyone says take one day at a time.
Good luck .
Fiona.x
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Post by chestnuttymare on Oct 17, 2009 17:33:04 GMT 1
Loads of good advice above, I have found with my ex point to pointer, that, although she came with issues, she has always been really good in traffic, even diggers and big scary things. I think they have perhaps seen a bit more of life than a flat racer. In Ireland, a pointer has to hunt too, so she is ok with dogs and riding in company. She wasn't so sure of herself hacking out alone but that came in time with a bit of patience. Also, the jump horses are started later so have had less of a trauma in that respect. I have never had a problem with other horses going at front either, maybe she was used to being behind  We have been together 6 and a half years now and although we have had our highs and lows, I wouldn't change her for the world. She has taught me tons. |
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spike
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Post by spike on Oct 18, 2009 22:22:23 GMT 1
Wow....so many replies. Thank you guys! This is fab to have so much support. Some fab advice and LisaH I appreciate your comments too. My previous TB took 2 years to get into good condition and her "programme" was very tailored to her needs. So Im used to taking my time so I guess that you are all saying that is an essential quality for exracer ownership. And although I would love to do a dressage test before I hang up my ariat boots Im not competative so there is no rush with whatever horse I manage to get......just want a horse who will settle in time and be happy with me as much as I am happy spending time with them.....I miss my last TB mare terribly (pts this year) even all these months later. Will keep you posted with the horse hunt!  |
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liberationsquare
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Post by liberationsquare on Oct 19, 2009 8:39:36 GMT 1
Its very exciting as I know Spike lmao - small world
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E.R.R.C
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Post by E.R.R.C on Oct 19, 2009 10:57:42 GMT 1
What I find the best is the warmth and sincerity that shines through from everyone that gives advice on here. As already mentioned there is no judgemental attitude just a huge desire to be helpful and supportive. It gives a fantastic boost to anyone feeling a little out of their depth and I believe helps people to realise that taking on an ex racer is the most rewarding experience simply because of the returns. Having had a few over the years and now beginning again I can honestly say it's not only the horses that get a new lease of life. I have felt more purposeful and rejuvinated over the last few months, and once again have something to aim for, as once I stopped competing a few years ago I kind of felt lost. So, even though too old and hampered by one or two insignificant health issues to do serious competing anymore, I am in a fortunate position where I can still ride out, but have a talented rider on the same premises who can and will take them on to do things if that's where their new future lies. And if not, matters none, they will still have a happy stress free life. All the effort, pain and sometimes frustration is worth every second to hear/see a horse that genuinely is pleased to see you and be around you through choice.....priceless  |
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spike
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Post by spike on Oct 21, 2009 18:16:33 GMT 1
Emberlite......that is an encouraging reply cause I feel for me at the moment I have two choices....to give up as a rider and just enjoy watching the girls on the yard using the fab arena I put in last year and to also pootle about with my 2 yr old coblet baby....or keep riding and really try and find a replacement for my soulmate of a TB that was put down this year....a hard act to follow but surely not impossible........and perhaps with the right support, from here with you guys plus a good understanding instructor and also in the form of the more "bouncable" fitter younger riders on the yard then hopefully I could do it. Thanks for the encouragement.  |
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Post by liberationsquare on Oct 22, 2009 13:05:12 GMT 1
You know where i am shona - you've seen how far i've come with piggy
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Post by lisah on Oct 22, 2009 15:02:14 GMT 1
Emberlite......that is an encouraging reply cause I feel for me at the moment I have two choices....to give up as a rider ....or keep riding and really try and find a replacement for my soulmate of a TB that was put down this year....a hard act to follow but surely not impossible........ Thanks for the encouragement. Babes I lost a horse so special to me 4 years ago I thought my world would end, I cried none stop for many weeks and still do whenever I am getting ready for a show or other event because DJ is not here to do it with me. I cry lots about him still. I can honestly say that I never ever thought I would meet another horse that would make me feel the way about riding that DJ did, Rambo was well retired from ridden work and whilst I love my wee Brian to bits he never did that for me, And then came along my big man Denzel. We have been through all the 'reward' things that Emberlite has put across so well, but you know I wake up every day wanting to ride him, wanting to go places with him and wanting to feel his strength so from one who thought the world ended when DJ died, I can PROMISE you that you will find another horse that will make you feel just as excited, proud, rejuvinated and even become your soulmate, after all who says you can only have one ? You need an ex racehorse in your life and between your legs - and one out there somewhere needs you and when the time is right it will appear and that will be the start of another very happy relationship L |
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spike
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Post by spike on Oct 23, 2009 19:05:45 GMT 1
Aww Lisa you have made me laugh and cry at the same time! I need to go through and make the dinner in a second and my OH will be wondering why I'm all teary.....again!!.....but he is used to me having the odd weeping moment over my beloved girlie even all these (7!) months later.....I'm glad Im not the only one and it gives me hope that there may be another horse out there that I will trust and love as much as her......maybe..... Have been in contact with Jojo about her wee loan horse Mist......so that might be a possible. Other option is a more recent racer but trainer is wanting a fair bit for her which I doubt I can find and is probably a bit much for horse off the track and Im also worried bout the £ and time for retraining....hmmmm.....will need to consider all the pros and cons.... |
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Post by lolly68 on Oct 23, 2009 20:40:53 GMT 1
Dear Spike Hiyas buddy got PM sorry I didnt recognise the story I feel ever so bad now  however if you do manage to rehome one of these lovely intelligent horses, we can train together if you like and of course travel to the shows. I went to Hopetoun, Edinburgh and it was absolutely fab! |
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Post by lisah on Oct 24, 2009 7:33:55 GMT 1
Mist is lovely and you would not go far wrong there - I have seen her at a show and she was so well behaved and I know that Jojo would be delighted for her to go to a loving home where she will have lots of fun.
Remember, the right horse always seems to find you :-)
L xxxx
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Post by gillybounce on Oct 24, 2009 14:47:38 GMT 1
Hi Spike - I think the other reason you should definitely get yourself another horse is that you're obviously the sort of person to give a horse a lovely home - and it would be a crying shame to let such a place and a person go to waste!
I so agree with emberlite - the sweet joy of having a horse that clearly likes you and wants to be with you - and chooses to come running across the field to see you even though it's nowhere near feed time - that's just beyond jewels for me.
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