Missing 'my' horse

[casablanca1]

I decided in December to stop spending so much and start saving a lot more. It feels great, seeing my savings account get fatter finally (I used to be great at saving; then I bought my car ) but one of the major plans I gave up as part of this scheme was my weekly riding lesson. It sounded good at the time - give up riding in January, February and March, months which even an indoor arena cannot redeem - and save nearly $400. But now I'm panicking. I really, really miss riding and I miss my lesson horse. He's a little chesnut grade, probably QH/Morgan, and although he's a nice, safe lesson horse, he's got an attitude too. I miss his snarky little personality and his big furry winter coat getting all over me. It's so stupid, I only spend about 2 hours a week at the barn, but I'm going to miss it like crazy this winter.

Just needed to get that off my chest. Thanks.

[BostonBanker]

Aww, I'm sad for you! I'd go crazy in under a week. I've had Tristan for over seven years, and I have only had about 20 days where I didn't at least visit him. It's not a good day until you have a green smear down the front of your shirt.

Can you at least go visit? Groom him and hang out a bit? What about working off a lesson a week?

You can always come to Vermont and let Tristan snark at you. He's clipped, but you can probably still get covered in hair by one of the other horses.

[Snark]

Hmmmm, I think I resent the 'snark' part... (just kidding )

Is there any reason you can't just hang around the barn and pick up fur that way? Maybe offer to help groom and tack up the lesson horses?

[casablanca1]

That's a good idea, and the people at my barn are very nice, so I think they would be ok with that, but I don't want to take advantage, you know? But I might go out and see, anyway; I've given people a hand before, with cleaning and turn out, etc., so maybe something would work out. Not lessons neccessarily, but just a chance to hang out a bit. I sort of love the barn in winter, it's so peaceful compared to the summer, when all the kids are running around getting ready for shows Hmmm. Now you've given me ideas.

[skyeboxer]

What about leading? At the place i go it seems there are never enough people around to lead during the kids lessons. I love doing it though that means horse snot down the back of my t-shirt as well as horsehair and stains down the front.

You could volunteer to do that. They may be delighted for the help and you'd get your weekly fix.

[BostonBanker]

but I don't want to take advantage, you know?

Speaking as a barn manager, I never have any objections if someone wants to give the schoolies a little extra love and attention. They really are the unsung heroes of the barn, and deserve as much loving as they can get. Ask at the barn - I'm sure they will be happy to have the extra help, and don't turn them down if they offer you rides/lessons in exchange . It's very common for barns to do just that thing, and you should take advantage of it!

[oc_spirit]

Thats exactly what I do at the ranch I work at (though I haven't been there in an awful long time ). I teach lessons, train horses, excercise them and do the cleaning/feeding and help when the hay comes in along with any other chores that need to be done like worming and such and in return I get free time on any horse and informal lessons.

[Kmh1]

Awww, definitely go visit. I'm sure they will be glad for the horses to have extra attention and you will get your horse "fix" LOL! Good luck and let us know how you make out.