The horse hunter

I got called that today as I went off on another expedition to see a horse.

But I'd rather be the 'horse finder'.

I've looked at 7 horses now. But I'm having trouble finding one that makes me want to stop looking.

I thought I had with the 2nd one I saw - a well-trained mare who was a real schoolmaster and nice to work with. But she failed the vetting.

Today's one was at the other end of the spectrum - a rather green 5 year-old who knows almost nothing, but might be fun to teach. I may go back for another look at him, depending on how the next part of the hunt goes.

Pony-shopping trip

My instructor also happens to be looking for a horse. So next week we're going on a road trip (hopefully not a Thelma and Louise type of road trip!) to England for a few days to look at horses. Hopefully about 6 horses each. 

Maybe after next week I'll be a horse finder rather than a horse hunter...

A generation inspired

So the Olympics inspired me.

Not the generation they meant to inspire, I think, but nonetheless it's changed my life already.

If a 72-year-old Japanese man can compete for his country in dressage, then surely I can learn to ride a half-pass?

If Nick Skelton at 58 can jump showjumps that are wider then I am tall, then a flying change must be within my reach?

If the flying kiwi, Mark Todd, can risk his bones on a cross-country course at 56,  then maybe I could sit a canter pirouette?

Horses for courses

The thing about learning the more advance levels of dressage is that you either learn with your horse and it takes a while, or you buy a horse better than you are and hope you can learn to push the right buttons.

Everything I know so far I've learned from books, (some) videos but mostly from my wonderful ex-racehorse, Q. He started from almost nothing and ended up competing at Novice dressage (and even winning, once!), although it took quite a few years for us to learn to that level.

However he's 22 now and has had arthritic stifles for 5 years, so he's unfortunately not going to be the horse to learn piaffe on.

My other horse was a younger ex-racer who was diagnosed earlier this year with hock spavins (arthritis) and also a kissing spine (more arthritis) at 12, so he was never going to learn the Olympic movements either. Shortly after the Olympics I was lucky to get the chance to re-home him to a knowledgeable lady who is smaller and lighter than me, and has more time to work with him to relieve his arthritis.

This left me with a space, and a chance to get another horse - hopefully a "schoolmaster" who I can learn from and compete at British Dressage competitions.

The hunt is on

So now I am looking for a new horse. Not the perfect horse (which, like the perfect man, doesn't exist) but the horse who will be right for me.

There are lots of horses for sale - just buy Horse & Hound any week and you'll find hundreds to choose from. 

So it shouldn't take long, should it?