Do You Ride Horses? V.4

[Autvmn]

Think about cantering as sitting back on your pockets (as if you were wearing jeans) and rocking with the motion of the horse. keep your legs underneath you not too far forward, not too far back, heels down. relax! learning to canter is always tricky but you'll get there! :D

The jean pockets thing is exactly how my instructor phrased it lol! I thought I was doing that but I might not have been far enough back. I am still having trouble with my heels though so that probably didn't help! I've been doing stretches and flexing my feet a lot but for some reason I just don't seem like I have the same flexibility in the saddle? I think it's a matter of balancing keeping my heels down and keeping the balls of my feet on the stirrups; I'm pretty sure every time I fix one of those things I lose the other xD

its a strength you get over time. I'm surprised she's got you cantering this early. you can practice stretching into your calves by stepping / leaning against a curb and hanging off the edge, stretching into your heels.

[Emerald Isle]

Hey, guys!

I posted here a long while back and thought I should come with an update.

I'm purchasing the saddlebred I wanted. <3 He's mine legally as of 4/1 (my instructor has to get the paperwork together and all that).

I don't know whether to laugh, cry, scream... it's a dream come true. Very nerve-wracked as it is, as you all know, a big commitment but I can't imagine a world where he's not mine.

I ended up just deciding to work with him saddleseat and his weird 5-gaited-ness grew on me so much that I just fell in love harder. I'm glad I didn't listen to my "friend." He's actually learning beginner dressage as a way to up his strength and he's doing beautifully. I know he'll never compete at high levels in that department, if at all, and I'm okay with that. I'm working hard to be good at saddleseat with him anyways.

Does anyone have any recommendations on how to get over the initial fears involved with buying a horse? I'm already looking into mortality insurance (I had a policy figured out but my instructor said to wait since she thinks she can get me a better deal through the company she uses). She IS the vet so I know he's sound and happy and healthy (plus I've known him for two years and am aware of anything he's had problems with and it's essentially zilch). I've been investing in used items like blankets, tack (with proper inspection) and I've got my finances in order and everything I'm just still so TERRIFIED that I'm going to mess up.

I still can't believe he's actually going to be mine.

Thanks again to everyone who helped me and talked to me when I first came here. Love the CS community <3

[LissaJo]

Hey, guys!

I posted here a long while back and thought I should come with an update.

I'm purchasing the saddlebred I wanted. <3 He's mine legally as of 4/1 (my instructor has to get the paperwork together and all that).

I don't know whether to laugh, cry, scream... it's a dream come true. Very nerve-wracked as it is, as you all know, a big commitment but I can't imagine a world where he's not mine.

I ended up just deciding to work with him saddleseat and his weird 5-gaited-ness grew on me so much that I just fell in love harder. I'm glad I didn't listen to my "friend." He's actually learning beginner dressage as a way to up his strength and he's doing beautifully. I know he'll never compete at high levels in that department, if at all, and I'm okay with that. I'm working hard to be good at saddleseat with him anyways.

Does anyone have any recommendations on how to get over the initial fears involved with buying a horse? I'm already looking into mortality insurance (I had a policy figured out but my instructor said to wait since she thinks she can get me a better deal through the company she uses). She IS the vet so I know he's sound and happy and healthy (plus I've known him for two years and am aware of anything he's had problems with and it's essentially zilch). I've been investing in used items like blankets, tack (with proper inspection) and I've got my finances in order and everything I'm just still so TERRIFIED that I'm going to mess up.

I still can't believe he's actually going to be mine.

Thanks again to everyone who helped me and talked to me when I first came here. Love the CS community <3

Unless your horse is extremely valuable (over $10k in the US), often insurance costs more than it will ever pay out for them if the worst happens.. if he is prone to colic, sometimes standard insurance is nice because it will pay for surgery if he needs it.. personally, I'd shove that monthly insurance premium into a bank account for emergencies if he doesnt fall into the first 2 categories I listed

Congrats!!! For the most part, ownership isnt as scary as it sounds, especially if you're working with your instructor or continuing to board him there!

[June Bug]

Seconding that you should start up an 'emergency fund'!
Mortality Insurance isn't super common around here, but some people have health insurance, which isn't really worth it in most cases. It won't usually cover the same thing twice. So if he injures his right foreleg and insurance covers the treatment, that leg won't be covered anymore if the injury re-occurs. Of course, that means you're very likely to need a separate emergency fund anyway.

I know owning sounds super scary, but it's very worth it! In a few years, you'll think back and wonder what you were so worried about. Just remind yourself that your instructor is around to help you out if you have any questions! You'll never be in it alone and there are tons of resources online! Don't be shy about asking questions to your vet and farrier, they are there to help and want what is best for both of you!

Also! Make sure you surround yourself with the type of people who will be honest with you. Having a team of people you can trust is a huge relief and can be a real lifesaver! People who sugar-coat or try to avoid uncomfortable truths can't be trusted to let you know if they notice when something is going wrong. Of course, that also means that if someone brings up a concern, you should be open to listening and learning. I still feel lost sometimes even after 20+ years riding and 7 years of owning, but I trust my barn owner to let me know if he's starting to look a little off or his routine changes (he has PPID and Insulin Resistance and even small changes can mean progression of the diseases), and I trust my vet and farrier to be honest with me about what I need to do and what his chances are if things start going south. Without them, he would absolutely be dead. Instead, he is now sound and happily teaching kids to ride!

[Emerald Isle]

Hey, guys!

I posted here a long while back and thought I should come with an update.

I'm purchasing the saddlebred I wanted. <3 He's mine legally as of 4/1 (my instructor has to get the paperwork together and all that).

I don't know whether to laugh, cry, scream... it's a dream come true. Very nerve-wracked as it is, as you all know, a big commitment but I can't imagine a world where he's not mine.

I ended up just deciding to work with him saddleseat and his weird 5-gaited-ness grew on me so much that I just fell in love harder. I'm glad I didn't listen to my "friend." He's actually learning beginner dressage as a way to up his strength and he's doing beautifully. I know he'll never compete at high levels in that department, if at all, and I'm okay with that. I'm working hard to be good at saddleseat with him anyways.

Does anyone have any recommendations on how to get over the initial fears involved with buying a horse? I'm already looking into mortality insurance (I had a policy figured out but my instructor said to wait since she thinks she can get me a better deal through the company she uses). She IS the vet so I know he's sound and happy and healthy (plus I've known him for two years and am aware of anything he's had problems with and it's essentially zilch). I've been investing in used items like blankets, tack (with proper inspection) and I've got my finances in order and everything I'm just still so TERRIFIED that I'm going to mess up.

I still can't believe he's actually going to be mine.

Thanks again to everyone who helped me and talked to me when I first came here. Love the CS community <3

Unless your horse is extremely valuable (over $10k in the US), often insurance costs more than it will ever pay out for them if the worst happens.. if he is prone to colic, sometimes standard insurance is nice because it will pay for surgery if he needs it.. personally, I'd shove that monthly insurance premium into a bank account for emergencies if he doesnt fall into the first 2 categories I listed

Congrats!!! For the most part, ownership isnt as scary as it sounds, especially if you're working with your instructor or continuing to board him there!

That's definitely a fair point! thank you for the tips! ^^ I have a bit already saved up as my instructor let me have extra time to do so before buying him, as that was a concern of mine. He *knock on wood* has never really had any health issues in his life, even when they used to show him a lot. So that's a pretty good idea for my case!

[Emerald Isle]

Seconding that you should start up an 'emergency fund'!
Mortality Insurance isn't super common around here, but some people have health insurance, which isn't really worth it in most cases. It won't usually cover the same thing twice. So if he injures his right foreleg and insurance covers the treatment, that leg won't be covered anymore if the injury re-occurs. Of course, that means you're very likely to need a separate emergency fund anyway.

I know owning sounds super scary, but it's very worth it! In a few years, you'll think back and wonder what you were so worried about. Just remind yourself that your instructor is around to help you out if you have any questions! You'll never be in it alone and there are tons of resources online! Don't be shy about asking questions to your vet and farrier, they are there to help and want what is best for both of you!

Also! Make sure you surround yourself with the type of people who will be honest with you. Having a team of people you can trust is a huge relief and can be a real lifesaver! People who sugar-coat or try to avoid uncomfortable truths can't be trusted to let you know if they notice when something is going wrong. Of course, that also means that if someone brings up a concern, you should be open to listening and learning. I still feel lost sometimes even after 20+ years riding and 7 years of owning, but I trust my barn owner to let me know if he's starting to look a little off or his routine changes (he has PPID and Insulin Resistance and even small changes can mean progression of the diseases), and I trust my vet and farrier to be honest with me about what I need to do and what his chances are if things start going south. Without them, he would absolutely be dead. Instead, he is now sound and happily teaching kids to ride!

This is all fabulous advice, thank you! And yeah I'm waiting for those first-time jitters to wear off, but honestly I'm really relieved that I'm finally doing it in the first place. I tend to overthink everything anyway. I'm definitely going to make sure I have money in the bank at all times; that's definitely a fair point on the insurance bit, so I'll definitely rethink that direction!

And honesty really is everything! I'm lucky that my instructor is not only my teacher, but also the veterinarian and does not sugarcoat ANYTHING at all. She's been great and I've met great people in my discipline both in-person and online to help give advice when I need it, so I'll definitely add that to my priority list. Thank you again so much for your input on all this! I'm glad to hear your horse is doing well thanks to the input of those around you!

[Autvmn]

Sounds like you're going about everything in the right way!! Congrats on him!

Do you have a picture? I LOVE saddlebreds and when I'm settled down in an area moreso than I am right now, I'll definitely be coming home with a Dutch Harness and a saddlebred <3

[Emerald Isle]

Sounds like you're going about everything in the right way!! Congrats on him!

Do you have a picture? I LOVE saddlebreds and when I'm settled down in an area moreso than I am right now, I'll definitely be coming home with a Dutch Harness and a saddlebred <3

Thanks so much! And right?? I didn't even know what they were until I started riding at this stable 3 years ago and now I'm OBSESSED. And omg yes!! That's awesome!



This is him! <3

[Hime]

Congrats Emerald Isle!
It's good to really consider pros and cons of insurances. Some vet cost insurances don't have very good terms and they can be very expensive. Really look into what they actually cover and what they don't, and also what is the cost cover cap and is it per case or per year. Life insurances are bit more straight forward luckily and usually not that expensive (cost is usually tied to how much you say your horse is worth). As others have said it might be better to save up certain about of money each month towards emergency vet bills rather than taking an insurance. Insurance fees also have a bad habit of rising each year (at least here, I think mine almost doubled in 4-5 years), which is not nice if you live on tight budget to begin with. XP
Personally I have lower level vet cost insurance (and life insurance) for two of my horses, so that if they end up at the clinic for colic treatment I don't have to worry about being able to afford it (unstable income situation sucks). Though of course my third horse, who doesn't have insurance, has so far been the only one with colic (luckily did not need clinic treatment), and second horse has only had issues not covered by the insurance. >_<

As for horse owning fears. Just breath and enjoy. It sounds like you got things in good order and a person who you can ask questions if you feel unsure about something. You might over do things a little in the beginning, but in time you will figure things out and learn to not stress about every little thing. And on other hand you will also learn what's normal for your horse and to trust your gut if something feels off.

[Emerald Isle]

Congrats Emerald Isle!
It's good to really consider pros and cons of insurances. Some vet cost insurances don't have very good terms and they can be very expensive. Really look into what they actually cover and what they don't, and also what is the cost cover cap and is it per case or per year. Life insurances are bit more straight forward luckily and usually not that expensive (cost is usually tied to how much you say your horse is worth). As others have said it might be better to save up certain about of money each month towards emergency vet bills rather than taking an insurance. Insurance fees also have a bad habit of rising each year (at least here, I think mine almost doubled in 4-5 years), which is not nice if you live on tight budget to begin with. XP
Personally I have lower level vet cost insurance (and life insurance) for two of my horses, so that if they end up at the clinic for colic treatment I don't have to worry about being able to afford it (unstable income situation sucks). Though of course my third horse, who doesn't have insurance, has so far been the only one with colic (luckily did not need clinic treatment), and second horse has only had issues not covered by the insurance. >_<

As for horse owning fears. Just breath and enjoy. It sounds like you got things in good order and a person who you can ask questions if you feel unsure about something. You might over do things a little in the beginning, but in time you will figure things out and learn to not stress about every little thing. And on other hand you will also learn what's normal for your horse and to trust your gut if something feels off.

Thank you for the words of encouragement and advice! I'll definitely weigh all this before choosing a policy or if I will at all. I really appreciate the realistic description of what getting insurance is like! It's much appreciated

And definitely! I'm getting less and less nervous. I'm actually getting more excited about Thursday than anything else--I don't think the week can go by fast enough, lol! I'm sure I'll be on a rollercoaster of emotions for a while before I calm down, but it's good to know that I'll settle into something of an equilibrium ^^