- This topic has 17 replies, 14 voices, and was last updated 11 years, 1 month ago by
.
- Posts
Just out of interest, who here can actually ride a horse?
Personally I had no interest as a child, turning down the offer of a pony from my grandfather, a farmer. But I decided to learn when I was 25 and absolutely loved it. Thr best place in the world is on top of a horse!
I went for weekly hacks through the Leicestershire countryside on various old nags and has beens, until children came along and I didn’t have the time or the money any more.I'd like to live in a place where they cordon off swans...Yes I can and had a pony growing up. Haven’t been on a horse for ages though as I am on Warfarin and had a brain bleed and was told it was too risky.
Many years since I’ve done so and I doubt any true equestrian would think I knew what I was doing (though I can usually stay on).
One of the thrills of my life as 13-year-old was being allowed to ride a thoroughbred filly called Mink Stole for about half a mile back to the yard where I spent most of my time (and where my truant officer also spent most of his).
She never won anything, but sitting on a pure-bred racehorse, even at a trot, if you’ve been used to old hacks, is like, well, it feels like a different species.
Horse mad when I was a kid and was always down the local stables whenever possible. Haven’t ridden for many years now though.
Horse mad from a small child and remember saving my sixpences til I had half a crown for a lesson. Soon became plain that I would never be expert. No natural talent or balance, a Teflon bum, and allergic to them too!
Over the years I tried to stay away from them but just couldn’t. Hacked whenever a chance, mainly on holidays.
Then realised, at 59, that a ride had improved a trapped nerve problem in my neck. Must be the gentle shoulder rocking. Started riding regularly again at a local stable and, at 61, it’s still keeping the trapped nerve at bay and a few other aches and pains as well. Still got the Teflon bum though, so just as well I haven’t forgotten how to fall off!Sure could. Have worked in racing on and off under both rules all my life starting in 1958 at Chris Nesfields National Hunt yard. Worked in Newmarket for Major Holliday, Bruce Hobbs, Jakie Astor,then Major Dick Hern at West Ilsley, Harry Thomson-Jones and Ben Hanbury. Loved my life and the horses, although some times it was hard,especially winter time and yearling time but in summer we used to say it was the best job in the world. Had a bad accident on the Newmarket gallops in 2001,airlifted into hospital as I sustained a spinal injury, nine months in Stoke Mandeville, where they were brilliant and can now still walk short distances with two sticks and have a powerchair for my independence.
I still love the horses and watching all the racing but unfortunately my riding days are over.Both the Racing Welfare and the Injured Jockeys fund have been brilliant. I am now retired, but I sure don`t regret my life with horses and racing. Just like to do it all over again.lol.Sure could. Have worked in racing on and off under both rules all my life starting in 1958 at Chris Nesfields National Hunt yard. Worked in Newmarket for Major Holliday, Bruce Hobbs, Jakie Astor,then Major Dick Hern at West Ilsley, Harry Thomson-Jones and Ben Hanbury. Loved my life and the horses, although some times it was hard,especially winter time and yearling time but in summer we used to say it was the best job in the world. Had a bad accident on the Newmarket gallops in 2001,airlifted into hospital as I sustained a spinal injury, nine months in Stoke Mandeville, where they were brilliant and can now still walk short distances with two sticks and have a powerchair for my independence.
I still love the horses and watching all the racing but unfortunately my riding days are over.Both the Racing Welfare and the Injured Jockeys fund have been brilliant. I am now retired, but I sure don`t regret my life with horses and racing. Just like to do it all over again.lol.That’s a historic CV, my friend. I’m sorry to read about your accident. It’s good that you have no regrets. I saw an American jockey on YouTube who ended up quadriplegic after a fall. He said he’d never change anything. ‘Given the chance to do it all again, knowing it would end this way, I’d still do it’ Shows you the true power of the racehorse.
What a story! So sorry that happened to you. It’s good that you can now be so positive.
I'd like to live in a place where they cordon off swans...I rode a Cob when on holiday at Center Parcs,the Penrith one a few years ago and have been champion on Champion Jockey if that counts
I am going to write to Corm and ask to be upgraded to eccentric AW loving participant !!!!……wonder if group 1 status will be awarded
Gill ….I think my avitar explains my riding experience !!!! Brighton beach anyone….
And there was me thinking that was a selfie
I'd like to live in a place where they cordon off swans...Have been riding since a very small girl and had my own horse for many years. I once had the opportunity to ride a lovely grey ex-racer called Saxham Breck and, as Steeplechasing says, it’s a completely different feeling to that of most riding horses – such power.
My mother tells me when knee high to a pony I wanted to be a jockey. Absolutely loved animals and used to watch anything to do with horses on TV. Three day eventing, ITV7/Grandstand and Show jumping; David Broom and the great showman Harvey Smith. Little did I know Harvey’s wife would train the horse I’d back to win the Grand National some 30+ years later, Auroras Encore.
Learnt to ride at the age of about seven. Although enjoyed riding soon became clear had no gift for it. Fell off and that was the end of one dream and beginning of another. Not got on a horse since.
Value Is Everything
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.