Tailored time off
Easy ways to ride when your horse is out of action – or if you have no horse at all! Your Horse readers share their stories and tips
WbreakWWHEN IT COMES to riding, the odd is inevitable. But when it’s not your choice to take time off, it can be a right pain in the proverbial. If your horse is injured or on box rest, or if you’re nursing an injury or horseless, then fear not! We know plenty of ways to get your foot in a stirrup and some won’t cost you a penny. Plus one reader shares her tips to help get your horse through long-term box rest. Turn the page to find out more.
Find a short-term fix
To kick things off, take a moment to think how busy you are when your horse is in work. There are always days when you’d welcome a helping hand, right? So, if your horse is out of action, why not become a helping hand yourself? Ask friends on the yard if there are any days they’re going to struggle to ride this week and offer to help them out. As payment for your service you can snap up an hour or two in the saddle and they’ll be able to fit more into their day. It’s a win, win for all involved! Kirsty Keenes, who’s a member of Crown Riding Club, in Oxfordshire, and who has no horse of her own, has made this method work for her. She’s proof that not owning a horse doesn’t have to stop you riding. “I’ve never had the chance to own a horse,” she says, “I’ve simply not been able to afford to buy one and would struggle with the livery fees if I could.” Instead, Kirsty relies on the help and support of her fellow Crown Riding Club members for every ride. “I tend to ride for people who can’t ride or for those who just need help to get their horses ridden,” says Kirsty. “In return I might give them a lesson or perhaps jump someone’s horse if they’re too nervous to jump themselves. It always seems to work out.” In fact, during the summer months Kirsty usually manages to ride every day and in winter, when she’s in full-time work, most weekends. “It’s all down to Crown that I’m able to ride so much because when I joined the club it gave me a forum and helped me to meet people. I first met my friend Charlotte Mercer, who gave me a ride on her horse, Fred, when she needed a sharer and it all went on from there.”