i see a lot of horsey Avatars. i have a 14 yr old Appaloosa, the best horse in the world. i love him to bits. in fact i might just get my butt to the barn and ride him.
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i see a lot of horsey Avatars. i have a 14 yr old Appaloosa, the best horse in the world. i love him to bits. in fact i might just get my butt to the barn and ride him.
I used to 25 years ago... does that count? I moved to Seattle to work
and it became too expensive to keep a horse and with two children
it wasn't fair to the horse, so i (sniff!) sold him.
My first horse was Haughty - an American Saddlebred - I had him for fourteen years, and still miss him desperately... had to put him down at age 21, on October 15, 2003. :(
My avatar shows my current horses. The bay is Frank - my seven year old American Saddlebred gelding... the gray is my three (four in October) year old Arabian gelding, Barak. I've had Frank for four years, and Barak for one (so far - I fully intend to keep them for life). They are fantastic! I love my boys! :D
I had a horse and rode a LOT when I was a girl. But now I'm 52 and I just ride my BIKE. :)
the biggest difference between a horse and a bike (while you are riding!!)
that i can think of is that horses think for themselves, and sometimes you wish they wouldn't.
Bikes maintained correctly never question your commands and just DO what you want them to do.
No offense meant to horses, their thinking has saved many lives but has also
made a lot of people very very frustrated, injured, etc..
I rode in High School and around age 25 or so (when I was a lot thinner...hehe). I've never actually had a horse. I either leased or rode School Horses. I also did a lot of Pony Club and Schooling shows in the hunter/jumper discipline.
If it wasn't so expensive I would have never given it up.
I rode all through my youth, then ran a brood mare farm and trained horses on the Thoroughbred Horse Circuit for a while. Quit that, bought my own horse (Timmy, short for Intimidate), showed him, taught horseback lessons, etc. My own horse, after riding all those crazies on the race track, broke my back playing around after a jump. After that, I sponsored him out for a while and then finally sold him to a girl to do dressage on in Danville California. I hear he had an illustrious career! A few years after I sold Timmy, I tried to ride again, but it was really hard on my back - so now I just ride my bikes!
I rode a guy who was dressed like a horse... saddle, reins, etc... in a club last weekend.
Does that count? :p
did he have good legs?Quote:
Originally Posted by KSH
I don't have a horse at the moment, but I work with Thoroughbreds on the SoCal racing circuit. Trainer-friends are always trying to give me horses who are retiring or are slowpokes. I will take some of them up on it as soon as I get a large enough property. I'm a sucker for a horse who likes his tongue pulled.
I'm not sure I would use the word "thinking" sometimes. I once saw a $60 million colt (not a typo!) go beserk, break from his handlers and attack a wheelbarrow. :eek: Sheesh! My bike won't do that. Then again, my bike doesnt command a six-figure stud fee.Quote:
Originally Posted by mimitabby
Did you have to resort to the whip? And the stud fee? heh.Quote:
Originally Posted by KSH
Spokewrench, you might be ok with a gaited horse like a Paso Fino...It's kind of like the recumbent of the horse world! I was at a horse show once, where they were demoing all these different breeds. We were going psycho with laughter at the Pasos, and some lady sitting behind me says "If you'd ever ridden one, you wouldn't be laughing like that..." So, a while later, someone I knew was shopping, and looking at Pasos, so I rode one- OMG!!! I had a Paso within months, and let my (ex) husband ride Annie the Perfect Horse (Arab). True, the Paso had nowhere near the personality of an Arab, but she was incredible to ride.
Anyway, I had a variety of horses my whole life till I moved to Florida. I went to Farrier school in 1977 and shoed from 1978 till 1998- full time for about five years, then just special friends' horses and my own.
Nanci
Nanci
Thanks for the info on Pasos - but I think I would have a hard time getting past the snickering part too! At heart, I'm really a snob - So far I have never had any deisre to own a horse that is not a Thoroughbred or a Warm Blood!
Maybe when I retire and have more time to spend with horses, I might try again Who knows.
Part of the issue of not having horses or doing stuff with them anymore is that my husband is HUGELY Allergic!
I used to ride a lot. As far as we were concerned, a horse wasn't really a horse unless it was a Quarter Horse - horse people can be snobby sometimes.
I quit in college 'cause horses weren't "cool" and haven't ridden seriously since. DH is not a big horse fan - and we just haven't had the money to have a hay burner on the payroll.
Sometimes I miss the smell...
I used to sew quite a bit for Miss Rodeo contestants, FWTW.
I wish. Always wanted one. Rode through high school, but not much afterwards. Still love to look at them.
Me, me!! I was raised on a small breeding farm with a Dad who has done everything from Halter Horses to roping to open jumping and everything inbetween. I ended up showing a little buckskin mare through 4-H, novice quarter horse, and some youth quarter horse. She has since been retired to broodmare and her first baby is now 2! The one you see in my avatar is the one I showed some Hunter Under saddle as a youth, then everything as an amateur. He was a bit of a butt head, but I loved him. We did everything from horsemanship, trail, western riding to Showmanship, equitation, hack, and HUS. And you couldn't have asked for a better eq or hack horse. Had to sell him before I started med school, and he is currently helping pay for that. Once I move back home I'm going to take one of the babies we have. Not sure which one yet, though.
As a side note, I really feel that all my time on horses helped me out with mtb, as there were so many similarities I felt. Have any of you noticed that also?
I am an equine tech, so I do not get on horse back much anymore. I rode thoroughbred race horses for awhile, dressage and of course, a lot of western riding. My dh and I have worked numerous cattle ranches where we would be on horseback 9 hours a day sometimes. I worked in an elk camp that was 21 miles in on horse. Took 8 hours to get in. I have worked as a trail guide on Maui, taking people on horseback thru the pineapple fields and rain forest. There is more, but I will not bore you no more :D So, I do have a lot of experience with horses, but mostly work with them on the ground now. So, if anyone has any horsey questions, fire away. If I don't know, I will ask my boss. Of course, an equine vet. Crazy enough, I worked cows on horseback until I was 7.5 months pregnant! Anyway, the only saddle I get in now is my Bianchi one:DQuote:
Originally Posted by ColleenT
Did he have chaps and spurs too? :pQuote:
Originally Posted by KSH
Sounds like that might have been a crazy night!
OOOOH... soo trying to be good.....
sooo hard to keep mouth shut
I know what you mean! KSH's comment can go so far with what she said...:DQuote:
Originally Posted by roguedog
I pretty much lived and breathed horses for 20 years. I haven't done any horse stuff for about 7 years now.
I had my own horses from 1985-1995. I first had an 18 year old Appy gelding, Felix, who was given to me. I lost him to colic a year later:( He had lots of parasite damage , maybe from poor care when he was younger. Then I had a retired Stb pacer gelding, Shaw, for a short time. Not a bad horse, but he didn't work out for me.Then I had two: Sam a Morgan (I think, no papers) and Sijin, a BLM Mustang filly I adopted. Later Sam got a new home and I just had Sijin. I lost her to colic when she was 8.:( :(
After that I just rode other peoples horses. I never bought another one.
I worked at various farms in NE Mass. (Where I lived at the time). My favorite place I worked was Groton House Farm in Hamilton, MA. They raised a few babies each year. I had fun working with them.
I only rode for fun. I only went to a few small shows and a few pre-novice horse trials. I took some dressage lessons sometimes.
Four years ago or so I finally sold off the tack I had. I had a nice Crosby Prix de Nations saddle that I loved. But I wasn't using it. I bought a nice road bike (still have it, the Surly Pacer) with all the money I got from selling off my tack. I'm a student now and I'm more interested in hiking and bicycling. I don't have time or money for horses.
I do love to ogle the horse I see out on my rides. One place has a couple of Fresian horses. I've also seen a Haflinger and a Fjord. I mostly see QHs and Paint/pinto horses. I see lots of mules here too.
Last winter I went for a ride with some folks. They had some nice Morgans they used for trail riding. I went out on a ride with them. I got to ride a nice mare, Fooler. We rode out on some BLM land that mtn bikers also use. I had a nice ride, she was a nice horse, but when I saw someone mtn biking I felt a bit envious! I was just sitting on the horse getting sore knees and no exercise! I never thought I'd be envious of someone that was not riding a horse!
I sort of keep in the horse picture through the model horse hobby (these are "little plastic horses":D ). It's like model trains, but with horses. Creating miniatures. There are some amazing artists that are sculpting horses and casting them in resin. I've been doing that since 1981. I was very involved in customizing and showing in the 1990's. I've done little with that since I've been in college, but I hope to get back to it someday. I still visit modelhorseblab dot com regularly. It's a forum like this one. (I actually call this forum "girl bike blab" when I'm talking to my bf, he understands what I mean):D :D
how sad that your last horse died so young. even traumatic.
I just donated my last saddle to an outfit which helps disabled children
by letting them learn to ride horses. I kept it (and even oiled it) for 25 years before I finally admitted that I'd never use it again.
I'll have to look at your horse model website. I draw horses. If you put a pencil in my hand, I will draw a horse. I am "famous" for this at my office.
use to ride all the time as a kid. brother had horses and so did my cousin, but i didn't. every year i asked for a horse, but never got one. my dad said i wouldn't take care of it. little did he know.....
i did a bunch of speed shows and others of the like. then moved to phoenix and had no more horse friends. though right before i left to move up here i met some. would ride as much as i could, even if it ment getting up at 0400 to ride. actually just got an email from the gang. the horse i use to ride doesn't have a rider anymore. poor girl. my friend doesn't trust anyone else on her besides me. awe... i'm missed. hopefully i can get down and ride when i go and visit. i know the riding boots and spurs are missing me in storage. i know i'm missing them.
saw my old riding instructor when i went back to wisconsin to visit. got to ride one of her horses around the arena for a bit. my sister-in-law just snuffed me. said even though i hadn't been on a horse in a few years, i still had perfect horse posture. you can take the horse from under the girl, but you can't take the girl off from on top of the horse.
I have two Paso Finos myself (Nanci, I can't believe we don't know each other).
My mare is hysterical - she has enough personality for 3 horses, I swear. She's so much fun.
http://www.frontiernet.net/~pasos/july21.jpg
Beautiful. Aren't Paso's on the shorter side?
Generally 13.2 to 14.3 - I've known larger ones. I also know tons of men who are over 6' 2" who ride them, so it's not a really big issue (more mental on the part of the rider usually). My mare is 14.0, and I'm 5' 0" so she's perfect for me. Plus there's no kidney jarring!Quote:
Originally Posted by ColleenT
But all horses are great - :)
I ride endurance---50 and 100 mile cross country races. I have 7000 miles in competition in over 25 states. It is a hoot. Though it is a race, most riders are out there to enjoy the trail and acquire miles and good times. I have ridden on historic trails including the pony express (did 950 miles of it one summer- 50 miles a day) the Mormon trail, the Continental Divide, the Arizona trail and more.
I got a mtb because both of my mares are on 'rest' for the summer due to minor tendon injuries, one has been competing five years and one three. They are fat and shiny and roaming the pasture on vacation. They are bay arabian mares, 15 and 10 years old. I also have a 6 year old mare and a 3 1/2 year old gelding - all arabians, which is the primary breed used in endurance.
To learn more about endurance, go to AERC.org
I am a director and chair of the Horse Welfare committee for the AERC - American Endurance Ride Conference, which sanctions and keeps records. You can go the 'rider history' page and search my name and find my entire lifetime record.
I love my horses, but it has been nice to take the summer off and learn mtb skills- I am really enjoying it.
Ride on-
Laura Hayes
I own"ed" a 6 year old 1/2 thouroughbred 1/2 quarterhorse palamino gelding. I rode hunter/jumper and have been riding since I was a little girl. Been through several horses.
Unfortunately, about 2 weeks ago I sold him. This season I had to make a decision whether I wanted to continue riding horses or continue training for triathlons. Well, I made my decision and he is now owned by the sweet girl who had been 1/2 leasing him for me through the summer (while I was out on my bike!!!)
Roshelle from Milwaukee
I'm so glad that i am not the only one with a bike and horse habit..i love my horse, he's a doll.
I've always had horses, and have 4 right now, baby on the way. We board horses, trailride and I compete in endurance (or DID until gas went up last summer.) Ty, here in the avatar, is my endurance partner, and soul mate. Really.
This thread is supporting my suspicion that my interest in horses led to my enjoyment of biking. There are lots of similarities - wind blowing in your face, going fast, enjoying beautiful scenery, and having freedom! Like many others, my first love was horses. I began riding at age 6 and with the support of my family rode for many years. I was really serious and did pony club, dressage, jumpers, foxhunting and three-day eventing up to the intermediate level. Soon I had to decide between college and horses and college won out. I did ride for fun at a local barn for a few years but I have really traded my saddle for my bike. I haven't sold my saddles or boots yet, though!
Though I love biking, I do miss the companionship of the wonderful horses I had growing up. It is hard for some people to understand that horses really do have personalities! They are such a joy to know. My DH has no clue... It is so hard to explain...
She's a 14 yr hannovarian. and she's pretty much the 'The special one horse of a lifetime'
I've had her since she was 7 and we've competited in Show jumping & eventing for 5 years.................. i then put her in foal and decided to buy a bike to amuse myself waiting for the foal.................... hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm ............so now Millie lives a life of luxury and hasn't been ridden since last year as I'm way to busy riding my 'other love of my life' my Ruby :D:D:D Millie doesn't care less as long as I reguarly feed and pamper her !
We're moving to the States some time next year and sadly I have to leave her here :( :( :( the cost to ship her is horrendous and then the cost of keeping them over there is way more expensive than here in New Zealand , from what I've found out, what it'll cost me to keep Millie here a month is about what it would cost a week in California ! Ouch....................Still she is going to stay with a very good friend who is going to breed from her, so a reasonably happy outcome......
My Ruby bike on the other hand will be packed and coming over with me !
just for giggles, how much does it cost to ship a horse?
$12,000 NZ dollars :eek:
which at current exchange rate is about $6000 US to either SF or LA....
Oh and that's just the flight over........
I rode a PF stallion once at the Kentucky Horse Park. He was amazing!Quote:
Originally Posted by Pascale
I had been starting to ride again with a friend who has a retired h/j/event horse, a Buduonny (sp?) a Russian wb horse. But my friend just smashed her arm up in a dirt biking accident:eek: and won't be riding much anytime soon.
I must be in some kind of minority here not getting horse riding at all.
I have been on a horse, a couple of times many years ago and once about 2 years ago so it's not that i don't understand it from lack of exposure.
I just don't get why anyone would ride a horse at all. They're animals in their own right, don't they deserve not to be treated like slaves or beasts of burden simply placed here to do our bidding?
I really don't want to upset anyone or annoy anyone or have them think that i'm having a go about them being cruel or mean or anything like that, i just don't think people should ride horses and don't see why they do.
How have I missed this thread for so long? I have a nearly 7yo Morgan mare. I also have a nearly 3yo miniature burro. My mom tried to squelch the horse lover in me and wouldn't pay for riding lessons, but every time I have $5, I would go to the El Toro Marine Base and ride for an hour on one of their rental horses. I finally got a free lease on a beautiful King Ranch QH mare when I was in my late teens. When I turned 18, I walked down the road and bought my first horse :D. I bought a filly in college, paid for colic surgery, moved her to FL where she promptly died and broke my heart. I couldn't even look at horses for nearly 2 years. I didn't own a horse for seven years. I have had my mare for 2.5 years now and while we took a while to get used to each other, there is something about those big brown horse eyes that just melts me. I do love my bikes, and they won't share my secrets with anyone either, but I just am not that inclined to tell my bike my secrets or cry into my handlebars like a horse's mane. Also, my bike doesn't nicker at me when I go to the bike rack after work. On the other hand, my bike rarely bucks, and never spooks ;).
Surly, you may be familiar with my friend Morgen Kilbourn's work! She is an artist and does amazing resins. Her site is www.artbymorgen.com.Quote:
Originally Posted by surlypacer
And back to the original question, I have a 23 year old TB mare named Lizzy who I adore! At this point in our lives we are both more then content to just goof off and trail ride and enjoy ourselves.
I use to have horses about 15 years ago, but after getting hurt badly on my last one, sold him and never looked back. This horse was a total nut case and I bought him on the advise of a friend. I just didn't know he was a nut at the time, should have gone with my instincts and bought a mare instead.
A gut feeling told me to NEVER EVER get on a horse again or I would DIE!
I have owned some great horses, two of which died from stones, that was heart breaking.
I love cycling and have never regretting not getting another horse, I figure it's just another faze in my life. It certainly has brought my husband and I closer together now that we have hobby we can share. I've made some great cycling friends and still keep in touch with two of my horse friends even though they have moved away.
I hope nobody minds the slight thread hijack, but this response had me intrigued. I love horses, owned one for years and have ridden for many years also semi-professionally, and I have never encountered this opinion. I'm not offended at all, just curious: do you feel the same way about all pets? Animals raised for food? Or is it the fact that horses are ridden that makes a difference to you?Quote:
Originally Posted by gnarwhal
If it helps, I can say that horses are extremely social animals who need a leader to follow and thrive around people and other horses. It's extremely hard to get a horse to do something it really doesn't want to, so for the most part I think horses ridden for pleasure are happy. I've ridden racehorses - think large, strong, high-strung and fast - and you definitely want to convince the horse that what you want it to do is what it wants to do... :D
Why would anyone have a dog, for that matter? Take it for walks on a leash, make it guard your house, and obey you? Horses, like dogs, have been part of human culture for thousands of years. Neither are much "necessary" for transportation, guarding sheep, hunting anymore, but they are part of us.
I grew up riding and had a horse when I was a teenager. I haven't ridden much since college, though.