Any other Equestrians Here?

[tulip]

I used to ride. I started when I was 6 years old and was a typical horse-crazy little girl. I took lessons for years and showed hunter-jumper on other people's horses. I begged for a horse, of course, and I finally got one when I was 14 years old. While I enjoyed it immensely, it was a ton of work even though I was able to keep him at home (lived in the country). By the time I was 15, I took my first bike tour through France and my interests were shifting to bikes. I sold the horse when I went to college, and then got into bike racing.

That was all eons ago, but I have been riding bikes ever since. I haven't been on a horse in decades.

[kermit]

Another former horse chick here, was heavily into the hunter/jumper scene. I got my first horse after college, a 3 year old off the track, 17 hands and a big baby. After scores of serious injuries I discovered that bikes are a lot cheaper. I do miss it and still visit circuit, don't miss the expense though. I remember when I was riding all the time having to get shots in my lower back for my broken back (horse related) I actually bent the doctors needle. Nothing else is like riding a horse, biking is close.

[LivetoRide]

Tulip- Horses certainly keep you busy, that's for sure! I'm fortunate enough to live in a small college town surrounded by farms so I'm able to affordably board my horse about fifteen minutes from home by car (or a 10 mile bike ride)-- but even then my horse still will keep me very busy!

Kermit- Ouch! Hope your back healed up well and that you no longer have any trouble with it (back problems are awful). Fortunately, I've yet to take a spill and get any serious injuries (worst was probably smashing my elbow into a jump rail).

[ehirsch83]

Me
Up until recently it was my profession... I just turned down an assistant trainer job with one of the top jumper barns because it meant I would have to give up my bike.

I took another job back in the aviation field and am desperately missing the horses. My hours aren't allowing me to get out and ride the horses at all right now I own part of a green medium pony that I need to be working to sell...
I either need to make more money so I can have a horse(but I hold my pro status so I can't just go show as an ammy) or I need to get back into it as a profession... But I wish I could find something where I could take 1-2 weekends a month off to go race my bike... that is what i'm searching for, oh if i ever find it life will be great!

[LivetoRide]

Ehirsch83- I know how you feel; there's just not enough time for everything! And it's possible to get your ammy status back for when you find time again for horses/showing. I don't know much about it other than reading about it on COTH (Chronicle of the Horse forum) but you can always call/email USEF for more info on the subject. I [I]think[I] it takes about a year of participating in no pro activities to get it back, so if you want it back, it is possible. And surely there's a job somewhere out there that would give you some time to race...I hope you find it!

[MCAP]

ME!

I ride dressage primarily, but I also take jump lessons for fun, foxhunt, and trail ride. I'd love to event some day, but that would require having enough time to get my mare into great shape. Some day!

I live just outside the city and have 5 horses at home. 2 are retired, one is young and not started, and two are riding age. I love my ponies!

[LivetoRide]

MCAP- Awesome! I've always thought it'd be fun to try fox hunting but I've yet to have a chance to do so. You should try at least lower level eventing; It can be a lot of fun!

[Kubla]

I was a little slow to find this thread, but I have been a horse owner for over 30 years. I currently have a 14 year old Morgan gelding and keep him here. (We have about an acre-more than half of which is for him.) It's admittedly a lot of work, but there is nothing like having them at home, IMHO. I've had 2 Morgans, an Arab and a half-Arab over the years. Love both breeds.

Years ago I dabbled in showing hunt seat on the flat, but much prefer trail riding these days. I also have an interest in dressage, but mainly as a spectator.