How can I be able to spend time with horses even though I don't own one?

Question

Well, I have been riding since 1st grade [[Going into 6th now]] and I have NO CLUE how to spend time with horses even though I cannot buy one. I was thinking of switching bans to a local stable, [[down the street]] so that I could bike there, but I don't know. I ride 45 minutes from my house! But the other place is three riding a bike. Should I ride there and then just say after lessons and help/bond with the horses?

Thanks in advance,

Megan!

Answer 1

It would be a good idea to switch to the barn closer to you house as long as they give good lessons.  Then, you could stay after lessons and hang out with the horses. You might even be able to help out in the care of the horses if you ask. :)

Answer 2

if they have good lessons switch and ask if you can help out there before and after your lesson and on weekends

Answer 3

Ask both stable owners if you can help take care of the horses.  Even though you are young, they may let you help with grooming and tack cleaning.  Stall mucking and bucket cleaning may be more than you can do properly at your age.

They might turn you down because of your age and the liability risk they would have. If that's the case, just keep up with your lessons until you are a bit older.

Answer 4

I was in the same situation as you about 6 years ago. I wanted to spend time with horses too! Someone my mum knew told my mum about RDA, riding for the disabled. If there's one near you it is a great opportunity to spend time with horses. You'll learn heaps, work with the horses and will probably bond with them too. I've been volunteering for 5 and a half years and I've made great bonds with some amazing horses.

Answer 5

Yes! I would definitely switch barns so you can be closer and spend more time with horses!  Also I would do some researching, Is there a horse camp in your area? Sign up for a week! Or ask if you can volunteer, many camps take volunteers to help with lessons or chores. Is there a horse rescue center nearby? Many places like that take volunteers. I was in the same situation, (I own my own horse now), but I worked at a horse camp, and I volunteered at a trail barn and working there gave me tons of knowledge and experience. Also, if you do switch barns ask the barn owners if you can help out with the daily chores (taking horses in and out of paddocks, tacking and untacking, washing buckets etc.) Trust me, take every chance you can get, you have no idea how much you can learn!

Answer 6

If you want to spend more time with horses, then moving closer so that you can ride your bike is a great idea.  My daughter would stay after her lessons and her trainer loved the extra help, with grooming and helping tack horses for other lessons she had.  My daughter also learned so much about horses this way as well.  Offer to groom, lunge or help to get the horses ready for the next lessons.

You could also see if there is a local horse rescue in your area.  They are always looking for volunteers and could really use the help.  You probably won't get paid, but what you can learn is priceless.

Answer 7

ask both stables if you can get a summer job working at the stables that way you can spend time with the horses and get payed? while doing it. =D