"No one else ever rides my horse." Really?

[shakeytails]

@hosspuller;4263875

I want other people ride my horse. Way back when dirt was new, a young girl brushed and saddled her horse for me, an unhorsed adult newbie. Now, that I’ve owned horses for decades, I can recognize the horse crazed look from ten paces away. With a nod from mama, I offer a ride to the afflicted. Each time, I’m rewarded by the look of bliss and a huge smile. Liability is just a risk, like life.

Exactly! I’m grateful for pleasure/trail horses I was allowed to ride as a kid anytime I wanted, and the better horses I’ve been allowed to ride as an adult. One of the biggest thrills I got was riding a 5-gaited World Champion at the end of the show season.

[quote=Pronzini;4264064]Years ago, a friend of mine used to let me take her Prix St George confirmed (scores in the 60s) horse out for a spin occasionally and I am far from that kind of rider. It was an incredible privilege for me but I asked her sincerely one day if there was any possibility that I might ruin her horse.

“Oh for crying out loud, they aren’t made of china glass! As long as you don’t try to put him in a frame or make him do his tricks, he’s fine. Going around a training level test and trying to figure out someone else’s mistakes for a change is a great break for him. Every upper level horse should get to wear their hair down and be a buddy’s horse. It’s good for them.”

Anyway that was her philosophy and I was pretty darn grateful for it.
[/quote]

I’ve always let other people ride (and sometimes show) my horses. I can’t see what they look like when I’m on their back. Now I’m not talking trail ride, and most of the time I’m not talking about total newbies though I do have one TWH mare that anyone can ride.

I get a kick out of letting some of the better lesson kids hop on my mare for a spin- she’s all “show horse” if you ask her and she’s a blast to ride. They’re certainly not going to hurt her or screw up her training. I wish one of them could afford the training bill for a free lease- she’s at home now due to lack of funds.

I’ve had a couple of horses that I wouldn’t let anyone else but a trainer ride- but only because they were extremely difficult, bordering on pro-ride only.

[mp]

Just about anyone could get on my horses and, with a minimum of skills and some coaching, get them to walk, trot. The gelding (who can be a little bit of hot head) was just great in the arena with a friend’s 10-y.o. daughter, and she’d been on a horse only once or twice. Both horses would be fine on a trail with an advanced beginner. I mean, they’re trained horses, but neither is a deadhead.

But to ride them, as in work correctly in all three gaits, do lateral work, work on their issues, etc etc etc. Really ask them do something or work them in a new situation – work cattle, trailer out to some challenging trails. I’m the only one who does that. And I can think of maybe two or three other people I’d trust. Otherwise, nope.

[see_u_at_x]

@BuddyRoo;4264339

My 18 YO mare Cheyenne is a steady eddy anyone can ride type. I will admit two things though: 1) I feel like I might burst with pride when I watch other people riding her and she is so good with them. I wonder how on earth she ended up that way in spite of me. LOL 2) I feel badly for her because sometimes, people really don’t have the foggiest notion what they’re doing and she STILL is so patient.

Within reason, I will let nearly anyone ride her. I do have some limitations on weight and I certainly won’t just let some random individual hop on. But if people are willing to listen to me and really want to see what it feels like to ride or already know how to ride? Sure.

I feel the exact same way about my QH. She’s such a super star with kids and novice riders, and I can’t believe she’s that way considering she’s only really had me as a trainer. However, she will definitely teach you that you need to steer! :lol: Put a more advanced rider on her and she might try a minor trick or two (like throwing her shoulder to the outside), but once they correct her she’s like, “Oh, OK…if you say so.” Once upon a time, I used to be super picky about who I would let ride her, but once I realized that people weren’t going to damage her just by riding her once or twice (or even in a supervised lesson), I relaxed a lot.

Pieper, OTOH, is the one I am WAY selective about. She’s a bit of a challenge, so I only allow more seasoned riders to hop on her. And because of her “push the envelope” type of personality, it will likely remain that way for a while.

In general, though, I don’t feel obligated to let other people ride my horses and have no problem telling them no. Usually, if I explain that they are show horses, people get it and don’t push the issue. Most people don’t even ask, though.

ETA: mp makes an excellent point. There are very few people who I would allow to school my horses to work on their issues. We’re talking 4 people at the most.

[BuddyRoo]

[QUOTE=see u at x;4264538]
<snip> She’s such a super star with kids and novice riders, and I can’t believe she’s that way considering she’s only really had me as a trainer. <snip>[/QUOTE]

Precisely. I was 15 when I started Chey. She was home bred and really never had the benefit of a pro…just a horse crazy kid (me). So it’s doubly shocking that she’s so fabulous. LOL Even my “good rider” friends say she’s one of their favorite horses of all time. Just a good egg. I can’t take credit.

And with regards to MP’s statement–yep. Even my “sensitive” mare can be ridden by a novice or whomever at a WT just hacking around. It’s when you try to “work” that I would sooner have a root canal than let someone else ride her and have to deal with the fall out.

[Jasmine]

I teach, so most of my horses get multiple riders. I do however, have MY horse. I’m working with someone I trust and admire, but she and I are the ONLY two people allowed to even put a saddle on Boo. And all my students know that, so therefore most of them want to try her. It’s the grass is always greener syndrome.

[Vindicated]

I have never been selfish about my horses, even when I was a kid.
Now I have gotten my nose out of joint when I was out of town and my mom and trainer let someone else SHOW my horse. I was told I needed to learn to share-and when we got a year end award (regional circuit) they almost made me give the other girl the ribbon. Mind you we only went to 3 shows on that circut (2 with me one with the other girl)-but still.

I MAKE people ride my horse. If they are pissing him off, he will let them know. If I trained my horse so poorly that I am the only one that knows how to ride him-than I failed. My horse can make almost anyone look like a rider, and I am proud of that fact.

I wish someone else would ride my other horse, but eveyone else gets off of him after the first 5 minutes. They don’t believe that once he knows you are going to stick, he quits querking off.

[Gloria]

It depends. My show horse? The only riders that are allowed to climb on him are the ones that are better than I am. No, one ride will not ruin him but one bad ride may require me several rides to get him strightened out. It is simply not worth it.

My retired horses? Sure, as long as they are not abusive and I’m there to supervise.

[Kate66]

I guess as they are our horses we can do what we want to do. No-one but me rides my gelding, that’s the great thing about ownership, I get to say.

[BeaSting]

I’m an average-joe rider - trail riding on top of a weekly lesson suits me fine. My 4 yr. old Appaloosa, Smoky has more talent than me. I’ve had him in training for the last two months at the hunter/jumper barn we board at. I just had a conversation with his trainer this morning and the upshot is that I would be very open to the idea of a young rider showing him. The next best thing to riding him myself is watching someone else bring out the best of him.

[Tif_Ann]

After a lot of attempts to let other people ride my horse, I’ve determined that it’s in his best interests not to put him through that. My QH anyone can ride. My mustang? Not so much. He’s nearly 80% blind in one eye, fully blind in the other, was feral and a stallion until he was 7. He has to SERIOUSLY trust his rider. He’s calmer and more confident when I’m in saddle than he is even running around in pasture because he TRUSTS me to be his eyes. He’s difficult and anxious with other people.

That said - there are a select few that he has grown to trust some as well - so there are about 3 people I allow to ride Pirate. But for the most part, I have no problem saying “No one else gets to ride Pi, he’s just too difficult of a ride” to anyone else who asks. No reason to get into all the history and trust issues, etc.

Plus - he’s very, very sensitive and knows a lot. At this point, you have to have solid legs and know what you are doing to ride him, or you are going to cue him to do something. He doesn’t need the frustration of someone’s legs or seat telling him to do something, him doing it, and then the rider getting upset because he’s “acting up”…

[Janet]

Often, when people say “no one else rides my horse”, they are looking for a diplomatic way of saying “I don’t want to let YOU ride my horse”, for whatever reason.

[Auventera_Two]

@Ajierene;4262446

I think the point is that stallions tend to bring extra liability. Someone dumped by a mare or gelding was dumped by a mare or gelding. Someone dumped by a stallion is often dumped by a “crazy, wild stallion”.

Yup, exactly.

If anything ever happened, it would be a crazy, wild stallion trying to kill people and breed unsuspecting mares. If anything negative happens with him, I don’t want anyone to blame but myself. Same deal with my Pit Bull. I am extra careful with him - not because the dog can’t be trusted. He can! But because IF anything ever happened, he’d be labeled a killer, even if he only prickled a hair at a passer by. That’s just the way our society is and I won’t put my animals in a position to fail.

My mares are well trained and they’re model citizens. If one spooked and dumped somebody, nobody would bat an eye because that’s just what horses do. If the stallion did it, I imagine he would get far more blame than he deserves.

[LSM1212]

I guess it all boils down to:

1. If the owner is okay w/ it or not
2. If the horse is okay w/ it or not
3. If the rider is capable to ride said horse

In that order…

For me? Sure. Like someone else posted… I was one of those juniors who didn’t have a horse of my own so any chance that was offered to me to ride, I jumped on it. So I’m paying that forward.

But my horse is pretty easy going. :lol: He definitely caters to his rider. If he feels you don’t know what the heck you are doing, he goes into “pony trail ride” mode. Puts his head down and just plods along. Now if he feels you know how to ride, he’s completely different. He perks up and goes on along as if to say, “Heck yeah… let’s go”. :winkgrin:

My only requirements if you want to do more than a walk is… soft hands and soft seat. But most of the kids/adults I let ride him, I know what kind of rider they are. So no problem. Yes, there are a select few that I’ve said no too (history of harsh hands, etc). And then there have been a few that I waited until their riding came along a bit further before letting them get on him.

I love to watch a more advanced rider than myself get on and ride him. I have a good friend who is awesome and she works on some Dressage with him. And he looks fantastic w/ her. And in return, she let’s me hop on her horse who is very well trained in Dressage so I can feel what it’s supposed to feel like.

I agree it makes him more versatile. That he’s fine w/ other riders and not a “one-woman” horse. Though he does go best for me… not braggin’, just sayin’. But he should… he’s mine.

But different strokes for different folks. I’m not offended if someone doesn’t want me riding their horse. But I never ask to anyways… Now if someone offers their horse for me to ride, sure… I’ll hack around.

But my personal preference is the opposite of this thread… I prefer to ride my horse only. So most times when someone offers to let me ride their horse, I pass. Well, except for now since my guy is laid up after colic surgery.

Maybe I should do a spin off???

[shalomypony]

There’s a Dutch saying…“You don’t share your husband,and you don’t share your horse!” I don’t let anyone ride my horse.He’s my horse.Now not to say that if he were to become a show/competition horse that I wouldn’t.But he’s my trail horse and I don’t forsee any competitions in the near future.

[SBT]

@slc2;4262292

OP, I don’t think it’s your business to tell other people what’s right for their horses. If they don’t want a lot of different people on their horse that’s their business, not yours or anyone else’s, and they don’t need to be judged by you for it. You do what you want with your horse, and leave people alone who don’t quite see it the same way as you.

“I think that’s rather silly”

“Unless it is a rare beast”

and etc on and on.

Stop being so judgemental. Thanks.

Some people find having people hop on their horse works for them, others do not.

I’m not being judgemental. Everyone is entitled to do whatever they like with their horses. Everyone is also entitled to an opinion, including me.

Often, when people say “no one else rides my horse”, they are looking for a diplomatic way of saying “I don’t want to let YOU ride my horse”, for whatever reason.

Actually, I hear it most when I mention allowing others to ride my horse. As in, “You let people ride your horse? No one else ever rides MY horse.” OK, more power to 'ya! :yes:

[Casey09]

LSM1212 wrote

But my personal preference is the opposite of this thread… I prefer to ride my horse only. So most times when someone offers to let me ride their horse, I pass. Well, except for now since my guy is laid up after colic surgery.

I don’t have a bunch of people offering to let me ride their horses, but I find that it is hard enough to fit riding my own horse in.

Janet wrote

Often, when people say “no one else rides my horse”, they are looking for a diplomatic way of saying “I don’t want to let YOU ride my horse”, for whatever reason.

That’s probably what I would say if someone I thought wasn’t suitable asked me. And again, I wouldn’t mind someone who kind of knew how to ride riding my horse. If someone who didn’t ride asked, though, this is what I would say (because of my own nervousness about controlling the interaction - as in, what if he spooks at something? Would they fall?)

[eightpondfarm]

I have a couple of horses that i’ll allow others to ride on a trail…with me. Friends that are appropriate matches. i have one friend, who truly wishes to ride so badly that she has taken riding lessons first. She’s had 8 lessons and as soon as the corona virus thing is settled down, she’s going to come out and go trail riding with me. I have another friend who has only ridden ‘one handed’ over at an acquaintances’ place. All my horses go on a snaffle…i don’t want him on any of them until he learns how to use two reins and a non-port bit. MY horses…the few that have ‘mommy-itis’…those i’ll not put anyone else aboard. Out of deference to them, our relationship and my own piece of mind. Heck, i get irritated when i get my truck back from the dealership after inspection/oilchanges/repairs and they’ve moved the seat. I REALLY hate it when someone makes changes in how my horses go. I have them sharp. tuned-in. Anytime someone else rides, they round off the edges…smooth them out. And it takes some doing to get them back. Takes about three rides to undo someone else’s handling.

[kande04]

I have extra horses, but what I don’t like is those who want to come out and go for a spin as a sort of novelty experience/adventure.

If someone’s serious about helping me keep my horses exercised then I’m willing to take the extra liability risk to do that, but I don’t provide horse experiences for those who want to come and use my horses for free once in awhile when they feel like it.

I’m also not interested in the ones who want to come out and show me what great riders they are (almost always at my horses’ expense), tell me how to train them, or do anything I’ve asked them not to do when they think I won’t notice.

I like the ones who are serious about learning to ride better and/or gain horse experience, and willing to accommodate my quirks to do so.

[joiedevie99]

This thread is 11 years old.

[Twisting]

I do my best to train a horse that anyone can ride (or at least more than just me and a pro). I enjoy seeing others ride, or in my current case, drive, my horse, that tells me I am on the right track. The way I see it, if I got hit by a bus tomorrow, I would want to go out knowing that I did everything in my power to set my horse up for success beyond me. A horse who can tolerate being ridden by more than one person is a horse with more options than the horse who has never been given the opportunity to adapt to that situation. My horses aren’t athletic superstars, they going to need to get by on their good manners and willing attitudes, so it’s my job to make sure they have those assets.