Three completely unrelated questions...
01. In this economy, my job is very unstable right now. There are strong indications I might lose it in the next few months. If I'm unemployed I'll need my savings for pesky necessities like bills and food and I can't make riding a necessity. I know it's commonplace for teens to volunteer at barns and work in exchange for lessons but has anyone done this as an adult? (I'm 24.) I wouldn't be opposed to just hanging out, mucking stalls, grooming etc. and not riding. I just couldn't bear to not be around horses, riding or no riding. I've approached a few places but haven't had any responses as of yet.
02. I'm going to make a ridiculous statement... I'm afraid of mares. I find them very different, a lot more spooky, naughty and reactive than geldings. My trainer is insisting I perservere with the mare I currently ride in the hope we form a bond (my barn basically has all mares to ride except for the beginner-beginner horse who is a gelding and needed for complete beginners which I'm not) or TB geldings (I think my instructor thinks these will be too strong/fizzy for me.) I'm at a loss as to what I can do to bond with her- she doesn't really like to be petted or even really fed treats or anything.
03. I mentioned before I'm not progressing with my canter. I have previously been at another barn where I have been riding a 100% bombproof (but lazy) pony who is very difficult to get into canter. We've only managed to canter the long side of the school only before breaking into trot again and we're both exhausted by the end of it! I've been cantering for eight months now and I'm not making any progress. Is it possible to canter on the longe? I'm thinking of investing in some longe lessons at another barn so I can have enough time to learn to sit to the canter. I know longeing is really hard work for a horse so I'm not sure if this is feesible.
Many thanks for all your help in advance!
02. I'm going to make a ridiculous statement... I'm afraid of mares. I find them very different, a lot more spooky, naughty and reactive than geldings. My trainer is insisting I perservere with the mare I currently ride in the hope we form a bond (my barn basically has all mares to ride except for the beginner-beginner horse who is a gelding and needed for complete beginners which I'm not) or TB geldings (I think my instructor thinks these will be too strong/fizzy for me.) I'm at a loss as to what I can do to bond with her- she doesn't really like to be petted or even really fed treats or anything.
03. I mentioned before I'm not progressing with my canter. I have previously been at another barn where I have been riding a 100% bombproof (but lazy) pony who is very difficult to get into canter. We've only managed to canter the long side of the school only before breaking into trot again and we're both exhausted by the end of it! I've been cantering for eight months now and I'm not making any progress. Is it possible to canter on the longe? I'm thinking of investing in some longe lessons at another barn so I can have enough time to learn to sit to the canter. I know longeing is really hard work for a horse so I'm not sure if this is feesible.
Many thanks for all your help in advance!