Three completely unrelated questions...

[starcrossed]

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

Comments

[songofsixxpence]

It sounds like you should do some reading

[flax]

Thiiiiiiiiiis. OP, every time you post it sounds like there are some large holes in the lesson program you're in.

[ihorse]

So safety first, confidence second, and ride it like you stole it.

Best. Line. EVER. Love that!

[allfoolsinlove]

hahaha I agree, that's awesome!

[fusaichipegasus]

Just a suggestion because you mentioned that you would like to just be around them, grooming etc. Check your area to see if there are any horse riding therapy barns around. You get to take care of the horses, tack them up, groom em, and work with them in lessons with the kids/adults. Plus you'll feel good and they want volunteers. Also, those horses are all usually super good so you can work with some mares that aren't gonna be standoffish.

[wastedrock]

I would definitely say go volunteer!!! It's not just a teen thing. Every horse person I know would love some free help lol.

Mares, oh mares! Most of them are less "lovey" than geldings, however working at a TB breeding/ mare care farm for the past 3 years I've been around all kinds. My favorite mare, Rancho Valencia, is a GOOFY funny and love bug mare. She's got an attitude and if you don't pet her and just work with her baby she'll bug you until you do! However, some horses (even geldings) are just not affectionate. I wouldn't be scared of them however. Every horse has it's own personality.

Yes to the lounge lessons. However, if you've been cantering for that long and feel no progression, I'd look to your trainer, if he/she isn't helping, you might need to find a new program.

[wastedrock]

and also to add, I have my own horse who is a gelding and I looove him. I used to be the "gelding/ stallion" type but after working with these mares for 3 years I gotta say the girls are my favorites now!
Mares are just special lol.

[wolfden]

The girls are my favorite too. I ride in a barn full of mares. Our trainer doesn't own any geldings himself right now. Of the 24 horses on the farm 4 are geldings and all are boarders. I've known geldings that weren't very nice and much more scary than most of the mares I know.

My mare is a love bug. My husband's is more standoffish but she has her moments. I always say he loves her more than me (he says it isn't true that he loves us the same :P).

Growing up I knew some not very nice horses and I never realized how different horses had different personalities. I just find it so fascinating.

I'm sure there is a barn that would love to have the OP volunteer either in exchange for lessons or just to spend time with horses. Another idea is to volunteer with a theraputic riding program. My friend loves the time she spends volunteering at one here.

[beybladesabre]

I am 27 and work off my board by doing morning chores at the barn. The lady I work with is 39 and works off board for 3 horses and a loft apartment in the barn. It's almost easier to work off lessons instead of board because you don't have to work as much!! Our BO is an older gentlemen who does not teach though, so someone who wanted to pair up with one of the 4 trainers at the barn, could definitely trade personal help for lessons, instead of chores for lessons.

I agree that this barn might not be the best match for you:P Checking out some other barns might not be such a bad idea, but don't feel pressured to make a decision right away though. And agreed 100% that lunge lessons are AWESOME:)

[bluelinegoddess]

See, I've only come across one gelding I liked, but I always seem to bond well with mares!