Are there any horse people on here?

I've been into horses for the past 30 years, and am thinking of getting into it once I am in the UK to live. Would love to chat with anyone about them.

meghan

I'm an eventer (though sadly haven't been riding recently due to health issues). There's another poster here (Jennie) who's training an OTTB to do eventing.

There's a (small) thread about riding here.

Hi!
I'm Jennie (the one equestrianerd mentioned--hi equestrianerd!). I live in Manchester and have a little mare (she's just 4) that I'm hoping to event.

What sort of riding are you interested in? Where will you be in the UK? (Where are you from in MN? I went to Carleton for university!)

Hi there! I live just west of Minneapolis. I've been in horses for almost 30 years. Starting out in Hunter/Jumpers as a teenager, then got into Dressage in my 20's and if I can screw up the courage, I'd like to start eventing. I've been horseless since the spring of 2011, sadly. I had to give my heart horse away, just breaks my heart. She was a Dutch WB x TB who was schooling 4' in Jumpers. She's got a good home with a trainer friend of mine and his wife doing dressage and loving it!

I will be located in the South East, in Eastbourne once I get moved over. I am hoping to find a barn with some good schoolmasters to start me over again. First in dressage and once my confidence is back, then into jumping and finally eventing. Any suggestions on what to look for, what not to do to get involved in the horse community? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Oh and just reading the link above as well. Will post more in a bit.

Ok, will go look at the BHS sites. Fiancee thinks I should get a job working at a farm when I get here, but at 43, the idea of mucking out does not really appeal! (Well it does but I don't think my back will let me!)

I have to admit, I am afraid of showing up for lessons and being pegged as a crappy American rider. Did you go through that or was it pretty easy to adapt?

I have to admit, I am afraid of showing up for lessons and being pegged as a crappy American rider. Did you go through that or was it pretty easy to adapt?

I've done a few lessons off and on since moving, and they may have pegged me as a crappy rider (after being out of the saddle for over a year), but I didn't get any bad vibes. Everyone was professional and recognised that I at least knew the theory I was trying to practice, even if my body wasn't really cooperating. (And I didn't notice judgement either way re: nationality - I think horse people are cool with horse people, regardless of where they're from.)

Trust me, they will probably be more excited that you are American than anything else! I agree with equestrianerd, horse people seem to be horse people the world over. I would totally recommend going to some of the big events (Badminton was cancelled this year, but hopefully Burghley and Blair will still go on!); they are SO MUCH FUN.

I would totally recommend going to some of the big events (Badminton was cancelled this year, but hopefully Burghley and Blair will still go on!); they are SO MUCH FUN.

Aside from my legs being angry with me from walking (which is why I haven't been riding), I had such a blast at Burghley last year. And, bonus, I dragged the BF (and the dog) along and they both had fun, too. (Which doesn't say much for the dog as he's happy anywhere, especially if there's people/manure , but BF is open to going to more events, and he's totally not a horse person.)

I can second the awesomeness of equestrianerd's dog. And Burghley. :)It did take me awhile to find somewhere to ride--but I would just keep an open mind and just keep your ears and eyes open.  I spent a lot of time asking around about who trained with whom and where everyone was based and etc, which helps you figure out where you might take lessons next/in addition to wherever you find first.

I have been on a few hacks (horse rental type things)--I went on one with two friends, both of whom are pretty novice riders, on the moors near Dartmouth, and it. was. amazing.  My two friends had these amazing super-ponies that just took them everywhere, and I got to ride a super nice horse that the owner sometimes used to hunt. Loads of fun and a good way to get on a horse if you don't want to always take lessons.

Thanks! My best friend came to visit a year ago and we went to Badminton and we already have our hotel room booked for Burghley this year. We've gone to Rolex for the past 12 years together in the US, so getting to see the other two legs of the grand-slam is awesome. We had loads of fun at Badminton. Fiancee isn't a horse person at all, has no idea what is involved (cost, dirt, hair...) but he wants me to get involved. He has a friend who is uber-richy-rich there in the UK whose wife is really into dressage. Way out of my league I am sure but probably someone good to chat with to get some leads I suppose.

Although they are a dime a dozen, my dream has always been to own a mobile tack store and just sell at shows. Have been doing some research on it and hope it's a path I can pursue down the line for work, once I am there and comfy. Fiancee is an accountant so that aspect is all covered!

I was also very sad that Badminton was cancelled since Mark Todd was sitting so well to win the grand-slam. I wonder if he will be able to use Burghley this fall or if he's just out of luck?

I was also very sad that Badminton was cancelled since Mark Todd was sitting so well to win the grand-slam. I wonder if he will be able to use Burghley this fall or if he's just out of luck?

It's William Fox-Pitt , and Rolex announced that he can still qualify if he wins Badminton 2013. So, in theory, if someone else wins Burghley 2012 and Rolex 2013, there could be a face-off for the Grand Slam in 2013.

It's William Fox-Pitt , and Rolex announced that he can still qualify if he wins Badminton 2013. So, in theory, if someone else wins Burghley 2012 and Rolex 2013, there could be a face-off for the Grand Slam in 2013.

Which would be epic. Absolutely epic.

If you need some names of trainers here in the Southeast my husband and I know a lot of them.  My DH used to be organizer of Borde Hill Horse Trials and is still President of that.  His family owns Borde Hill which is located in West Sussex and they run the event every year at the end of May for Novice and lower.  It is not quite in the Badminton league but it is good.  My DH also knows a lot of the International and grassroots riders.  He was a journalist/photographer for Eventing and other magazines.  I have personally met Francis Whittington who is Chairman of the Event Riders Association, Pippa Funnell the only winner of the Rolex Grand Slam so far, Tina Cook, Mark Todd, William Fox-Pitt, and several others.  We know a few of the course builders around the Southeast as well as Event organizers and other key behind the scenes personnel.  Penny Hill nee Sangster lives in Stunts Green just north of Eastbourne and is a riding instructor with extensive contacts.  She also events and a few years ago won Chepstow 3 day.  We try to attend most of the Events here in the Southeast although my husbands MS makes it a challenge at times.  When you get over here let us know and we can put you in touch with some people who can help you or at least point you in the right direction.......Our 2 year wedding anniversary is Monday the 14th.....good to see someone else who likes May weddings.....take care!!!!!!