Mandy asked:
I want to start riding horses more often because I really enjoy it. But I don’t own horses and don’t have the money and don’t live outside the city anymore. (I recently moved to the city from the country.)
Anyway’s, I’d like to ride horses without paying and be able to be around them more.
Any ideas?
Thanks.
I live in the Texas Panhandle too.
horse owning
horse owning
I ride at a ranch for free. It’s sort of a trade off , i ride and they get their horses ridden. The hard part is finding a ranch that has horses to ride
horse owning
I agree with you, riding horses is AWESOME! I LOVE IT
horse owning
Many cities do have inner city riding schools so have a look around.
For free rides I think you’ll have to travel out of the city. If you are a competent rider you can advertise to exercise other people’s horses or look for work-for-ride places. If you are fairly small, you could advertise to help back/school ponies (but make it clear that you will have to be supervised and be honest about your riding/training level.)
If you are still a novice then it is unlikely that you will be able to find an owner willing to let you ride their horse, and will have to ride at a school. Some schools will give you free/cheap lessons in return for working there, but in my experience many of these school are poor quality. The care the horses receive often reflects the teaching. It is more economical in the long run to have lessons from a good instructor even if you have to pay more per hour. You will learn faster with a good lesson every month or fortnight ,then a weekly lesson where you just go round and round the school.
horse owning
Contact all of the boarding facilities in your area. Go to the feed/tack stores and post notices that you will muck stalls, feed, groom and ride. Remember to leave your phone number. Do it for free until you build your reputation as a reliable stable hand. Then, you can start to charge people. It’s like getting paid for a job you love to do!
horse owning
How far is it to some stables? if there are some close by that you can get to you may be able to trade some labour for a ride. If not, save your money and go for a ride when you can. You may also be able to volunteer with some riding groups (riding for the disabled) if they are in your area. You may then be to have the occasional ride and be around horses.
horse owning
Many lesson barns are willing to exchange labor for lessons and or free rides on the lesson horses. If there is a barn you take lesson at ask about cleaning stalls, tack, etc in exchange for lessons or an extra lesson. Or call around. Some private barns are willing to make the same deal, but are harder to find.
A lot depends on how well you ride. If you are a good rider it is easier to find rides. Owners often will let good riders ride there horses while the are on vacation, or a few days a month, when they know they don’t have time to ride. If you know people that own horses that is the best place to start. You will have more sucess if the owners know you and feel safe having you handle their horses.