Dreams of Ashes
Member
Hi all 
After an adventure trying to get an account here I got one! So excited.
I currently live in Kansas(is anyone else in Kansas?). I grew up in north Wisconsin on a working farm with 5 younger siblings and all sorts of animals including horses. We had Percherons, Quarters, a Classic American Shetland, half Paso Fino(eventually sold) and half Arabs along with pigs, goats, sheep, a few cows and chickens. We tried for ducks, geese and rabbits but had zero luck with the little escape artists. I mostly rode bare back with a piece of baling twin on said horse or pony's halter. Once I left home and stopped riding due to training. Once I settled at my duty station I did eventually start taking dressage/hunter/jumping lessons. Lessons mostly focused on dressage and hunter flat since I'd never ridden English before. Did some schooling shows and was a jump judge for cross country. I was eventually re-stationed and lost contact with Briar Fox Farms. I did take some lessons and I volunteered as a trail guide, but eventually my schedule became so hectic with such long hours on shift that I stopped and that's were I mostly got out. I still occasionally went trail riding and took a couple of driving lessons with Fox Trotters, but that was about it. I've moved states, gotten a 2 and 4 yr college degree, bought and sold homes while working full time, and now that I'm done with school and don't plan on needing to move anytime soon. I'm thinking about equines again but I'm seriously thinking about going small and driving rather than riding.
1. I'm not yet 40 but in my early 20s my knees revealed that if they get cold enough while I'm riding I will not be able to use stairs the next day. My knees now get painful from cold in less than 5 minutes if I'm not actively walking(or dressed heavily).
2. Mysterious back issues that while they are getting much better I fear riding may re-agitate since my doctor thinks I may have bulged a disc just enough to cause issues but not show up on tests.(not fun).
3.I absolutely know I have a few young nieces and nephews who would love to putter around with aunty on a short drive. I would also likely have ready pony sitters should I need them.
To that end I have reached out to a local horse school that says they offer driving lessons. It would be to my knowledge a full sized horse, but I figure many of the principles would be the same. I do plan on boarding since my back yard is currently not a suitable spot for ponies and although it may be in the future, I've found a few promising places within 15 mins of the house including one that says they have trails on the property and another that says they have access to some. Then there's the chance that the place I'm looking into lessons may also board. So many things to think about.....
I am on the larger side but not obese, I gain easy and lose hard but the scale is slowly going down.(I bet caring for a horse or pony might help with that). Because of that and the fact that I'm certain to have a niece or nephew with me at times. I'm leaning towards the Original Shetland or Classic American Shetland as I'm far more interested in a sturdy steady pony who doesn't' mind puttering about on casual drives, than a flashy, excitable show pony. I'm also uncertain if I should have one or two or if I should find a small horse instead.
Oh, I figure I should mention I do not have a truck or trailer right now, but I think my CRV can probably pull a mini trailer without trouble, though I need to ask my mechanic brothers to be certain. If not, I'm certain those same brothers could help me find a small truck and trailer or large van to convert if need be.
What are the thoughts? Advice would be much appreciated. Am I crazy, am I missing something or is what I got a good start?
After an adventure trying to get an account here I got one! So excited.
I currently live in Kansas(is anyone else in Kansas?). I grew up in north Wisconsin on a working farm with 5 younger siblings and all sorts of animals including horses. We had Percherons, Quarters, a Classic American Shetland, half Paso Fino(eventually sold) and half Arabs along with pigs, goats, sheep, a few cows and chickens. We tried for ducks, geese and rabbits but had zero luck with the little escape artists. I mostly rode bare back with a piece of baling twin on said horse or pony's halter. Once I left home and stopped riding due to training. Once I settled at my duty station I did eventually start taking dressage/hunter/jumping lessons. Lessons mostly focused on dressage and hunter flat since I'd never ridden English before. Did some schooling shows and was a jump judge for cross country. I was eventually re-stationed and lost contact with Briar Fox Farms. I did take some lessons and I volunteered as a trail guide, but eventually my schedule became so hectic with such long hours on shift that I stopped and that's were I mostly got out. I still occasionally went trail riding and took a couple of driving lessons with Fox Trotters, but that was about it. I've moved states, gotten a 2 and 4 yr college degree, bought and sold homes while working full time, and now that I'm done with school and don't plan on needing to move anytime soon. I'm thinking about equines again but I'm seriously thinking about going small and driving rather than riding.
1. I'm not yet 40 but in my early 20s my knees revealed that if they get cold enough while I'm riding I will not be able to use stairs the next day. My knees now get painful from cold in less than 5 minutes if I'm not actively walking(or dressed heavily).
2. Mysterious back issues that while they are getting much better I fear riding may re-agitate since my doctor thinks I may have bulged a disc just enough to cause issues but not show up on tests.(not fun).
3.I absolutely know I have a few young nieces and nephews who would love to putter around with aunty on a short drive. I would also likely have ready pony sitters should I need them.
To that end I have reached out to a local horse school that says they offer driving lessons. It would be to my knowledge a full sized horse, but I figure many of the principles would be the same. I do plan on boarding since my back yard is currently not a suitable spot for ponies and although it may be in the future, I've found a few promising places within 15 mins of the house including one that says they have trails on the property and another that says they have access to some. Then there's the chance that the place I'm looking into lessons may also board. So many things to think about.....
I am on the larger side but not obese, I gain easy and lose hard but the scale is slowly going down.(I bet caring for a horse or pony might help with that). Because of that and the fact that I'm certain to have a niece or nephew with me at times. I'm leaning towards the Original Shetland or Classic American Shetland as I'm far more interested in a sturdy steady pony who doesn't' mind puttering about on casual drives, than a flashy, excitable show pony. I'm also uncertain if I should have one or two or if I should find a small horse instead.
Oh, I figure I should mention I do not have a truck or trailer right now, but I think my CRV can probably pull a mini trailer without trouble, though I need to ask my mechanic brothers to be certain. If not, I'm certain those same brothers could help me find a small truck and trailer or large van to convert if need be.
What are the thoughts? Advice would be much appreciated. Am I crazy, am I missing something or is what I got a good start?
There is a lot of friendly advice on here. Ask away . I am sure someone can answer with info for you. I don’t drive or show. I walk my minis on trails and just did my first obstacle event with them. You will find minis are so enjoyable .
