Are there many classes for veteran Dales?

[jacquidales]

I've decided to turn my QH mare away for the winter now as she is going through big changes- teeth coming out, very bumb high etc and I think she needs time to chill and get used to being in the UK. I know it's normal to ride QHs sooner than we ride our english horses, but I still think she needs time to grow up.

I'm toying with getting a companion that I can ride (Sabina needs a special friend as Jack and Socks are far too boistrous- bad spelling- sorry, and that OH woud also be able to ride out on as now the physio has said I can ride, I really want to do so. Clearly I'll have to be careful with my hip, but I wondered if I got an older pony, what range of classes are available to ride in?

[dalesponyrider]

But why a veteran DALES when you've got to take care of your hip? Surely better to have fun on an older THINNER pony? LOL! Please take care Jacqui - we don't want you buggering yourself up!

[jacquidales]

Linda,
my OH is five foot 10 and on a thinner pony he would look daft and probably feel uncomfortable. I want him to hack out with me once Sabina is old enough to be brought back into training/riding. I'm racking my brains over what what would a suitable mount as I can't afford another Quarter Horse and the chances of loaning one will be like finding rocking horse pooh. I do miss seeing everyone at the native shows (and competing) but I personally find it hard to just go and watch the Dales or Fells when I haven't got one of my own. It's hard to describe, but at times i feel a bit cut off from whats going on.

At the moment it feels like lots of hard work looking after youngsters and no pleasure from riding which isn't helping my general fitness either. Decisions, decisions

[Debbie]

Actually I know how you feel...I felt so awkward having no pony at all, but everyone put up with me Linda's right about being careful not to undo your hip...you really wouldn't want to ruin it before you could swing into the saddle for Sabina. What about your friends that let you try western riding to begin with? Do they have a horse they could possibly loan you for the winter???

If you do decided for a dales, please pick a saddle that at least has a twist that will help your hip. Yes, I know it will cause the 'perched, elephant ride' feeling, but it will also save your hip from being wrenched out of socket trying to straddle a mature dales pony

[harveydales]

Linda and Debbie are right, you really should take care of those hips. Now I'm starting back on Harvey I am feeling my SI joints being wrenched and hope it is just that I'm out of condition but know a narrower horse would help the situation.

There are some lovely, quiet "non-hairies" around that would take Alan's height and yet be more comfortable for you to ride. Maybe you could keep your "Fell/Dales" interest by exhibiting youngsters In Hand? I do understand when you say you find it hard to feel properly involved in the Hairy Events when you don't have one yourself. I thought I was just the same and wasn't sure how I would feel about not competing on Harvey but I can honestly say that, if anything, I'm getting more pleasure from watching Ali and Nikki on Harvey than riding him myself!

A difficult situation for you but please do take care.

[jacquidales]

Pam,
I think I'm going to think seriously about a Merens again even though I'll have to go to France or Holland for one. I rode one on Holiday before the hip tear was diagnosed (although it was obviously present) and despite riding every day, I had no pain. I even rode a TB/Percheron and he was slimmer than a Dales! The Merens are finer than the Dales, but similar in many other ways.

I think this is my best chance of getting a hairy that is suitable. I think the Merens would also be a suitable mount for Alan hacking out on, or friends to ride if they visited.

I wonder if any Dalesfans are based in France near one of the Merens breeders