r/Equestrian • u/potatomuffin37 • 6h ago

Social Trying to fill the hole not being able to ride has left

Hey all! I’m new to this sub but am seeking advice! I rode horses for 9 years before having to move to college, and the first year I did miss it but it didn’t weigh on me very much. However, just before moving for my second year of Uni I had to put my horse of 4 years down. Now more than ever I am missing both him and the sport. Unfortunately it would be incredibly difficult to get back into riding while in school for financial and logistical reasons. Does anyone have any recommendations for hobbies that are similar to the rush of competing gymkhana, but aren’t going to cost two arms and a leg?

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u/Interesting-Arm-392 6h ago

This may be a silly question but have you looked in your area for horses that are free to ride in exchange for barn chores or just catch rides? If you’re experienced enough you could also ride greenies and put some miles on them for riding time

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u/nikitamere1 6h ago

How does the exchange usually work? What does catch rides mean?

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u/Interesting-Arm-392 6h ago

It’s usually showing a horse for someone else in order to sell them, school them or give them some miles In my experience. Theres lots of reasons why it could happen :)
For how it works, I personally haven’t done it myself so I’m not completely sure but I know friends whose trainers have set it up. Some of them have also just advertised at shows on bulletin boards like a job application

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u/QuantitySoft7310 6h ago

If you can beer league hockey is quite fun and can be adrenaline full. Mountain biking could be a good cheaper option to snowboarding/skiing.

However, I was in a similar position and I went off to work as a trail guide over the summer's between school. I got paid to ride horses all day and got to do some fun exciting things after work. Options are always open

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u/7upnseagrams 6h ago

maybe running?

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u/IcyBodybuilder9004 6h ago

Actually a good suggestion here. Intermittent with bicycling

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u/Affectionate-Map2583 6h ago

Any club, intramural or varsity sports at your college you might want to try? When I was in college, I was on crew (rowing) and once played a season of intramural inner tube water polo. I had never done either one before college.

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u/Kittenbee_ 4h ago

If there's a racecourse in your area just get a job riding trackwork. Unsure about your region but here in Australia most trackriders finish before 9am so it's good for balancing study and day job commitments.

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u/scorpioxbaby_ Dressage 2h ago

I think there is no sport that would be able to fill the big gap of horses. I enkoy running and swimming but nothing makes me as happy as beimg around horses and riding.

If I was in your situation I would look for stables in my area and get to know the people there. In my experience someone always is happy to let someone else ride their horse sometimes in exchange of chores or a smaller amount of money, especially if you are honest about your situation.
While my horse was sick I told someone how I missed to ride and she offered me to ride her horses sometimes. Also now I help people in my stable and they have offered me their horse to ride.

I wish you best of luck to also find such kind people!