If you’re like many of us, we begin the New Year with the very best of intentions. We’ll go to start a new hobby, we’ll eat our five a day every day… and so the list goes on. But beyond the normal promises, you might have made some equestrian themed pledges for this year. Maybe to yourself, or perhaps your family, partner or parents? Here are seven of our favourites… do any sound familiar?
- I WILL keep the car organised – for many horse owners, their car is not just simply a car. It’s a mobile wardrobe for them (well, you need to have coats for all weathers), their horse (he might need an extra rug), a tack room (not just moving the bridle and saddle around, but all the accessories and boots so you’re ready for any activity), feed store, and even a hay barn(!). Whilst having everything under one moveable roof might be convenient, it can be troublesome too. Do you want to give someone a lift? They’d best sit on the roof. Or are you heading somewhere smart and don’t want to be covered in hay/bedding/feed/the smell of horse? It might be easier to walk or construct a clingfilm suit to wear during the drive.
2. I WON’T add to my saddlecloths collection. We understand. You might have more than enough saddlecloths for your daily needs – maybe even the daily needs of everyone on your yard – and you vow to yourself that you won’t spend on more. But then, the new season colours drop, and you can’t resist. One thing we’ve seen done (very effectively!) is to change the wording. Become a collector. Some people collect coins and stamps, you’re a collector of saddlecloths. Everyone needs a hobby, and this one doesn’t hurt anyone?!
3. I WILL be more prepared at the weekends and to make my life easier in the week. This is all well and good until something better comes along! Do you want to spend your precious daylight hours stuffing haynets for Friday morning, or go on a hack with your friends on your Saturday? We know the answer. However, if you can just do a teeny bit of weekend prep, it’ll mean you’re not out there in the dark each night as you try and make your horse’s feed by feel alone.
4. I WILL clean my tack after every ride. This is a lovely idea, and your tack will appreciate a bit of TLC, but usually by the second or third ride, this promise has been forgotten. There is a little hack though… get some tack wipes and just take the mud, sweat and dirt off with a wipe as soon as you dismount. Firstly- it’s a lot easier to clean when it’s still wet, secondly – it’ll take about 30 seconds, thirdly – your tack will thank you, and fourthly – how good will it feel when you go to ride and you’re not having to scrape sweat and mud off with your fingernails?!
5. I WILL get all my horse admin organised. Life is chaotic, but do you know what’s worse? Missing the ‘zone’ day from your vets and paying extra for the call out for a vaccine or missing the date completely and having to start the course all over again. Shows, vaccines, farriers, lorry maintenance, saddle fitters, physios, dentists, and more, if you’re concerned about missing something important, this is a pledge that’s a good idea to try and keep… for financial and legal reasons(!) Another part of this… do you know where everything is? Passport, vaccination certificate, service record, etc? Storing everything in a crumpled heap in the footwell isn’t the exact filing system that reaps rewards, so maybe look at that too?
6. I WILL get fitter. Maybe you started a gym membership at the start of the year so, by the time competition season rolls around you’d be at peak fitness? A lot of people have this goal, but not many people manage to take advantage of the membership and achieve what they’re thinking of. You have a few options – either give the gym a try, or cancel the membership – who needs the extra expense? If you opt for option one, think about ways you can weave the gym into your day, and give yourself realistic goals that can help you stay motivated along the journey.
7. I WON’T take advice of horse feed/care/saddlery/veterinary care/farriery from armchair/social media experts. We’ve all seen the ‘experts’ online, and don’t get us wrong, some of the advice that pops up does have merit, but the vast majority doesn’t. If it’s something small, like ‘what are your favourite breeches’, then social media can be a great place to do some market research. If you’re thinking of uploading a video of your lame horse and asking for a diagnosis, or trying to address a nutritional issue, please PLEASE seek expert guidance. You might think you’re saving a few pounds, but the costs can be huge (and cause unnecessary worry and discomfort) when these things go wrong. If there’s one pledge to keep, this is the one!
Don’t worry if your January promises are starting to feel like a distant memory, winter with horses is a lot about survival! So if you’re pushing on through, doing your best, looking after yourself and your horse, and keeping your sense of humour intact, you’re winning in our book!
