Made a big decision today (and feeling kind of sad about it)

[spotti]

As it says really. Made the big decision today to not ride Faith anymore until Squidge has been born (at least not out hacking anyway).

It's quite bad timing really as she's more physically sound and fit than she's ever been and is literally just raring to go, but sadly I'm just not up to galloping about everywhere anymore...I can't risk falling off and hurting baby . It's been a long time since I felt a bit nervous on Faith, but today when she was pratting about pulling for grass and then tucking her bum under and trying to canter forward, she did make me feel a bit worried about my safety and so I've made the big decision to call it quits while we're still doing well and hopefully we'll be able to pick it all up again in about 6 months time once Squidge has been born.

A big part of me knows it's the right decision but I can't help but feel a bit sad at the thought of not being able to just hop onboard and go for a wander .

And besides, it's not like I'm not going to not see Faith for the next 6 months - I'm still going to be going up and mucking out, going out for in-hand walkies and hopefully doing some more agility/trick training whilst Faith is 'on holiday'; also had my nieces (3 and 6) up the other day for a lead rein ride and it sounds like they might be wanting to come up weekly/fortnightly to have a wander so I'm hoping this will help to keep Fsith entertained whilst I can't ride. Still lots I can do instead of riding, it's just weird it being an actual conscious decision to stop working her as usually this decision is taken out of my hands (lameness or terrible weather being the main cause)!

Ho hum. It's not forever, right?

[solomon]

Not forever and safety first always. Will you be able to lead her in hand on any roads to keep her self trimmed? The hoof growth will slow a little with less stimulus so probably be fine if you can keep her goingin hand.

[racaille]

You have to do whatever you feel comfortable with. It's not forever

[spotti]

Thanks guys ?

Sol - My plan is to do as much in hand stuff as I can manage to keep her feet self-trimmed...she's come a long way in the 6 months since her last trim and it would be such a shame to let all of the hard work go to waste! Also, I think now that she's feeling sounder, fitter and happier she'd miss working. If we can manage to do SOMETHING whilst riding is off the cards the. At least she'll still be ticking over both mentally and physically so that when we return to work she [fingers crossed] won't be such hard work!!!

My original estimate was going to be early October for calling it quits, but it's that time of year as well that she could really do with having another clip if she's going to maintain this level of charging about the place (oh my god *looks shocked* - who am I and what have I done with the old Spotti?!), but even if I were to keep riding for a few more weeks, that doesn't really justify the need for a clip...

Still feeling a bit hollow about deciding not to ride for a while but I know it's for the best. And you never know, the rest might do her good

Thinking about Faiths feet, I have some recent photos which show the rather impressive changes over the past 6 months - would any of my fellow hoof geeks like to see them?

[Blonde Donkey]

You've got to do what you've got to do. You and squidges health is the top priority (that is an awesome name btw!) Its a few months/a year max and then you can get going great guns again. If all else fails you culd find a nice considerate person who can exercise a few times a week but I imagine like me you can't see anyone handling them well let alone riding them.

[fimacg]

you know when its right for you,and as you say its only a few months.

[brigadier]

Its such a personal decision and no one else can advise- just do what is right for you.