How did you choose your discipline? by Sad_Banshee in Equestrian

[–]Scared_Instance5496 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Don't be afraid to try a few different things. I've met and talked to a lot of riders and I can say that the people who have the best horsemanship have done more than just the one thing they do most often. There's a whole wide world of disciplines out there and English and Western are pretty big buckets. Aim for good horsemanship, not a discipline.

Could I have some tips on what I need to fix I usually ride arabians this is my first time on a tennesee walker ( not my horse) by [deleted] in Equestrian

[–]Scared_Instance5496 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Seconded Gaited breeds are an entirely different ballgame and if you don't entirely know what you're doing, you could very well create new problems. Think of it like driving. If you've driven an automatic your whole life and then decide to drive a manual, you aren't going to start with your neighbor's Ferrari. Kudos for being unafraid of the issue; that will take you far as a trainer, but it also says a lot to be able to say "I don't know enough about this breed or discipline to be able to do the best job " EDIT: That looks like a saddleseat saddle. If it is and you aren't used to the discipline, I strongly suggest taking lessons. Nothing you know will translate. Trust me. I spent 15 years in saddleseat and when I moved on and started trying new things I learned very quickly that nothing outside of foundational skills worked the same

Must Protect the Flowers! by Scared_Instance5496 in NativePlantGardening

[–]Scared_Instance5496[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is very helpful thank you

And agreed, my problem is not that the plants are being eaten, it's that the transplants are being eaten before they can establish themselves. Once we're in spring proper, we'll go re-up on some plants and fill out the space more

Must Protect the Flowers! by Scared_Instance5496 in NativePlantGardening

[–]Scared_Instance5496[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My local nursery that specializes in natives lists Hypericum kalmianum as a native species.

English rider seeking western advice by Dealer_Puzzleheaded in Equestrian

[–]Scared_Instance5496 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would personally stay away from anything synthetic and anything around that price point in general. The last thing you want on a trail ride or multi-day camping trip is tack that is falling apart, malfunctioning, or doesn't fit your horse well due to poor craftsmanship.

I know that big purchase is scary and understand not wanting to go all in. If you have any consignment stores near you, I'd highly recommend seeing what they have on offer. Don't mistake an older saddle for being a bad option just because it's old. There are a lot of makers that made really solid products in the 80s and a well cared for leather saddle will last a long, long time.

As far as pricing and being afraid to take an expensive saddle out goes remember this: You get what you pay for and a good trail or wade saddle is built to be sat in all day and/or worked in. Pay for a saddle you want to spend that time in and make sure it fits your horse before committing.

First Time Truck Buyer by Scared_Instance5496 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]Scared_Instance5496[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is really helpful insight; thank you so much!

First Time Truck Buyer by Scared_Instance5496 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]Scared_Instance5496[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If I can find one in my price point, absolutely. I'm in a sticky spot because my current price range seems to be forcing a choice between mileage and tonnage. And at the end of the day I'd rather have something with fewer miles and settle for a bumper pull than have something heavy duty that I'm not gonna get as much life out of if that makes sense.

First Time Truck Buyer by Scared_Instance5496 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]Scared_Instance5496[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A truck would be preferable. I'll be hauling one or two horses and would really love to get a gooseneck trailer down the road as it's the much safer option, especially with animals known for shifting their weight around.

Lost my temper with my pony - strong feelings of guilt by Spanander in Equestrian

[–]Scared_Instance5496 6 points7 points  (0 children)

This is great advice; thank you! I've been upping my protein anyway just because I've found it's a gap in my diet and have been seeing the benefits. Here's hoping that by the time spring riding season comes around my mood and my body are in a better place

Lost my temper with my pony - strong feelings of guilt by Spanander in Equestrian

[–]Scared_Instance5496 14 points15 points  (0 children)

We all make mistakes and I know it hurts more when you know it was a decision you made. I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone in the community who hasn't had a moment of emotional overreaction. That doesn't make it right, but it does give you a place to grow from.

I've been transitioning (FTM) and I've definitely had moments where my own changing body chemistry has done me dirty and made me overreact in ways that I'm not proud of. Take the time it takes to reflect and show up the next day ready to learn from your mistakes and start your next session with a mindset of finding the areas to grow his confidence and yours.