With the start of the new school/university year looming, horsey parents may be experiencing a cold, sinking feeling in the pit of their stomachs. Here's why....
1. It’s up to you to exercise their pony
You’d got used to dropping your child off at the yard then heading home for a relaxing shower, coffee and a bit of morning TV, hadn’t you? Not any more! You’ll be donning hat and boots and hacking out on Fluffy three times a week now. It’s probably a good idea to invest in some waterproof chaps. You know what the British autumn’s like…
2. And muck it out too
The weather’s turning, the grass is getting poorer, and horses are starting to come in for the night. Which means you’re going to be getting reacquainted with your old friends, fork and wheelbarrow. Say hello to chapped hands and hair that smells of manure all day.
3. There aren’t enough hours in the day
How are you meant to fit all this riding and horse management in and do a job? It’s crazy! Especially if you’ve already got a horse of your own to ride and look after. Some really needs to invent a time machine, and fast.
4. The school run and the horse run always clash
So you’re trying to prise your offspring out of bed, clothe and feed them and take them to school. Meanwhile, your child’s horse is pacing angrily up and down its stable wondering when it’s going to get fed and turned out. Which do you do first? No, seriously, which?
5. The lorry just sits there, looking forlorn
It was fun, whizzing around all over the county all summer, taking your child to shows. But now the season’s over, and the lorry won’t get many outings until the next summer. It’ll probably go rusty.
6. You’ve got a bunch of rugs to wash and reproof
The start of the autumn term always heralds a million little jobs that need doing round the yard, like fixing guttering, and washing and reproofing those mud-encrusted turnout rugs. Better get your rubber gloves on.
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7. You’ll really miss your baby
Your child is off to university, and living away from you for the first time. Growing up – it’s a big deal! But they’ll be fine, and in the meantime, at least you have pony cuddles to console yourself with.