Except for the five years I lived in SoCal, like Spragueme, I also have always had my hay stored in the same barn as the horses.

When I bring in the green hay from the field, I run fans on it several hours a day until it's had time to cure.  There have been times that I've run the fans anywhere from four weeks to eight weeks -- depending how heavy the bales are when we put them up.

I probably run up my electric bill longer than I need to, but I am the first to admit I am paranoid and over-the-top anal about barn fires, moldy hay and sick horses

Thanks, that's good to know. We've got tons of storage in the barn. There's a loft plus we've got six stalls and only two horses. But I was feeling kinda paranoid after I read about possible fire risk. I'll just be careful about fresh hay.

I was surprised how many people don't know that about wet hay, and this includes my dressage instructor.

At 66 I belong to that group who may be described as" old enough to know better but too young to resist" Every time I ride my hore is a wonderful day. I will never be a great rider - started at 57 but it certainly makes my day to have had a good lesson and be nuzzled by my 20 year old quarter cross as I groom him.

Hi McKean- I too started back in the horse thing at age 58 which is close enough to you. It took me some time to realize that I will never be an accomplished rider but give credit to those on this thread that are. I ride for pleasure and do have a goal of competing in a small fun show next year. I love to be around horses and I am thankful that I can ride still.As I have said so many times, my horse brings me great joy. Welcome to our thread.

PJ

One of my goals also is to compete in a fun/schooling show next year!  I have my eye on doing a beginner trail class and novice stock seat equitation, or something like that.  I'll do school shows over "regular" shows so as not to have to invest a lot of $$ in bling.  It drives me crazy that so much of showing involves spending lots and lots of money on show clothes and pimped-out tack! 

Mary
 

I admire those of you who have the guts to show! My major horse goal is to start earlier in my next life. I didn't start riding til 48 and I'm a very timid rider. I agree that there is a crazy amount of money spent in showing!

Next year (when I'm 60) I plan to start riding for real! I was doing well taking lessons and convinced another 50ish gal in my lesson group to get a horse. We still rode when I brought my horses home and boarded hers here. Now she has her own place, she has a horse that won't get on a trailer and I have rotator cuff *issues* again. I can't drive a trailer due to vision problems and I'm afraid to ride alone. I have 4 horses in my backyard and don't ride! I bought a kid/beginner safe horse who developed heaves and usually can't breathe. My paso turned out to be a spook who is very skittish and scares me at times. My TWH is a spook at times and trail riding with friends was like riding alone because he has a huge stride and nobody could keep up.

I realize that I don't have a horse that's a good match for me (except the one with heaves). I plan to sell the TWH because he would make a great horse for someone who can ride better. I'm looking to find someone to work with my paso. If she is just too much for me I'll sell her.

Next year, at age 60....I'll be riding!

Neighsayer:

I realize that I don't have a horse that's a good match for me

Neighsayer, I realize that we all think our breed is the best, but truly, the Rocky or Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horses are awesome for more mature (almost wrote older lol), riders that may not have a lot of experience. My friends are in awe of my 4-year-old who is very laid back and got past the spooky stage while still a three-year-old. She'll move out if you ask her or mosy along and be content as the last horse in line if you want.  I figure one more year to work the kinks out and she'll be safe for a toddler to ride. Her temperament is not unusual for her breed. And last and best, she won't bounce your bones. She's smooth as silk. I know there are breeders in New Jersey and a number of them here in PA.

Let me know if you want any more info or contacts.

I'd also check out Connemaras, it even says on the American Connemara Pony Society web site (www.acps.org) that they are preferred by middle-aged women. Around 14-14.2hh, easy keepers, level headed, people oriented, good feet, etc. etc.

Thanks guys! I'll figure it out one of these days. I don't want to think about another horse til I sell at least one of mine.

Hi Gang- Where is everyone?? Thanks to those who post pictures as it makes things more interesting. I am trying to drag my Hubby to the barn to get some pics of me and my mare to post as I am kind of camera illiterate.He had a negative experience when we were trying to load my horse on our two horse bumper pull. She freaked out and he hasn't been back since.

Hope all is well with ALL of you!

PJKam:

He had a negative experience when we were trying to load my horse on our two horse bumper pull. She freaked out and he hasn't been back since.

Now I can really see the humor in this as long as your mare wasn't hurt

I saw a lot of humor the day I bought a horse at auction while Mr. WTW was at the Bass Pro Shops with my friends' husbands.  You shoulda seen the look on his face when they got home that night and stopped at the barn because us gals were down there. 

I could see him doing a silent "horse head count".  Not a peep out of him, just dropped his head, turned around, took the guys up to the house and headed straight for the refrigerator.  It wasn't to get a Smoothie either - lol lollol

The best part was he knew I hadn't taken my checkbook, credit card, horse trailer --- nothing with me; but somehow I managed to come home with a horse

That was four years ago --- I was 56 ---- old enough to know better

I hope you can get him back to the barn for at least five minutes of picture taking

PJ, you could try shame, reflections on his manhood, the wuss factor; what? is he afraid of the itty bitty horsey?

Too harsh?

Hi Neighsayer - just want to second the post about Rocky Mountain Horses.  My horse buddy and best friend bought her rocky mountain after a horrendous horse crash that left her with a broken pelvis.  When she healed enough to think about riding again a freind talked her into going to look at this boy.  Long story short, she bought him, even though he was only three and green as grass.  He's been her perfect mount right from the start.  He decided immediately that his job was to see that she never hit the ground again, and he's been babysitting her ever since.  If he feels her getting off balance he immediately moves under her and slows down.  If she feels like an energetic ride he gives it to her, if she wants to ramble down the road he does that, and he's never spooked with her, not once in the 8 years she's had him.  He's an easy keeper, easy to handle on the ground, and not very tall.  Great for your confidence.  And his gait (instead of a trot) keeps her comfortable.  Oh, he has a rocking chair canter, too. 

Good luck finding a horse you're comfortable on.  (And I don't just mean his gaits.)

Mary

walkinthewalk:

I saw a lot of humor the day I bought a horse at auction while Mr. WTW was at the Bass Pro Shops with my friends' husbands.

Ah yes, the delicate balance of keeping your life partner sane while getting what you want. I think I managed to "persuade" Mr. LL  (let us not use the word whine) to make the mortgage on the new farm a tad higher so that I can get a horse trailer RIGHT NOW. Otherwise I might have to wait until the financial stars are in alignment and you know how that goes.

Speaking of the new farm, PJKam, I do have a few pictures.

The next door neighbor used to live in this house and told me that they fenced all the way up to the house so that the horses could get up to the front yard. Sounds good to me - project for DH for next year!!

WTW, speaking of the neighbor, she and hubby have six Walkers. She's about our age and is looking for a riding buddy. Told me that they have permission to go through the orchards to ride up to Micheaux and Pine Grove Furnace State Parks. I think I've died and gone to heaven. Thought I was going to have to trailer to go on any long rides. (But I still want that trailer RIGHT NOW )