Cat Thread

[Sara]

Originally Posted by Ragged Edge

I have totally gotten sucked into this thread.

Sara504, you are still on thread with your talk about Blackie. It's not only about making money to live, but about family too. Blackie is family, just like your daughter. I am also a single parent and I have two kids. Finding time with them is the most important thing to me. I have just started leasing a horse for my daughter... a very slippery slope! I will give up a lot of things to have time with my kids, but her life revolves around horses. And mine around her and her brother. As long as your daughter is happy and healthy, they will appreciate what you have done for them. You may feel you have missed a lot of firsts, but from their perspective, you are her world, and will always be number one.
We are all trying our best to find our way.

Horses are such a great investment (if you can afford them) for young children! Now the psychological benefits of working with horses are being recognised by growing numbers of therapists who work with autistic children, young people with behavioural problems, adults with depression or celebrities with addictions as well as our children who do not have any of those problems. There's something different about working with horses than any other animal. It's a huge responsibility that creates great characteristics. My daughter is only a toddler but I cannot wait until she's 5 and I'm going to buy her, her own pony. She has ridden my horses already (with me on them) and cries when she had to get off lol.

This is my old girl right here. I did a 1/2 lease on her in 1999 and then a full lease on her in 2001-2002 until I bought her. She was 8 when I met her, now she's going to be 24 this April 15

[Sara]

Originally Posted by Twixboy

Exactly. I was looking to buy a horse for my daughter because they're so cheap (relatively speaking), but when I found out it would cost over $1000/mo for full board that idea quickly went out the window. I think a half or quarter lease is the way to go on a horse if you live in an expensive area because you can split the costs w/other families who may just want to ride a few times per month.

They are expensive. Especially when the unexpected happens, i.e.; when your horse decides to cut her head off which happened to my Blackie. You can imagine my reaction when I got that phone call.

[Sara]

Horse ownership can be very exciting and rewarding. The primary benefits from horse ownership are companionship, recreation and relaxation, but many people do not often realize the health benefits that can be gained from owning a horse. Keep in mind that raising and maintaining a horse can be expensive, requires a lot of attention, and requires plenty of land for the horse to run.

Samir Becic, 4 times Number 1 Fitness Trainer in the world and Health Fitness Revolution’s Top 10 Health Benefits of Owning a Horse:

Keeps you physically active: Riding and other activities that require you to be outdoors in all kinds of weather will certainly keep you moving. Cleaning stalls, grooming, feeding, raking hay, pushing wheelbarrows – all of these barn chores actively burn calories and build muscle.
It builds self confidence: While horse riding is an independent sport, it’s actually a partnership in which the owner is a teacher and leader who works with the horse. Nothing builds self confidence better than “leadership training.” When you tell a 1,000-pound animal to move in a certain direction, and then to follow you, it’s a feeling of accomplishment that you successfully taught it to do that. And when the horse does not comply, you are responsible for administering the proper discipline. That’s a form of empowerment that’s only found working with large animals.
Reduces stress: Recent studies have shown that even limited interaction with animals may provide a decrease in blood pressure and in the hormones associated with stress reactions. Physical exercise is a scientifically recognized mediator of stress and it is clear that equine activities may provide exercise, again highlighting the potential for equine activities to reduce stress.
Keeps you socially active: Taking riding lessons helps you meet many friends with similar interests. Most horse people will attest to meeting their best, life-long friends at the barn. These peers will have the same passion and devotion to horses. That connection creates a stronger bond just in itself.
Helps disabled individuals stay active: When supervised by certified instructors, riders with disabilities may have the chance to safely perform physical activities with the horse as a tool. Early research is showing that riding a horse may provide physical benefits for people with disabilities. At the same time, interacting with horses may provide mental benefits, as well.
Engages the creative side of your brain: Training a horse brings up daily challenges that will force you to think creatively about how to train it and how to solve a particular problem. If something worked in the last lesson, but it’s not working now, how else can you solve this issue? Being faced with such situations helps you engage your creativity to solve problems and find what works best.
Builds character: Character building is a natural part of horse ownership, teaching responsibility, punctuality, sportsmanship, frugality, patience, commitment, confidence and self-esteem.
It promotes a union with nature: Being outside and enjoying the fresh air can do wonders for your mental and physical health. Plus, the dose of vitamin D you get from being in the sunshine is essential for your body.
Maintains bone mass: All of the weight-bearing exercise that you do, including hauling barn equipment and carrying saddles, helps maintain bone mass, which important as you age.
Improves digestion: Riding a horse at a walking pace stimulates the internal organs just as walking on foot does. This aids in liver function and digestion.

[MetsFan]

I get calls from headhunters all the time telling me they have openings where I would make XX more money and have more responsibility. I tell them I work 8-5 and live 3 miles away. It's going to be a hard sell going anywhere else.

OP, if you really want to learn how to live below your means while retiring early, take a read through this blog:

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/

[Ragged Edge]

Sara, your last post is great. I have been looking for something like that. I am sold on the benefits of horse riding, but now I have a list I can share with people who think i am nuts. She has goals now and is getting trained by the Canadian olympic coach. Whether that amounts to anything is irrelevant, as all I want for her is to be happy with her horse.

[Sara]

Originally Posted by Ragged Edge

Sara, your last post is great. I have been looking for something like that. I am sold on the benefits of horse riding, but now I have a list I can share with people who think i am nuts. She has goals now and is getting trained by the Canadian olympic coach. Whether that amounts to anything is irrelevant, as all I want for her is to be happy with her horse.

Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Horse and daughter! That would be amazing for her to get that experience. Is she into jumping?

[1MOREMOD]

Uh how did being fed up with the hamster wheel turn into a how to ride a horse discussion!

[Sara]

Originally Posted by Ragged Edge

Sara, your last post is great. I have been looking for something like that. I am sold on the benefits of horse riding, but now I have a list I can share with people who think i am nuts. She has goals now and is getting trained by the Canadian olympic coach. Whether that amounts to anything is irrelevant, as all I want for her is to be happy with her horse.

This is my other horse. My "wild child" this one is expert rider only lol. She loves to give attitude and her attention wonders. She's a young horse. I often have to predict in advance how long I have once we are cantering before she becomes lazy and breaks down into a trot and keep her going at canter pace. If she breaks down into a trot, when I cue her to get back into a canter she loves to crow hop and throw me either off balance or completely off of her. Lol little brat!!!

[Sara]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Uh how did being fed up with the hamster wheel turn into a how to ride a horse discussion!

That would C5's fault!


Whoever said money can't buy happiness obviously didn't know where to buy a horse

[Ragged Edge]

Originally Posted by Sara504

Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Horse and daughter! That would be amazing for her to get that experience. Is she into jumping?

Thanks! Yes, she loves jumping. Her coach is pushing her limits now, and has her jumping bareback and without reins. Trying to get her to control the horse in other ways. He also is getting her to stand up, turn around and walk to the horse's rear... while trotting. She is a better rider than me now, but just needs to build the confidence for the bigger jumps. I think that is what all the extreme stuff is about! How often do you get to ride?... mostly hunter/jumper training? Her coach is also pushing dressage, something that bored me to tears as a kid.

[Sara]

If any of you men can do what these men here are doing in this video. I'll marry you right now. I give you, the most dangerous sport in the world.

[Ragged Edge]

Originally Posted by Sara504

This is my other horse. My "wild child" this one is expert rider only lol. She loves to give attitude and her attention wonders. She's a young horse. I often have to predict in advance how long I have once we are cantering before she becomes lazy and breaks down into a trot and keep her going at canter pace. If she breaks down into a trot, when I cue her to get back into a canter she loves to crow hop and throw me either off balance or completely off of her. Lol little brat!!!

OMG, you've got 2?! I've got to stop this madness with my daughter!

[C5driver]

Originally Posted by Sara504

I give you, the most dangerous sport in the world.

Yes, because BASE jumping, free climbing, and wingsuiting are nothing compared to dressing like a waiter with a helmet and riding a giant dog

[Ragged Edge]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Uh how did being fed up with the hamster wheel turn into a how to ride a horse discussion!

Hahaha!!
Sorry! lol

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by C5driver

Yes, because BASE jumping, free climbing, and wingsuiting are nothing compared to dressing like a waiter with a helmet and riding a giant dog

Well said maam

[Sara]

Originally Posted by C5driver

Yes, because BASE jumping, free climbing, and wingsuiting are nothing compared to dressing like a waiter with a helmet and riding a giant dog

Absolutely nothing like never knowing what the 1,000+ lb beast between your legs is about to do next.

Have you ever seen a horse when it sees an umbrella? Dear Lord Jesus disaster.

[1MOREMOD]

What about a bull if your wanting some mass between your thighs, horse is a docile pet comparitively

[Sara]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

What about a bull if your wanting some mass between your thighs

I don't think a bull would be as comfortable jumping over the fences as a horse is

[Lups]

Originally Posted by Sara504

I envy this about you. You have no idea.

I wake up at 4am, go to work until 7.45 am. Then home and to fetch the kids. Then I work with them until 5pm when the grandpa takes them to hobbies and brings them to our temporary flat at 8.30 pm. Then I cook for the supper and tomorrows foods, wash up, handle books calculate the next days spending, and trust me: At the days nothing goes right I honestly feel like getting a real job and stop playing around.

Most of the things I do are physically demanding and while I'm hauling the shit around I'm singing with the kids and playing with them. They have no idea I'm playing football while handling 110lbs boxes at the same time.

Of course in my line of being at home has perks. I love budgeting and I will never be the parent who drops off kids to daycare. I love designing and I love manual labor. This current project is an easy one because there is a clear timetable and I am only working 2 jobs (kids, and a flat) at once but now you're envying someone who has crashed into a bed while hubby has made the morning coffee already and I've gotten 15 minutes of sleep before my next shift And this has gone on for months on end.

No. Don't envy me. Envy those who just spend their husbands money.

Originally Posted by C5driver

I think she envies your shoes.

My last pair got a piercing today. The new blood spatter pattern is pretty awesome!

Originally Posted by Sara504

She can do that all she wants but in the end she's the real winner. She has her children all the time. I'd rather be able to be with my daughter 24/7 than own all the designer shoes in the world.

I work my ass off. Literally. It is smaller now. I get the firsts and feel like I'm not just smooching off. Sure my spending habits also are different than yours but I bet you could also spend less like I do. It adds up fast.

Originally Posted by C5driver

So would you give up your horses, shoes, car, cell phone, IG, and lifestyle in order to be with your daughter 24/7?

Fuck off Alex. Gimme a working phone, horses on and off the plate, shoes (well one pair and the preferred style) my Peter, what's ig? And a lifestyle and you can have my kids!

With my spending, that's like 1k per month, without the kids it would be like 700e.

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by Sara504

I don't think a bull would be as comfortable jumping over the fences as a horse is

Right and more comfortable stomping your ass.

[Sara]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Right and more comfortable stomping your ass.

I don't think it's comfortable even when being stepped on by my horse. Shit stings like a thousand needles. You scream bloody murder yet your horse sudden acts like he/she is deaf at that very moment. You then resort to hitting and punching your horse in the shoulder to get them to shift their weight to the other hoof so you can pull your foot out from beneath theirs. It's extremely painful to be stepped on by a horse.

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by Sara504

I don't think it's comfortable even when being stepped on by my horse. Shit stings like a thousand needles. You scream bloody murder yet your horse sudden acts like he/she is deaf at that very moment. You then resort to hitting and punching your horse in the shoulder to get them to shift their weight to the other hoof so you can pull your foot out from beneath theirs. It's extremely painful to be stepped on by a horse.

Yep I do know about that. Have been stepped on by horse. They take their time moving and don't care.