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Many men love the technical end of having horses. Helping to design
different equipment we need to keep them. Maybe that perfect corral set up
for rides. "How DO I connect it to the side of the trailer?" Maybe help
design the new tack room, and saddle / tack storage. Storage in the horse
trailer need redone? Look at getting them to help you with things involved
in keeping the horses, but maybe not directly in caring for the horses. If
they are a fitness buff, ask if they could take the horse for a walk / jog
one day at the barn, as you do not have time to ride that day, and really
need to clean the corrals. (don't ask them to shovel poop if they already
don't like the barn) Having them go out with the horse on a lead, often
results in a little more bonding of the horse and husband. (but make sure
they really are comfortable leading them, and can handle situations that
could come up....safety first)

I also carriage drive, and many of the husband do NOT have interest in the
horses, but got involved in the sport helping out. The carriages used for
Combined Driving event marathons are very technical. I have had more guys
who have NO interest in horses, look at one of these all metal technical
wonders, with disk brakes, full 5th wheel turntables, and get very
interested in the function of the carriage. Then, because these 4 wheel
carriages are designed for a person to stand on the rear platform / step, to
help balance the carriage through marathon hazards, many think THAT looks
like fun! It is technical. I have met many couples who the husband ended up
getting hooked on horses after helping out at the events, and going on the
marathon with the wife.

A few things to keep in mind. in most cases, a spouse can NOT teach their
partner to ride. While the one teaching thinks they are being polite,
fair,and all that, telling ones spouse what to do usually does not go well.
I had my hubby take lessons from someone else early on, as to me trying to
teach him. I think some are uncomfortable going to the barn, as they might
feel they are being judges on how they do things with the animal. (thus, let
them do tasks you think they are real comfortable with...and "want" to help
with) You want one of the best examples of how a fairly simple task, can
lead into an argument between a couple? Just mention to many, backing up a
trailer, while the other directs from the ground. (or even just hitching a
trailer, with the direction of ones spouse) In the early trailering
experiences for most couples, THIS can get ugly! Thankfully we are way past
that, and also have great hand signals for hooking up the trailer, that gets
the job done quick, and with no arguments.

Oh, one last thing, is take the hubby shopping with you when you go to buy
some new riding tights. Be sure to come out and model them for him, and ask
how they look! Same goes if you wear those cute little sports bras. Wal-Mart
and K-Mart and stores like Academy Sporting goods actually do carry basic
tights you can ride in.  Then maybe you can get him to come to the barn one
day to "watch you ride" when you don't have time to go on the trail.

My husband is an excellent rider, but does not have time much anymore. When
we do go for a ride, I have him ride the broke to death, do no wrong horse,
and keep the ride at about an hour. I want the ride to be as pleasant as
possible. So schooling a horse that does silly stuff is out, and because he
gets to ride so little, an hour is about all he can take before it starts to
be un-fun. Hopefully work with open up for him to ride more soon.

Jonni in Decatur TX



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