At 16:38:37 on 11.03.11, Flicka wrote:
I love Zara Phillips-she may be good old blue blooded royalty but she still doesn't mind horsing around!! This photo is of her being hugged by her boyfriend, now fiance Mike Tindall, after she won Blenheim, and today the papers are full of her trying to physically pick him up at Tweseldown Horse Trials lol (see link). But it also got me thinking that it's nice to see a guy supporting his partner's sport and I wondered if anyone else has their husband or boyfriend help them with the horses or at events or do you have to go it alone? And do they get jealous of the time you spend with your horse?

At 06:39:31 on 13.03.11, kibby wrote:
My bf is great with them. He doesn't want to ride but he likes horses and he enjoys spending time with them. And if he can get the weekend off will come out and help me, mainly holding horses and carrying buckets (and other heavy items) but he's in training to be my strapper once he is fully trained. Lol… so he's pretty perfect, helps me with the time consuming stuff but leaves the riding to me.

At 09:42:13 on 13.03.11, Em28 wrote:
Ha ha I have seen many a horse widow!! Sounds like you have a great arrangement there Kibby! It's great if your partner does take an interest, but equally it is great to get a bit of me time and I don't think you can expect someone to share your passion and dedication. Infact, I would find it more annoying someone being there to try and make me happy, but slightly bored! For me it is a bit of a juggling act keeping my family happy and getting to spend time with horses, I do often feel a little guilty! Although, if my partner didn't support me in a positive attitude towards horses I think I would resent that!!

At 13:07:51 on 14.03.11, dixierider wrote:
I was married to man for 7 years that did not understand my passion for my horses. He saw them as objects to be bought and sold for profit. He rode although very badly because he wouldn't listen to instruction. He never believed in my training ability and never gave me the support or the chance. I would start horse projects and go to work- come home and he had sold them. He was such a bastard. I stuck with him for the sake of our daughter but enough is ENOUGH!!! I am now in a relationship with a wonderful man who doesn't ride due to a non horse related back injury (we are actually leaving in about an hour for him to have surgery to hopefully fix it.) The difference is AMAZING! He is so supportive. He knows I am horsecrazy and has no problem with it. He has been at all my shows even if it is to just sit on the sidelines. He believes in me and my teaching and training abilities. It takes some getting used to after so many years of someone holding you back but I think my riding has improved and definitely my confidence in my riding has improved. Others have even noticed. I believe that if you do not have the support of those around you - you are missing out. It doesn't mean they have to understand but the support is priceless.

At 09:53:22 on 05.10.11, moonrabbit wrote:
Nope. My bloke is ALLERGIC to horses, eyes itch etc though that has gotten better the more time he spends around my horse. But he complains about thye time I put into my Mungo even if I just go to give a feed!!!! Bit annoying as I just LOVE horses and don't understand why he can't just be happy that I'm doing something I love.

At 13:54:48 on 13.10.11, Sadie Ann wrote:
My husby is PERFECT about them (in my opinion). He really encourages me to ride and spend time with them (it keeps me out of his hair and gives me a productive hobby which makes both of us happier). He takes for granted that I will use our money for horse stuff sometimes and doesn't mind in the least (he is very laid back). Sometimes I find it amazing that he never complains about it at all! He does not enjoy riding, feeding, grooming, mucking stalls, events, or trail riding (everything!) but he will support me and go or help if I ask. I try not to make him too bored or put out. He is a totally great guy and he is a perfect husband in other ways too (obviously he is a human, and therefore imperfect, but to me he is).