THE REALITY OF OWNING HORSES IN THE UK RIGHT NOW

#horse #equestrian #horses
The reality of owning horses in the uk right now,
I think every equestrian is in the same boat at the moment, the constant rain is wearing us all down, every field is a mud pit and were all praying for some sunshine
Here I share my journey from a complete novice horse rider to now competing at horse of the year (HOYS) shows whilst being a completely self-taught equestrian.
I have failed so many times over the years but always learnt something from it, I hope that my KZbin channel will be able to help teach you all the little bits that nobody seems to share and help progress you on your riding journey quicker than I did on mine.
why not check out these previous videos
Champs journey - • My horse champ’s journ...
How to measure your horse for a rug - • How to measure your ho...
Equifest day 1- • The last ever equifest...
Equifest day 2 - • The last ever equifest...
I compete my 4 Welsh section D cobs regularly in both in hand and ridden showing, from local level shows, affiliated, WPCS, RIHS, to HOYS qualifiers,
Willow - 11yr old Welsh section D - Sooty palomino
Gambler - 9yr old Welsh section D - Black roan
Champ - 7yr old Welsh section D - Buckskin
Donut - 2yr old Welsh section D - Chestnut roan
I am a completely self-taught horse rider who has a big dream to compete at HOYS, why not follow my journey to see if we can make it,
I'm not perfect and I make mistakes but what we learn from it is what truly matters.
if you like what you see then please like and subscribe, it will really help me out to share my page with more like-minded people looking to go up the levels in the showring,
I regularly upload videos and vlogs on what me and my equines get up to and also some 'How to' videos for my beginner riders and fellow equestrians.
If you have any questions, then please leave me a comment and I will get back to you.
If you like what you see and would like to follow on with our horses' journeys and tips on how to look after your horses, then please like and subscribe
please check out my other social media platforms
Facebook - / karen.badrick.7
Instagram - / kbadrick
For business inquiries only Contact [e-mail]
#horselover #welshd #horseriding #horserider #horseshow #horseshow2023 #equine #inhandshowing

[@gillianrussell2043]

I've been around and involved with horses for almost 60 years now, and this is one of the wettest I have known. Got mud rash and other odd skin issues, and I fully blame the continually wet and mild weather. Winter has lasted a lifetime. Better weather to get the fields dry and grass growing must be on the horizon somewhere. Don't feel alone, because there are 1000's of us all over the UK feeling exactly the same ❤

[@KarenBadrick1]

It’s been awful hasn’t it, everywhere is just flooded 😩 I’ve never know it this bad before x

[@siobhanelizabeth8006]

This year was meant to be the year I “do stuff”, after getting my mare diagnosed with arthritis so realising why she kept breaking down (complete shock) so getting a loan horse to actually work with, but the weather is freaking horrendous it’s making it hard to keep going. The money could go on so many things… but what else would we do that brings us the feeling of being with them?… big hugs x

[@gemmamooney774]

Thank you for keeping it real! I've been around horses for about 26 years, and I've found that this winter has been the hardest yet. Thank you for normalizing feeling totally demoralized, and admitting that it's hard. Just reminds us that we're all in it together doing the very best we can! Here's to praying for some dry weather! xx

[@KarenBadrick1]

Thank you I do feel that alot of channels dont show the reality of having horses sometimes, always seem to film on dry days and always happy and chirpy about everything 😂 Having horses is hard even on normal years but this year has been the hardest ive ever known, I think its good to show that we all struggle at times, and its all about how we get through it and pick ourselves back up again Fingers crossed xx

[@AngelaWard-zb7xn]

Don't give up as everyone is depressed with all rain we had. The sun will come soon and it's great sharing your horse life ❤

[@KarenBadrick1]

Yes we’re all struggling, this year has been exceptionally hard on us all Fingers crossed the sun will be here very soon

[@user-ul4nm1if2e]

Just found your channel and had to subscribe. Yes, my heart goes out to anyone and everyone trying to care for horses and other grazing animals during this winter. Your horse is gorgeous by the way 😍 Let’s pray for some dry weather form here on in, then hosepipe ban after two weeks of dry of course 😂. 🐎 ❤❤

[@KarenBadrick1]

Thank you so much I’m so pleased your enjoying the channel, It’s been so hard this winter, praying it drys up soon Haha yes there is always a hosepipe ban even tho there has clearly been plenty of rain this year 😂😂

[@gentlegiants1974]

I seldom ride these days, I'm a farmer and logger using horses, so all driving. But I can commiserate regarding the wet weather and mild winter over here in Ontario Canada. All winter was very mild compared to normal, little snow, spring has been rain and more rain. Trying to sow oats and get land fitted up for planting and for every 2 days of sunshine there are 4 days of rainy showery weather and chilly damp. Luckily I live on sandy loam soil which drains well, but still miserable for the horses wet 24/7. They get impatient if I keep them in, they look miserable when out in the rain. Hard to keep them fitted up with so much forced idleness for days on end also. Wishing you warm sunny days ahead.

[@ShaneGilbert-cx4th]

TAKE care and all the best, the wether IS sposttobe getting better . The next 4 day's, hopefully we ALL get some Sun .😊😊😊👍👍👍🐶

[@KarenBadrick1]

Thank you Oh let’s hope so 🤞 it was a bit warmer today but overcast Take care xx

[@feeltheforce10]

I feel for you - i thought i was the only one.Ive cursed this rain and gales for ages now - its been hell. Get some non slip rubber mats for the gate entrance to the fields they make a big difference. Im re seeding now to get the grass back. Rotating paddocks and the dreaded weeds now !! theres always something and the work is never ending. Luckily i have mine at home - its a labour of love.Owning horses has changed now so much from back in the day. Ive hand grazed a lot in the winter its been a life saver. Good luck.

[@KarenBadrick1]

Thank you, i was beginning to think i was the only one struggling with all this rain, its been raining for what feels like forever now oh excellent, yes ive some rubber mats at the yard that we dont use so i will try them, i was looking at the weeds earlier.... they've shot up so quickly 😮 Thank you

[@feeltheforce10]

@@KarenBadrick1 Thanks for getting back.I use Thrust herbicide to kill the weeds as it does not kill the precious grass ! Its £80 for 5 litres and you do dilute it with water but it still goes quick and i will try Grazon Pro next time - smaller bottle bit cheaper and you only need 2 hours rain free.Thrust needs 12 hours rain free. It about killed me last year digging them up by hand !!! never again.

[@sasunake7453]

I’m fed up too. The fields are trashed so I was turning my boy in the sand ménage more instead of the field to avoid mud rash and trashing the field and he came down with sand colic 😭 after a equine hospital visit he’s fine now but now I suspect he has ulcers from the stress of it all as he really isn’t himself and super spooky. What a horrible winter!!

[@KarenBadrick1]

Oh no I’m so sorry to hear that, I hope your boy will be ok very soon ❤️ Fingers crossed this weather makes a change very soon xx

[@wendyhawkins1591]

Love your horses ,praying for sunshine from now on.🤗♥️

[@KarenBadrick1]

Thank you so much, fingers crossed for some better weather x

[@KarenBadrick1]

Thank you so much, finers crossed for some better weather very soon, x

[@raversmead]

I totally feel you on this one, winter has been hard this year. I must admit I've given up on the idea of anything competitive for now, like you say if you haven't got facilities there is only so much you can do. And with the ground being so wet theres only so much you can do out hacking too ☹️ sigh. At least we are all suffering together .... Not that that helps 😂

[@KarenBadrick1]

It’s been a nightmare year hasn’t it 😩 Shows down here are now being cancelled due to not being able to park horseboxes any where 😩 Yes the hacking is so boggy now it’s just to much of a risk of injury. Haha well yes it makes me feel a little bit better that we’re all suffering now and it’s not only me 😂

[@raversmead]

@@KarenBadrick1 bet we get the worst heat wave ever this summer after this 😬😂

[@KarenBadrick1]

Haha yes 😂 it won’t be long till we’re all moaning that it’s far to hot to do anything 😂 We’re never happy are we

[@kimsutherland977]

Hi Karen, it's been brutal this winter. I reckon a good word for how we all feel is WEARY. My lot stood in 2 days straight this week. I lunged my riding horse and let the ponies have an hour in the school to stretch their legs. Im lucky to have my school and it doesn't flood. I like everyone have seriously had enough of the crap weather now. I've had to buy another large bale straw and 2 more haylage as I reckon they will be in another 2 weeks yet😢

[@KarenBadrick1]

Oh yes this winter has been brutal, it just seems to of lasted forever. I’m pleased to hear your school doesn’t flood and you’ve been able to put the ponies out there for a bit, I’ve been putting donut out in the bark chip area for a bit each day to run of some steam, I am lucky that the other 2 arnt fussed about being in, well donut isn’t to fussed being in but he gets a bit bargy when being lead so just safer to let him have a buck out there for a bit Yes I’ve gone through so much haylage and straw this year 😭

[@lizzegerius9642]

Same everywhere. Also here in Germany. Mud fever u can use silver socks keeps it away. Also we use sand and gravel by the gate area with rubber mats. A cheaper alternative is to use old carpets from charity shops or end of roll cheap priced from outlets .

[@KarenBadrick1]

Oh no, i didnt realise this bad weather seems to of affected everyone ohhh thats an idea, im just about to have my carpets replaced at home so could use my old ones thank you

[@KarenBadrick1]

Oh no, i didnt realise this bad weather seems to of affected everyone ohhh thats an idea, im just about to have my carpets replaced at home so could use my old ones thank you

[@morganshellswell9753]

It’s been brutal in Canada too our horses are darn near knee deep in mud it’s so bad . Can’t get the mud fever under control . So done with it

[@KarenBadrick1]

Oh no, everywhere seems to be in the same boat this year 😭 I’ve never known it so bad, This rain has got to stop soon surely 😩

[@bethany6148]

This winter has made me so glad I'm now a happy hacker; I really feel for anyone trying to get prepared for the show season with all this bloody rain! It really has been an awful wet winter. Xx

[@KarenBadrick1]

I think next year I won’t have any plans to do the early shows 😂

[@Bizzylizzy85]

Just come across your channel, this is literally me right now, been putting it off as long as possible but today for the first time ever I’m going to have to bring my boy in for at least a week to recover his legs before I end up with a huge vet bill if he gets infected. Never known mud like it! You’re right it’s so disheartening I hate horses coupled up 24/7 but what’s the alternative right now 😢

[@KarenBadrick1]

I’m so pleased you found the channel and are enjoying it This weather has been a nightmare, As they say ‘no foot, no horse’ we have to do what is right for them Yes bring him in out of the mud for a bit so he can heal, Fingers crossed 🤞 this weather drys up very soon xx

[@lizgarland2241]

Yes pure shite weather here in Ireland too. The longest wettest winter. Just has to improve 🙏🙏🙏🏡

[@KarenBadrick1]

Oh no 😟 It keeps giving us a couple of dry days so we get false hope that spring is here then rain again 🤦‍♀️

[@clawrence6190]

I've kept horses for over 55 years and I'm at the end of too many tethers! Never known rain and mud like it. My horses live out thankfully with a hard standing loafing yard with shelter and ad lib hay. They are choosing to spend most of their time on the dry loafing yard rather than in the muddy winter field. By now they are should be on their summer field - no chance! And the hay is running out .... I could cry, and frequently do. The winter field is rapidly looking like a swamp. My 2 year old needs to run and play and simply can't.

[@KarenBadrick1]

This year has been extreamly hard for everyone, even the horses are fed up of the mud now I have never known my fields to be as trashed as they are this year, its going to take a lot to repair them fingers crossed it dries up very soon

[@Siobhan_Shivaun]

The weather has been utter pants here [Ireland] as well. If it's not tipping down raining, there's an icy cold wind howling. Hopefully it'll change soon! 🙏 Willow is such a comedian, gurning for the camera, and trying to eat his new bridle!! 😂

[@KarenBadrick1]

Oh no 😭 Fingers crossed that it gets better for us all very soon, 🙏 Hes a nightmare 😆 every bridle he's ever had has teeth marks in haha x

[@Siobhan_Shivaun]

@@KarenBadrick1 my horse likes to test things with his teeth as well!! 🤣

[@KarenBadrick1]

Such funny creatures arnt they 😂😂

[@user-mb5ei4nt3m]

you could try knitting!!!!, seriously though you are definitely not alone, we are in france and are having the same horrible weather, my sand school is always flooded and i have a young Arabian mare that i just cant get going , so frustrating, lets hope soon that you can get out to your shows with Willow and start winning, he is such a lovely character!

[@KarenBadrick1]

Haha I used to knit as a kid with my grandma so may take it up again 😂 For some reason I thought this wet weather was just stuck over the UK, I’m surprised to hear that we are all struggling the same way Surely this rain has got to dry up soon and give us all a break We all deserve a lovely summer to begin to enjoy these horses again xx

[@deborahmcallister-lw3nm]

Know how your feeling 😢 like being stuck in a rut, we're entered for a county show in 4 weeks, only inhand but can't even get him out to the horsebox without going through ankle deep mud, I've got no motivation at all xx

[@KarenBadrick1]

its a nightmare isnt it, bath them all ready for a show then they will be filthy before they even get in the ring, Our first county show will be in about 5 weeks but i wouldnt be suprised if they cancelled it as the parking is always muddy without the amount of rain that we have had this year x

[@deborahmcallister-lw3nm]

@@KarenBadrick1 yeah that's another problem, get all psyched up and prepared and the shows then get cancelled, does make you wonder why we do it 🤣 xx

[@KarenBadrick1]

@deborahmcallister-lw3nm many times I have wondered why on earth we do it 😂 Many time steve has asked me why I put so much effort into trying to win a 50p rosette 😂😂😂 x

[@sophiabains5140]

Aww it's so demotivating isn't it? 😢 But I'm glad you have the yard area to get the horses exercised on. I know what it feels like...& the £60 an hour you mentioned for the indoor is just mind blowing! I agree completely can't justify paying for that😢. But like you said as long as we can get them out of the stable even for a bit & beds water & nets done we are doing everything we can...& just can't give them up😊

[@KarenBadrick1]

Oh yes it certainly is 😟 Yes I can’t afford to pay that sort of price with having to go multiple times a week to have it make any difference to his fitness, As long as there all fed, have hay, water and a leg stretch each day then we are doing all we can I’m just so grateful that none of mine are bonkers if they have to stay in x

[@user-iz6un8qv3f]

The same here in the state of Virginia. 😢

[@KarenBadrick1]

Oh wow, so it’s not even just the UK under water, We’re literally are all struggling with this weather, I hope it dries up for you soon x

[@TotemCrow]

You’re not alone. I watch other horse channels and they are all saying the same and all the fields are muddy.

[@KarenBadrick1]

It’s been a very long winter for everyone

[@alisongrainger5388]

Hi Karen have you thought about the mud mats to make a path for the ponies and yourself at the field gates. Just a thought ❤

[@KarenBadrick1]

hiya, i think this is something i will have to look into for next year, it would make such a difference if we had a dry path in the gateways of the fields, x

[@kimsutherland977]

I spent a bomb on gateway mats. The one with holes in so grass can grow thru. However... They sink in the mud when the horses stand on them, and they also break into down into pieces in the mud. I wouldn't buy them again.

[@KarenBadrick1]

Oh no 😟 they sounded like the perfect solution as well 🤦‍♀️ Back to doing some research then for sorting the muddy gateways out before next winter x

[@kimsutherland977]

@@KarenBadrick1 I m getting mine dug out and pee gravel and sand put down to absorb the water. Fingers crossed it works. Had my welly sucked off when my Cs dragged me thru the gateway last week... Had no option but to put my foot down in 8ins of liquid mud. Trust me the air was BLUE 😡

[@theresajordan1694]

Its awful when your main priority when leaving the house is remembering to pick the coat up with the hood on xx😭

[@KarenBadrick1]

Yes 😂 Im so pleased im actually a hoarder or yard coats as i can’t get them dry quick enough to wear again the same day, i have about 4 coats on rotation under the canopy in my garden trying to dry them out xx

[@theresajordan1694]

😂 I've been keeping one in the car just in case I forget to grab one in the house. Got fed up of getting caught out xx

[@KarenBadrick1]

😂😂 nothing worse then being wet 💦 xx

[@sandrawheeler1521]

Could you put mud mats by the gate?❤

[@KarenBadrick1]

Yes mud mats are definatly something im going to look into getting ready for next year xx

[@izzyr3231]

£60 an hour?! For that price I get an instructor and a lesson horse for an hour private lesson indoors, madness

[@KarenBadrick1]

Yes sadly we have very few indoor schools around us that will hire them out so they get to choose whatever price they want, Yep its cheaper to have a private lesson but then we have no ridden showing instructors in my area 😭 loads of dressage or jumping instructors but my nearest ridden showing instructor is over an hour away x

[@Wendy-bd9zu]

I gave it up too, i moved our horse to a different boarding Stable, clean , indoor arena. All inclusive. Cost more money but im done with the mud and the rain.

[@KarenBadrick1]

Moving to somewhere with an indoor arena sounds ideal right now ❤

[@Wendy-bd9zu]

@@KarenBadrick1 it is..

[@beckyjones5722]

It's only going to get worse! Winters meaning!!!!! This is why everyone needs to do their best for the climate!!!!

[@KarenBadrick1]

Yes we all need to do our best for the climate

[@sandrawheeler1521]

Can you drive your box karen? And drive to take the horses for a hack? Xx weather has been awfull. Rain never ending. Have a few warm days now. It will get better. You have had a lot to deal with. Been a tough time. Those horses keep you sane karen. Total therapy. The sun will soon be shining.❤

[@KarenBadrick1]

Yes i can drive the box but i have an absolute fear of driving it to far on my own for the fear of breaking down 😭 This video was filmed over a week ago now so i have actually found another hack which is not so boggy 🙏 Yes you are right, its been a very hard few months with loosing Champ and my mum but the horses have kept me sane, there the reason that ive got up and dressed each morning and i owe everything to them for keeping me in a routine all this time, The sun made a little apperance today so yard chores felt easier to do this evening x

[@sandrawheeler1521]

@@KarenBadrick1 Horses help us so much in life. Life is never easy. Horses are utter therapy. Bring so much joy. Thier little faces each morning. Makes you forget about the rest. For a while. Animals so healing. Horses so intune with us. ❤ yes Karen, you have had a very difficult time the past year. But thats behind you now. Enjoy each moment with your beautiful family and horses. All that really matters in life. ❤❤❤

[@Theproudestmama]

Please give yourself a break, Karen. You're still grieving, so I would advise you to make no big decisions for a little while. If you were to give these 3 amazing ponies up, they'll only end up with someone else who is also struggling. I know this because we're all reconsidering our life choices at this point. I've never known so many equestrians so close to giving up, the winter has been worse than ever. Truth is, with the rate of climate change now, these sorts of wet winters are only set to increase. Just forget about competing for now and enjoy the time you can spend with them without any pressures. You had such a lovely hack on Willow the other day! I know we can't really canter right now, but trotting is far more valuable anyway. If I only lived near, I'd be sending you off for a week and just let you come to the yard for fun things. I've had to do that for a couple of friends this year and it's really made a difference. Not having to muck out, sweep, wash mud etc gives you a chance to enjoy the good bits again. I hope you have someone you can call on to give you a little head space. If the worst comes to the worst, I can always come and box them to Cornwall until you realise just how lost you are without them. Don't lose heart and just recognise that you've had a pretty traumatic year. The mud is just easier to get upset about than everything else you're probably pushing deep down. I'm going to send you every positive vibe you deserve. You've got this... I promise. 💚💚💚

[@KarenBadrick1]

Thank you so much, you are so right, ive had a very hard few months and adding the wet weather on top of it all has really got me down, These vlogs are filmed a week or 2 earlier then they go live, so Lewis is currently off school for the easter break and my older kids also had time off work so they have all been down the stables most days and have been helping me with the horses and also making some changes on the yard to make things easier for me, i do try to push myself to ride or do something with Willow most days as im so scared of loosing him 😭the thing that gets me upset most is that i didnt ride Champ for about 2 weeks before we lost him due to me having shingles, and that really haunts me, x ❤❤❤

[@Theproudestmama]

@@KarenBadrick1 I'm so glad they mucked in and held you up for a while, every body just needs a hand once in a while. How cool are your kids for stepping up 💚 I have a 26 year old and a 13yr old, so I know what it takes to get them all working on the same thing! 😅 I currently know horses that have been barely ridden for 5 months, so your lot have been doing just fine really... It's just a terribly hard year for so many, and that's without all the extra baggage you've had to cope with. Try not to think about not riding Champ. What a disservice it would be to his memory if all those amazingly loving embraces, all the joys and madcap adventures you shared together were now overshadowed by something that would mean nothing ordinarily. Easier said than done, but they're the things that will ultimately stay with you. 💚 I'm always a little behind on videos too, so I'll really look forward to see you all striding into the future! 😁💚

[@KarenBadrick1]

@jennylelas332 my boys are 19 and 21 and the same as yours trying to get them to work on the same job 😂 It took them nearly all day to muck out willows stable as they decided one of his walls needed replacing 🤦‍♀️ I can’t complain as at least that job is also done haha Yes I need to get this out of my head about Champ, as even tho I wasn’t the last person to ride him I was there still seeing to him everyday xx

[@TammySaj-zm6kr]

Your stalls are pretty worn out 😮

[@KarenBadrick1]

We only rent the yard so there is only so much we can do, but if you’ve watched the most recent video you will see that the maintenance has started

[@TammySaj-zm6kr]

@KarenBadrick1 No I understand, horse's chew wood, cribbing

[@cindbin64]

Yep we're all in same boat literally 🛥️ 😂get 1 ride in then either torrential rain or gale force winds so nothing for a week, r more be end of year before I get any consistent riding at this rate, lucky with some fields on higher ground summer fields like a bog 😏 even with facilities some horses just aren't rideable in gale force winds and I don't enjoy getting soaked before I'm even on board 😂

[@KarenBadrick1]

Hahaha yes we’re all in the same boat 🛥️ I think that’s what I was feeling frustrated with, that I haven’t been riding consistently but I’m so worried about ruining there saddles with them getting wet all the time Haha my washing machine seems to be on constantly at the moment as we all end up changing clothes about 3 times a day from getting wet through x

[@cindbin64]

@@KarenBadrick1 Your not alone in thinking is it all really worth it, problem is there's no such thing as seasons anymore, same for farmers, can't get on the wet land all have knock on affect hay, straw etc, we don't do it because it's easy 😂