Im thinking of trying to find someone to ride my horse in the winter months, but ive got a real problem with trusting someone else to ride her!

I know it will be better for her, as she loses so much topline with just me only riding at the weekend.

Do any of you have a rider, and have you experienced any problems, or has it been a godsend?

Hi, I am the same, don't really let anyone else ride my horse either but I had to go in for surgery at short notice a few weeks ago & was advised not to ride for 6 weeks afterwards. Romeo needs to keep in work to maintain muscle tone otherwise his pelvis will twist. I found a friend of a friend who had ridden him before, years ago before I got him & she has been hacking him out for me to keep him ticking over. Funnily enough I posted a thread on here a couple of weeks ago wondering if I had done the right thing, as one of the girls at the yard had met her on her way back the first time she took him out on his own, eyes on stalks & piaffing up the road!! Apparently he had unnerved her somewhat & she had dismounted & lead him at one point. I got concerned as Romeo needs a confident rider & nearly stopped her riding him, but having spoken to her & thought about it I let her continue & I'm glad I did as they are getting on ok now. My advice would be to vet any potential riders thoroughly, references are good to get too! Also bear in mind that it is unlikely that you will find someone who will mirror your riding style exactly, everyone is different but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Keep the communication going & always remember that the arrangement is to benefit your horse, not the rider, & be prepared to re-think things if & when any issues occur. Sorry for the essay, hope that helps!

thanks for the advice, I will sleep on it I think! I do need someone who is confident too as Connie will take the p out of a novice! I never forget my mum took her out on her own once, mum had just got back in the saddle after about 10 years of not riding, Connie decided to spin around sharpish and do an extended trot all the way back home! Mum couldnt stop her!! She only rode a few hundred yards!!!

Well good luck whatever you decide