The Joys of Dog Walking

As a nation, we seem to all love pets with over 50% of us owning an animal.  Over 6.6 million dogs are owned in Britain, making them an extremely popular pet, with good reason too!

As we all know, dogs sometimes seem the happiest souls we know, they are always pleased to see you and love a good fuss, but they can be demanding too and need lots of exercise.  It is not all bad though as the exercise can benefit you as well as your dog!

The UK isn’t famous for its glorious weather and sometimes the idea of going out in the cold, wet and wind is less than desirable.  However, your dog still needs to go out, but just taking a dog walk in the fresh air can help rejuvenate you and really clear your head.

Country walks are a particular favourite and there is nothing nicer than going for a long country walk with your dog. The dog will love the best time to sniff, explore, meet other dogs and generally have a great time.  For you, you can enjoy the scenery of the countryside, and also take in the fresh air and keep  fit, especially the longer and faster you walk. 

Long walks can be great with a walking partner, it can really help you bond and talk about things and sometimes this will really help to perk you up.  Equally, a walk on your own can be wonderful  and very peaceful.

Although so many of us have dogs, we may not think about what we can really  gain from walking the dogs, for as well as their happiness, it can also be extremely pleasurable for us too, something, given the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we may sometimes forget.

Charlotte Maxted of The Pet Homes and Gardens Company

Sharing a horse by The Pets, Homes and Gardens Company

Sharing A Horse by The Pets, Homes and Gardens Company

Going to a riding school is the best way to start horse riding and to learn how to ride properly, but we often reach that stage where we want to have more responsibility, to ride more often and experience owning a horse.  In my opinion, sharing is the next best thing to owning a horse.

I have been riding since a young age, but have never been able to have my own horse.  Sharing is definitely a more affordable alternative.  Here are some tips to bear in mind when thinking of sharing a horse.

Local magazines such as the Friday-ad or riding magazines usually include a ‘horses for share’ section and you can often find several for your area.

      Always go and try the horse a few times as it is best to get a good feel for the horse before you take it on. Agree to at least a three month trial as you will get a clear picture of the set up and horse and after that time if you are not happy you can leave.

Sharers typically do two to three days a week and on those days you are responsible for the horse, this includes mucking out, turning out and in, feeding, grooming, riding etc, so pretty much owning the horse on your days, you can often do more but make sure you set up an agreement before you start.

   
If it doesn’t work out, do not be afraid to look into other shares, one bad experience shouldn’t put you off.  Some people do have age limits, but try not to take it personally; I was turned away a few times due to age.

 Enjoy it!  You can learn so much from sharing a horse and build a fantastic relationship with a horse.  It is a big commitment and a lot of responsibility, but is a brilliant experience.

Sharing a horse has had a really positive effect on my life.  Although it is a responsibility, you also have the support from the owner.  The exercise from regular riding and yard work has been great and is an easy way to keep fit.  Overall sharing a horse is a fantastic thing to do when you do not have the time or money to commit to purchasing a horse and is a good pathway into owning your own if you can.

Charlotte Maxted of Pets, Homes and Gardens

www.petshomesandgardens.co.uk