Re: introducing your bf to your 'babies'!

Well, I had my OH before the horses lol !! He has always understood my passion for horses but never became interested until I bought Tenor 3 years ago. Dermot loves being around Tenor and Tilly, he enjoys the countryside and being outdoors and he prefers the care side to the riding. I'm glad that you think so much of your bf, i would just ask him if he would like to meet your horses, feeding time would probably be a good introduction, I hope that he falls in love with them, good luck X

Re: introducing your bf to your 'babies'!

I had been married for a year when I first got Rhapsody.  My OH knew I'd always loved horses but it was my Dad who planted the seed of actually going and buying one, and I think my OH knew it was inevitable that it would happen.  He actually tried to help me find the right horse although he wasn't in the least horsey at all, and came with me to try them out.  When I bought Rhapsody and took him to the yard he was going to be kept at, I remember the fatal words "don't think you'll ever get me on THAT".  The first time I rode Rhapsody and he was there, he said he wanted "a go" and I literally couldn't get him off.  He's now BSJA registered, is a natural rider (who'd have thought it eh?) and has a really calming way with him and can literally talk a horse into anything, I've even known really difficult loaders go for a stroll with him and then come back and walk calmly into the trailer with no issues - Scotland's answer to Monty!

Re: introducing your bf to your 'babies'!

Yep I was in the same position! I'd been with Greg about a month when I introduced him to Coco. I made it very clear to Greg that Coco was in my life and was a permanent fixture and if he ever complained about the amount of time I spent with either Coco or my friends that would be a deal breaker! He has never questioned or whinged about the amount of time I spend with Coco, he know's he is my baby and I would do anything for him and he is a part of my life. Greg had never even touched a horse before I came along so I was expecting him to be nervous but he was quite calm and confident around him and interested. The second time he met him I actually took him for a ride and he's not half bad (under my instruction of course!) so it was all going well. Afterwards I turned Coco out and Greg was in the field with him while I cleared up, when I went to leave Greg asked if I had a tissue and had blood pouring out of his eyelid coz Coco had headbutted him! I was mortified and surprised as thats not like Coco and then he explained that Coco was snuffling at his pocket and Greg looked down and lifted his hands and said 'I haven't got anything for you' when he raised his hands Coco lifted his and their two heads connected as Greg was looking down at him so it wasn't a bolshy headbutt just an ooops! I did feel bad as his eye then swelled up and he looked a state for a couple of days! He then told his mom that I had beaten him (lol) but I was more worried what she would say when she found out Coco had done it as she is petrified of horses!

Anyway in answer to your question, when it feels right ask him if he wants to come down and meet the family one day. I told Greg he should be privaledged coz I only introduce Coco once I am sure the guy is ok, he's muy baby and I wouldn't introduce him to just anyone!

Re: introducing your bf to your 'babies'!

My OH started to pick me up from the stables as i had no car at the time, i had my horses long before my OH came along. It started with him just getting there as i had finished to giving me a hand to get them in to helping me do them. He now loves my horses as much as me. It hurt him as much as it did me when i lost Bramble. He has done what he can to help me get Charlie used to men when i first bought him as he was frightened of them and aggressive with them, he is now really good with men thanks to my OH.

Re: introducing your bf to your 'babies'!

ooo what a great topic, id say go for it. Although i didnt have my pony when i got with my man 5 years ago i did love horses, the thing for me was my dog, she means the world to me and he had to accept that, i was always talking about how i wanted a horse. When i got bob he was involved from the begining, and although he insits he doesnt like him, its so very apparent he does! and bob likes him more than me which is really annoying lol, think its because i make him work haha. He will muck out for me, lead him out on walks for me, but i do think he secretly enjoys it all hehe.