4 day riding holiday... advice please

[Winbob]

Hi,

I'm thinking of signing up for a 4 day riding holiday shortly. It has been a bit last minute, so I've had little time to prepare.
I'm used to riding on leisurely 2 hour hacks, on 2 consecutive days, but wondering if I'll be overdoing it riding 4 hours a day for 4 days. I also have the option to reduce it down to 2 days of riding.

Any advice welcome please. I don't want a sore bum, legs to ruin the experience. I have a acavello gel out seat saver I can use if they will allow one on their saddles.

 

[Keith_Beef]

I had only been riding for one hour per week before setting out on my first long trip: three day, six hours per day.

I rode on a GP saddle in plain jodhpurs and didn't have any problems: no soreness, no chafing, not even any unusual tiredness.

I think that getting a good night's sleep and drinking lots of water is important to reduce the risk of cramp.

And I can't think of any reason why the organiser would refuse your using a seat saver.

 

[throwawayaccount]

I’m sure you’ll be fine.

 

[Sir barnaby]

I took my granddaughter on a 3 day riding holiday, I took my gel seat saver and the grooms popped it on the horse I was riding, my granddaughter rode twice in the day, but i opted to just ride in the afternoon when we went for a nice long hack along the river nene in Peterborough. We had a lovely time and thoroughly enjoyed it x

 

[Sir barnaby]

This is us on our riding holiday

 

[Orangehorse]

Some tips that you might like to put into practice, or not!

A seat saver, possibly sheepskin;
or Dressage Pants
Bum Butter (use your imagination), obtained from cycling stores
Wear thin tights under your jods to help prevent rubbing
Take gloves as the reins might be different and harder on your hands
A bit of chemical help - take Ibuprofen every morning

Actually, with the amount of riding you are doing now, I think you will be fine. Have a nice time!

 

[SEL]

You'll be fine. The second day in the saddle is usually the one where you feel it when you sit down but your body soon stops moaning!

Drugs help

 

[CMcC]

Padded knickers
https://www.equetech.com/equestrian-clothing/womens/underwear

 

[Red-1]

It depends on the type of riding you will be doing. If it is a general one, with some cantering but mainly a hack then no worries. If it is galloping up steep mountain sides, in a strong endurance fashion, then you may struggle more.

That said, if you are young and generally fit, even that may be OK.

I like the sheepskin seat savers, the real ones not fleece.

 

[Cloball]

I was only riding once or twice a week before I went to Mongolia and was riding upwards of 6 hours a day for nearly a month. The second day will be worse, you will be a bit sore but I'm it won't take anything away from the enjoyment. Do some gentle stretches and follow the advice about. Enjoy!

 

[Annagain]

Vaseline for prevention and Sudocreme for cure .

 

[HollyWoozle]

I think it's a very personal thing and you won't know until you try. I know that's not very helpful but I sell riding holidays for a living and some people only ride once a year on their trip and have no problems, other people ride most days and struggle with the hours on a riding holiday. I don't ride at all at home anymore and head off on adventurous trails but feel absolutely fine with a week plus of full days in the saddle (and I don't generally use seat savers, padded knickers or any creams), but I think I am very lucky and I do keep fit in other ways which helps.

As @SEL says, it's day 2 when you'll feel it. Just don't forget to stretch each time you get off - that can make a big difference!