Bad riding school horses

[Scribbles]

For my University equestrian society I organised a beach ride from a fairly far away remote (but well-known) riding/trekking centre.

The horse I got put on was absolutely awful. A ton of pure highland in a D-ring snaffle. It pulled absolutely all of the 2 hours, canters and gallops were impossible, I literally had to stand up and heave to try slow down/stop. It bucked almost constantly, and even did a huge rear where I was terrified it would go over on me (as were the other riders in the group).

This horse was said to be the 'steady' one (because it was the only non-TB) but it was just appalling. I can't imagine how a novice rider would cope - the bucks were more than my 16.3 cleveland bay could manage, and she didn't do them at full-pelt gallop.

It completely ruined the ride, and was a real waste of £50. I'd never, ever go again. And now I have to organise for the second group to go.

 

[Ezme]

I've had this problems before so 1) I always say my ability is less than it is, 2) I make a point of not hassling trekking horses and practically ride on the buckle as, most of the time, it's what they're used to. Agree though, it's a pain in the ass to hae to ride defensivly all the time

 

[Scribbles]

I did say my ability was less than it was, hence why I was supposedly on the 'steady' one (i.e. the non-tb but actually a tank) one.

If I hadn't tried to stop it when it was heading at full gallop towards the rocks (in front of the entire ride) then I doubt the owners would be happy with me killing the horse/myself. If I had let go of the reins, I can't see either of us surviving, given the leader was shouting "stop!!". The horses rarely get taken to the beach (have to box to get there) so were obviously very excited, but I'm only slight built and I don't have the strength to stop a ton of cob.