Beach riding advice!

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1Lucie

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Hello,

A friend and i have hired a horse lorry to go to Holkham, Norfolk beach with our horses for her birthday this weekend. This will be first time we have been although i know the location well as i often go for walks in summer on foot.

Has has anyone got any advice? What to take? Any tips to help the day go smoothly?

Thanks
 
I have never ridden on a beach, being about as far from the sea as possible. But I think you have to be careful where you ride as the sand can be very deep and holding or the other extreme and be as hard as on a road, or even worse, very variable. Can you find some locals to give advice?

It might be perfect of course. Sounds like fun.
 
im off to the same beach next week for the first time with my ex racer....think he might explode!
our plan is to ride the beach at walk and trot first, check out the ground ect. then if his brain is intact take him for blast!
i think its wise to check the footing first before bombing off, and obviously read your horses mood. take it steady and stay safe and have fun!
ditto on the spare clothing too....nothing worse than getting soaked and then having the journey home!
make sure you take some pics to show us all! ;-)
 
Some horses are really freaked out by waves, the first time they see them - so just be prepared for that.

And walk the beach before you canter it, and also only canter on firm, damp sand. Anything soft or boggy will bugger your horses tendons.

Have fun, it's such a great thing to do.

Oh, water, coffee, sandwiches, cake etc. - plenty enough for you, your friend and the lorry driver.:)
 
I was there for four days in September :)

Well what can I say, its amazing. No sure you need to check on tides as the sea is sooo far out all the time. You go down to the shoreline before you start to gallop :D; the sand is flat and firm............you can canter for miles!!

As amymay says, some are freaked by the waves ( although very small ) my pony span and had my friend off oops! so take it easy as you approach.

Yes a spare set of clothes and shoes is a must; My daughter managed to get her pony up to her waist!

Food, drinks ( obviously for humans and horses ) camera, towels, money for parking ( its £12 and Lady Anne Drive for the day) chairs

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debsey1 said:
Have any of you actually been in the sea with your horses and what do you do with your soaking wet, salty tack afterwards?
Click to expand...

If you're actually going to go right in - then you take your saddle off.

Your bridle should be given a really good wash down with clean cold water (several times), before being wiped dry. Then let it dry a little, before oiling. Then oil again.
 
Thanks so far guys! Change of clothes-good idea, was too busy thinking about my ned than me! Dont fancy a wet trip home!

Bbq idea, is brilliant one too thanks! Will keep our husbands occupied along with taking photos!
 
A couple of us managed to get horses right in; Fortunately I have a Wintec :) ( it does have its uses! ) left it to dry and used a balm on it and its like new.

Unfortunately my friend who has a leather one had a few water marks as it dried, but after a few days of cleaning with saddle soap its good as new too. Worth taking tack cleaner with you.
 
Holkam is fab, you will have a great time.

Just tip from past experience would be to look out for kite flyers, the kites really freaked Bear when I took him (was my OH and kids flying one of them) far more than the waves. At least at Holkham the sea is very shallow so the waves aren't huge.

I've booked a hlaf day beach ride when I'm on holiday in the Lakes next week and am really looking forward to it.

Photos of course compulsory!

JD
 
debsey1 said:
Have any of you actually been in the sea with your horses and what do you do with your soaking wet, salty tack afterwards?
Click to expand...

Go bareback and I normally use my synthetic combination bridle or a really cheap spare one and clean it after.

Lucky you - I really want to take mine to Holkham, but it's a bit of a drive... One day :D

Oh and as for sandwiches - if your horses are anythign like mine, you'll need enough to compensate for them nicking a few too :cool:
 
AngieandBen said:
A couple of us managed to get horses right in; Fortunately I have a Wintec :) ( it does have its uses! ) left it to dry and used a balm on it and its like new.

Unfortunately my friend who has a leather one had a few water marks as it dried, but after a few days of cleaning with saddle soap its good as new too. Worth taking tack cleaner with you.
Click to expand...

Your photos are fab, make me feel quite excited about weekend looking at them! Hadnt thought about taking tack cleaner, will do that.

Not planning on going to far into the water. I know my horse went to the beach about 3months ago with his previous owner, in fact the video was on his advert!
 
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