best position on sponsored ride first or last slot With green horse

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UKa

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As title. If I take my yet inexperienced rising 8 year old Connie to a sponsored ride I want to avoid too much excitement (can buck) - would it be best to go earlier or later on the day ?
 
Somewhere in the middle of the time slot I'd say- first thing there will be people arrive early, so they tend to bunch up a bit, but last thing you'll get all the chronically late types rock up with 5 minutes to go before they stop sending people out!
ETA- if there are several people waiting to leave last thing, you may be unpopular with the volunteers if you insist on leaving after the stated finish time, lots of people stewarding these events have their own horses they need to get back to feed etc, so the timeslot for sensing riders out is calculated with this in mind.
 
I took my boy last. We did the shorter route. I also put green and red ribbons in his tail. People were very kind and asked if they could pass and did so at a walk. We had a lovely time, so enjoy.
 
Definitely last! I went early on my boy's first, my friend got lost getting to the venue, so we we right in the middle of everyone leaving, it was not fun, I only went for the photos in front of the castle anyway!!
 
I'd try and go later on. Our local rides always request if you're wanting to go at a slower pace to book an early slot and I've made the mistake of thinking it would be quieter then - but I think this is actually just so they can get everyone round in time as when I've gone earlier it's always been super busy! There is usually zero etiquette and I've had people zooming past me randomly (I'm happy to set a good pace but horse doesn't like being overtaken and this was people literally galloping past me from behind through gateways into the canter stretches with no warning) and squeezing past trotting on narrow tracks and through woodlands etc. I've hunted and don't expect baby-sitting and thought it would be similar but wow, my mind was blown at the lack of common sense and courtesy 🤣 Also had a lady last year who came storming past very insistent "can I go in front of you - I want to go fast!" as we came off a stretch of roadwork, we obliged only for her to set off at the steadiest most sedate and collected canter I have ever witnessed, K was very confused at having to sit behind her and why we were going so slowly... we all collapsed into fits of giggles once she was safely out of earshot 😆 Anyway you will be totally fine -just hang back and let the crazies go ahead of you and enjoy your ride, they're not hard to spot 😂
 
Defo last.

I made the mistake once of arriving really early when I was taking the late chestnut git round. I’d hacked there and was all set to go, but the start was delayed as the St.Johns ambulance was late arriving. So a late mass start.

I made it to the half way point somehow with me still on board and was able to leave the route and find my own way home after that.
 
Last. Our local hunt organise fun rides and they specifically hold 1-2 slots right at the end for the slower riders (lead rein, green, just not wanting to be zoomed past)

I did go in the 1st slot once and we could see far, far too many horses. Talk about hitting the threshold and going over it - I needed my neckstrap!!
 
I always go earliest slot. Push on and get back before all the crowds wanting to go last, because they think it will be quiet, start.😁 if you push on, once warmed up, they are normally more able to cope with the few serious really fast over takers. Caveat.. dont dawdle, trot on 😀
 
We organise a ride and send two out 30 minutes before official start time to check that route is well marked and all volunteers are in place. Worth checking with organisers if you can do this or go later on but not last if you're going to be slow. Nothing worse when stewarding crossings to have to wait 40 minutes at end of the day as someone is walking round on a baby and spooking at everything 😁
 
BSL2 said:
I always go earliest slot. Push on and get back before all the crowds wanting to go last, because they think it will be quiet, start.😁 if you push on, once warmed up, they are normally more able to cope with the few serious really fast over takers. Caveat.. dont dawdle, trot on 😀
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We've done that too, quite often.
Usually with a green but fit one (green as in not done crowds or events), 1st out, mostly trotted and cantered the 1st 2 miles, kept up a reasonable pace thereafter, often usually only over taken in the last 2 miles by 1 or 2.
 
Hmm towards the back as long as you don't end up going really slow and end up anxious about getting back in time. How good is your horse out on a hack with a few other horses? I wouldn't take him to a sponsored ride if all you have done before is a calm hack with one or two friends.
 
First if the horse is fit and you’ll go at a good speed. The ground will be fresh and you can keep ahead of the pack. Last if you’ll go more slowly. No one to overtake you then.
 
mariew said:
Hmm towards the back as long as you don't end up going really slow and end up anxious about getting back in time. How good is your horse out on a hack with a few other horses? I wouldn't take him to a sponsored ride if all you have done before is a calm hack with one or two friends.
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Ah. Yes we need to do some hacking with friends first
 
I would say circa 30 minutes before last horse. Especially if it’s run by a hunt. This tends to be late enough to miss the larger groups but early enough to not irritate the organisers. Also there should still be refreshments available!!

People who plan to walk the majority of the way should have the manners to not go last horse. And if they don’t then don’t whinge when the refreshment tent and photographer have gone home!!

You can get large groups going around the 1 hour in mark and people wanting to go get round and either take another round or not have the whole day given over to it going early.
 
HopOnTrot said:
Go to an Endurance GB fun ride as everyone tends to be a bit more in control than a “fun” ride
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Yes definitely this, I can only speak for the N Yorks ones but they do tend to be extremely well organised and the majority of attendees are either endurance riders, or (like me) go to a lot of EGB pleasure rides and know how to behave. I would thoroughly recommend them.
 
HopOnTrot said:
Go to an Endurance GB fun ride as everyone tends to be a bit more in control than a “fun” ride
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I would second this. Several reasons: staggered start times, numbered bibs deter bad behaviour, the culture and etiquette is ask before overtaking, ride organiser should be able to advise on start times if you contact them and may help you find a ride buddy who wants to go steady. There is a minimum speed as well as a maximum for EGB pleasure rides so as long as you're not super slow you'd be fine. Hope you and your horse enjoy whatever you decide to do 😊
 
Definitely go last if you’re not going to push on . I would always take a EGB ride or sports endurance ride over a local fun ride . My experience has been that it’s a bit free for all and no etiquette for over taking etc.
 
I was a steward at the last check point and one pair arrived about an hour after all the rest. Most annoying. Id say go last but try to keep up with other riders. Enjoy the ride.
 
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