Combating the winter blues! Planning a beach ride. Where to go, any tips and advice?

Nickles1973

Nickles1973

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As title really? I'm in need of a lift of mood 'cause of the dreary weather and thought I might plan a trip to the beach for me and a friend (and the horses) I've heard that Holkham in Norfolk is lovely and horse friendly too. It's also fairly close to me, about 1hr 45 mins. I'd be interested to hear any opinions from you lovely people that may have been to Holkham, or if you can recommend anywhere else. Also any practicle advice, like when to go (month wise) and which time of day is best and how your horses and ponies have reacted! My boy is an ex-racer that will have seen a bit of the world, but I haven't travelled him since he arrived with me about 20 months ago and I have no idea how he will behave, although his friend has been there and got the t shirt so I'd hope he will have a calming infuence! Thanks in advance, Nichola. x
 
Holkham is great, there's a lot of room to loop around and it's quite a long hike over the beach to the sea. We got there fairly early in the morniing before it was too populated - although it's quite large so there's plenty of room for everyone. My big fella was a bit wary of the sea but really enjoyed himself after having been given a lead in. The dogs loved it. I think we'll be organising another trip this year, it's great fun.
 
Holkham is stunning, and very very horse friendly. Would recommend going super early, just because I love it there early in the morning- it's when it's at it's most beautiful I think!
 
dont know the beach in question but check tide times and there may be an optimum time to get the tide right (here we have 8m tides and if you get the tide wrong there is no beach left!) also be prepared to go faster than you wanted but to enjoy it, not fight it. If the beach is big enough he'll pull up himself when tired! ;) Watch out for dogs chasing you and ALWAYS take spare socks.
and trousers.
and pants!!!!!
 
Thanks for the replies! I'd love to go tomorrow, but gonna wait till the weather improves as hubby and kids want to come along too! I hadn't thought about taking spare clothes (doh!) but that obviously makes sense, so thanks!! Never been able to really let my boy go as even the stubble fields around here are not really big enough so that should be interesting!!!
 
When you do go, just be aware that your horse will probably grow to 20 hands on arrival! I have an ex flat racer/hurdler and when i do decide to take him to the beach, there is absolutely no way I'd 'let him go'. Everything I've taught him so far is to be controlled and listen to me. I really don't want him to remember just how fast he can go!! That said, in sensible company, you can have a wonderful ride and there is nothing like it. Enjoy!!
 
Holkham Beach is fabulous, especially if you can go earlier as other posters have mentioned. Far quieter, but further away are the beaches on the Lincs coast. Miles of open sand and rarely anyone else in sight.
 
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