Cotswold Farm fun ride - has anyone been?

FestiveSpirit

FestiveSpirit

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A friend has said she would like to go, but I am not too sure :o My little TB's only fault :p is that he goes mad when he sees horses ahead of him, and absolutely HAS to catch them up. Last time we saw two horses ahead of us on a hack he got more and more tense, trotting then cantering sideways along the lane until we caught them up :o

I can hold him without any problem (he is only 15.2hh :)) but it isnt a lot of fun sitting on a horse trying to implode itself - so are these farm rides really busy? Or should we try it and see how it goes :confused:
 
I've been once and it wasn't very busy. Its a great ride with loads of inviting jumps along the way and its has lots of long hilly sections so if your horse does want to gallop - he will get tired but there are plenty of places to pull up!
 
Yayyyy someone has replied :D Thanks Treacle Beastie :):):)

That sounds quite promising actually, I might give it a go, I think the first 10 minutes might be interesting but then hopefully he should settle :)
 
I've not been to Cotswold Farm (yet), but my gelding is the same. He just HAS to catch up, more usually in a canter / gallop, as he thinks he's a racing TB (he's not, but I'm not about to spoil things for him).

I did a couple of fun rides at the end of last year and for the first couple of canters I just let him run as fast as he wanted. When we did catch up with other horses I kept him well to one side, so that he did not bother the other riders. After a couple of blasts, he had blown off enough steam so that I no longer needed 'rods of steel' reins and was able to walk, trot, canter or gallop at will.

Give it a go, I bet you both enjoy it.
 
Thanks NeilM, it is really good to hear from someone who has a horse with a similar 'catching up' fetish :D I am wondering whether I might even go on my own for the first time, so my friend is not having to deal with keeping up and avoiding me while Bob decides he can behave.... I will speak to her and see how she feels!

And thanks GreyEventer, sounds a very nice place by the sound of it, I am quite keen to go now :) Our RC newsletter had the dates on it - FiHunt if you want to go to this runride you are more than welcome to come with us if your nerves would stand it :D
 
Hi Slotchy, I would have replied earlier, but I kept getting the plain white screen again! :mad:

I have been to the Farm Park quite a few times and it has never been really busy, probably because they are once a month as opposed to once a year like most other fun rides, I have been round and hardly seen anyone. As said, there are some good long gallops! It's in beautiful country with lovely views.
 
Here ya go:

March Sunday 7th & 28th
April Sunday 18th
May Sunday 9th
June Sunday 6th & 27th
July Sunday 18th
August Sunday 15th
September Sunday 5th & 26th
October Sunday 17th
November Sunday 7th & 28th
December Sunday 19th

I tried to get these all lined up, but the forum does not seem to like it. Anyway, you can see the dates.
 
If you're with your friend though, would he still try and catch up if there's a horse already with him? Only a thought lol.

I'd say go for it! Best way to get him over it :)
 
NeilM said:
Here ya go:

March Sunday 7th & 28th
April Sunday 18th
May Sunday 9th
June Sunday 6th & 27th
July Sunday 18th
August Sunday 15th
September Sunday 5th & 26th
October Sunday 17th
November Sunday 7th & 28th
December Sunday 19th

I tried to get these all lined up, but the forum does not seem to like it. Anyway, you can see the dates.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that :) :) Might have to wait until June then depending on the weather/ground... we will see... :)
 
I go at least 3 times a year, usually more, it is great. We get there and go early, and therefore we never have much traffic if any. Sometimes we will get caught up at the end for the last bit by those on fit eventers/hunters, but it isn't a bother. Lots of uphills, jumps, good ground. Some of the fence take off/landings can be dodge, so best to look before you leap if you are worried!
 
I've been and it's FANTASTIC!! Was our first outing together and we really enjoyed it, lots of (optional) jumps of varying sizes, stunning scenery, little wood to ride through, nice hills for gallops. Not too busy, other riders really polite, really well organised. Definitely wanna go back soon!
Maybe see you there!?
 
ground is usually good all year. some take offs and landings can be deep if been busy and weather wet. nice ride with a couple of routes which are varied and a pub half way round!!!! if worried about your horses behaviour get there at 10 to 1 enter, then tack up etc. and go as last horses you might catch a few stragglers up but generally wont bump into many!! or get there very early and go as first horses.
 
I used to go to this ride a fair bit when i had my old pony - we always had a great time and the jumps were ace - i would actually find my guts to jump some of the fallen trees etc. we never found it overly busy and everyone was very polite and thoughtfull when on course. The pub halfway is a lovely little place for a drink on route (only found this out as pony went lame and had to wait for him to be collected in the trailer before i could kick my brother off other horse and continue!!!) Personally i would make sure you have some money for a phone box though as when i was trying to contact someone to collect my pony we found that it was a bit of a duff signal area and everybody was lending us their phones but no one could get a signal!!! anyway it really is a nice ride and i would certainly go again if i had transport!!!
 
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