First fun ride - any tips?

[norolim]

Evening all,

So I'm going on my first fun ride this weekend with a more experienced riding friend. I'm hiring out a horse which I've already tried out (experienced, sensible, honest and forgiving type) so no concerns there.

I'm still learning to jump and have done small courses of 60-70cm - not elegantly by any means. All jumps are optional and of varying sizes between 20cm and about 90cm. I'd like to have a go at the smaller/mid range stuff but feeling a little nervous about it as I've fallen off a couple of times over jumps recently.

Any tips on making it a successful day and not one where I end up on the floor? ?

Thanks in advance

 

[AntiPuck]

Hold on to the mane ?

In all seriousness - don't feel compelled to jump everything, pick the ones you like the look of and do those. Make sure your friend is on board and will help rather than hinder if you are ever feeling nervous, and that they will check-in with you before going faster or tackling a jump.

Have fun!

 

[cindars]

Watch out for people overtaking at speed. Happened several times to us on fun rides

 

[fiwen30]

Don’t feel pressured into jumping anything you’re feeling shaky about. It’s fine to only trot into tiny jumps, if that’s what you feel confident with - better to jump more tiny things, confidently, than to tackle fewer big things which scare you, and you fall off at. Communicate with your buddy about your expectations, BEFORE you get there - nothing worse than getting there, and your buddy wants to go faster and bigger than you do.

Put a neck strap on, and heels down!

 

[dixie]

Don’t feel you have to jump - I never do as it’s not the place to practice unless you’re confident.
Its your first fun ride, so just enjoy the day and if a few jumps look appealing, follow your friends for encouragement.
Enjoy !

 

[Flame_]

If your horse gets a bit keen and excited, don't try insisting on walking, keep going in a good trot or canter until they settle down again and relax.

Stay on alert for people charging up behind you so you're ready for your horse to react when it clocks them, same for horses suddenly appearing in front/ behind or beside you by coming over a hedge or inconspicuous jump.

Have fun!

 

[JBM]

Even if they’re a sane horse expect them to be a bit excited they often do when there’s a good few horses about
Just have fun in your own way! No need to jump anything you don’t want to and horse will be more than happy just to canter along with your friend avoiding jumps or going over them!
Enjoy the buzz

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Vaseline for the ladybits and under your bum where it joins your leg (I got chafed at common ridings and the last fun ride I went on) and a good neck strap ?

Have fun

 

[norolim]

Thanks for the tips everyone. My friend is very encouraging and always makes sure I'm comfortable with stuff before we go ahead, so I'm very lucky to go out with her and follow her lead.

Nervous but excited at the same time ?