Fun Ride Help!

[Barney80]

I'm taking my horse to our first fun ride on Sunday EEEK!

I have no idea how he will react and although he can get excited by situations its generally feeding off my nerves and as we get into the swing of things he calms down quickly.

I've taken him XC schooling and done a few hunter trials including pairs rounds so I know we have breaks however I've not done fast work in a large group.

Its and escorted ride and I have friends going in different ride types and wanted some advice on which you think would be most suitable for a first timer!

The first ride is over 10 miles and will involve all paces - no problem with fitness for this.

The other ride I can do is over a shorter distance, with the pace of walk and trot only.

The ride is over common land so trails within open spaces - Do you guys think the change of paces on the faster ride will keep him focused and less likely to blow his brain or will he relax more if we are just going at a gentle pace?

Any advice or experiences are wellcome x

 

[J1993]

I'm taking my horse to our first fun ride on Sunday EEEK!

I have no idea how he will react and although he can get excited by situations its generally feeding off my nerves and as we get into the swing of things he calms down quickly.

I've taken him XC schooling and done a few hunter trials including pairs rounds so I know we have breaks however I've not done fast work in a large group.

Its and escorted ride and I have friends going in different ride types and wanted some advice on which you think would be most suitable for a first timer!

The first ride is over 10 miles and will involve all paces - no problem with fitness for this.

The other ride I can do is over a shorter distance, with the pace of walk and trot only.

The ride is over common land so trails within open spaces - Do you guys think the change of paces on the faster ride will keep him focused and less likely to blow his brain or will he relax more if we are just going at a gentle pace?

Any advice or experiences are wellcome x

Go for the fast ride and have fun!!

 

[tiga71]

Agree. Go for the fast ride. If he is a bit excited, having a canter will get the ants out of pants and he will soon settle.

Fast is fun!

 

[Orangehorse]

I disagree. If this is his first ride in company then keep it quiet and low key, otherwise if you do lots of cantering the next time he will get really excited when going out in a group. You build up excitment gradually.

Also, if you go on a fun ride by yourself with a novice horse I have always gone at the very end, so you don't keep being overtaken by faster riders and you can go at your own pace, which can include canter and jumping if you want, but you don't end up racing the others!

 

[Barney80]

Thanks guys! I think the fact its escorted and we will be riding as a pack is the biggest factor which is making me question which ride to go on.

I have people I can pair up on each of the rides and I think going at the back is a good option for either of them - Hes not got the quickest legs so I think we'd be playing catch up on either ride.

Half of me just wants to bite the bullet and do the fast ride but i completly take on board your advice Orangehorse as i'd like to do the badminton fun ride which is a much more exciting atmosphere so would like this to be a good experience.

Thanks Again x