Fun Ride??

If you are worried I wouldn't go. I organised a fun ride a few years ago and a few of the more nervous people really struggled because its only natural for the horse to get het up anyway - then add in a nervous rider - not a good mix.

Why not take him out a few times before that and do some fast work in company etc to get yourself more confident on him?

When you get a new horse will you be looking for something more sensible that you can have fun on? Because fun rides are really great when you are enjoying yourself!
 
I absolutely love FUN rides (or we call them sponsored rides) and yes I’m one of the ones that bombs
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around but then I am completely confident that I can handle and control Bodey. I would say do it but only if you feel confident as most are fast! ,
 
I have introduced 2 horses to fun rides and in both cases I made sure I started AT THE VERY END. I wasn't worried if I was the last person to start at the very last minute, as then I knew that no-one would be coming up behind me at a flat out gallop.

Even if you have a quiet older horse as a companion, with a new one, start at the end when the speed merchants have gone their merry way.

If the horse is excited, Let it trot for the first bit if at all possible, until it is puffing, and that should take some of the bounce out of it. But make sure it is going at the pace you dictate and don't have a pulling match. Fun rides are only fun if your horse is a pleasure to ride, otherwise it is a nightmare and i have experienced both.
 
personally i find fun rides the exact opposite of fun....i always end up getting arms wrenched out and horse leaping around or piling into the fences way too fast and out of control (this has been my experience on both of my older horses who both evented and were generally very sensible). given your issues with alfie i wouldn't risk it TBH
are there no farm rides near you that you and OH could go on? they are usually quieter but you can have a good canter and pop a few small fences...
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ok i most prob wont go.. i see all your comments and what your horses do so i dont think i will be able to cope with it.. like the little confidence i have i dont really want to lose it
thank you all for your help.. x

Horse crazy 2, im selling him as we just dont get on he naps with me and iv lost all confidence in myself and him, but hes fantastic for experianced riders shame as hes so lovely
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Horses do tend to get pretty excited. Best to be almost the last to go, so nobody much is passing - all you have to worry about then is the others they can see in front of them! There are always riders who will bomb past you even if you are having problems, maybe because they can't control their own pace. Irresponsible, selfish, or plain stupid, manners cost nothing and it's a shame so few people riding at these events seem to remember that. Getting carted isn't fun, been there and got the t-shirt, and not everyone knows how their horse is going to behave, but some people do seem to think it's a 'fastest time' competition - which it obviously isn't!

Have you hacked Alfie out, and cantered, with your OH's horse? It would be a really good idea to make sure they are happy walking, trotting and cantering together first. Speaking to the other rider that knows him would be sensible too.

And if you do go, or jump him anywhere at all, wear a body protector!
 
hiya, thanks for the info im pretty much sure im not going to take him as reading all this has got me abit worried i know he WILL want to catchup hes that kind of horse and admitting i WONT be able to handle him, makes me sound silly but im just honist.. my OH horse is a plod but he does get excited even just walking in the field lol so i think i best sit this one out such a shame but i WILL ride in one someday lol x
 
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