Fun ride

[Lotsoflemons]

Hi i have my first fun ride tommorow and im really nervous can someone give me a idea of what to expect?

 

[HappyHollyDays]

It really depends on who is organising it but all the ones I’ve been to this year have been great, time slots to start so no en masse gatherings with people charging off from the lorry park. Polite riders and on at least three of the rides I have hardly seen anyone else on the course but I either go early or late so miss the busier times. I always travel my BF horse ready to ride so he is fully booted with knee boots on as well. On arrival I put bridles on in the trailer and then stand them at the rear to put saddles on. Hop on, head for the start and listen to the Covid briefing then go. Always thank the gate and road marshals if there are any, smile for the photographer and enjoy yourself.

 

[Lotsoflemons]

It really depends on who is organising it but all the ones I’ve been to this year have been great, time slots to start so no en masse gatherings with people charging off from the lorry park. Polite riders and on at least three of the rides I have hardly seen anyone else on the course but I either go early or late so miss the busier times. I always travel my BF horse ready to ride so he is fully booted with knee boots on as well. On arrival I put bridles on in the trailer and then stand them at the rear to put saddles on. Hop on, head for the start and listen to the Covid briefing then go. Always thank the gate and road marshals if there are any, smile for the photographer and enjoy yourself.

Thank you that's helped alot sadly my pony is lame so ive had to borrow a friend's horse so i was a bit nervous about that aswell but she said once she's settled she'd really good thank you

 

[The Xmas Furry]

If you are apprehensive, I find it's best to get on, go straight to the start and that a good long trot from the start settles wobbly riders and alert fuzzies.
Lots of good advice from LL

 

[Lotsoflemons]

If you are apprehensive, I find it's best to get on, go straight to the start and that a good long trot from the start settles wobbly riders and alert fuzzies.
Lots of good advice from LL

Ye my mum has suggested getting her owner to ride her for 20-30 mins to make sure she's ok but i think if i ride around the lorry Park and shes alright i might just go instead of waiting around anxiously

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Ye my mum has suggested getting her owner to ride her for 20-30 mins to make sure she's ok but i think if i ride around the lorry Park and shes alright i might just go instead of waiting around anxiously

Then hop on and circle in walk till you can go. With a sharp one, even swapping riders doesn't make much difference till you can get going.
I have a friend who leaves all the admin to me, at the last minute she tacks up, crabs over to start and we trot for the 1st mile. Her Fuzzy is then relaxed enough for friend to enjoy the ride, just like at home
Have fun!

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Lotsoflemons one of mine always starts out very on his toes but once we begin trotting and cantering he settles really well. I have found tensing up and holding him back makes him more edgy so I just relax, sit deep and let him stride out for the first few fields until it’s out of his system. Never failed yet and I’m not afraid to admit I will make use of his neck strap if I need to ? and our first canter is usually up hill.

I doubt your friend would let you borrow her horse if she didn’t think you were capable of riding it competently so try not to worry and enjoy the countryside you wouldn’t normally get to ride on.

 

[Lotsoflemons]

Thank you ?

Lotsoflemons one of mine always starts out very on his toes but once we begin trotting and cantering he settles really well. I have found tensing up and holding him back makes him more edgy so I just relax, sit deep and let him stride out for the first few fields until it’s out of his system. Never failed yet and I’m not afraid to admit I will make use of his neck strap if I need to ? and our first canter is usually up hill.

I doubt your friend would let you borrow her horse if she didn’t think you were capable of riding it competently so try not to worry and enjoy the countryside you wouldn’t normally get to ride on.[/QUOTE

 

[Ranyhyn]

You'll have a great time.

Worst waste of time in the world is trying to fight back an onward bound horse at the start. Let her run out for a bit and she'll settle. If not. Gloves enjoy yourself! x

 

[Lotsoflemons]

Thank you her owner so that shes fine once settled shes quite unfit so im hoping she just tires out after a few canters just to get it out her system if she's excited

 

[Milliechaz]

Same as Lindylouanne, i've been to loads but have now learnt to ask if everybody leaves at the same time or staggered. Only ever went on one where everybody went together and had to turn round literally within 5 minutes because I was scared to death she would drop and have had a heart attack she was so excited. She wasn't doing anything dangerous, but was literally dripping in sweat within minutes. I'e done too many to count where you can set off when you want and we always choose to go at the end because if you go in the beginning you always have the lunnys coming up behind and wanting to overtake. I love fun rides, all of the ones I have been on have been so well organised and you can do them at your own pace which is brilliant. As said above, put your bridle on in the trailer. I even put boots on ready under travelling boots, not because she does anything silly just because it makes things easier.

Enjoy and have fun

 

[Lotsoflemons]

Same as Lindylouanne, i've been to loads but have now learnt to ask if everybody leaves at the same time or staggered. Only ever went on one where everybody went together and had to turn round literally within 5 minutes because I was scared to death she would drop and have had a heart attack she was so excited. She wasn't doing anything dangerous, but was literally dripping in sweat within minutes. I'e done too many to count where you can set off when you want and we always choose to go at the end because if you go in the beginning you always have the lunnys coming up behind and wanting to overtake. I love fun rides, all of the ones I have been on have been so well organised and you can do them at your own pace which is brilliant. As said above, put your bridle on in the trailer. I even put boots on ready under travelling boots, not because she does anything silly just because it makes things easier.

Enjoy and have fun

Ye due to covid its all been pre entered alot of people have cancelled due to the bad weather so that might help we are setting off at 11am and the first ride goes at 9.50am so hopefully the more serious riders will be gone by then horses go every 5 mins i think so it gives you time to get ahead

 

[Lotsoflemons]

Ye due to covid its all been pre entered alot of people have cancelled due to the bad weather so that might help we are setting off at 11am and the first ride goes at 9.50am so hopefully the more serious riders will be gone by then horses go every 5 mins i think so it gives you time to get ahead

Due to it being bad weather hopefully people will be a bit slower

 

[Milliechaz]

Due to it being bad weather hopefully people will be a bit slower

Yes don't rely on that, while 99% of people are really polite you always get the odd knobhead!!!

 

[18hhOlls&Me]

Hi i have my first fun ride tommorow and im really nervous can someone give me a idea of what to expect?

The clue is in the name! Although of course it’s normal to be apprehensive about riding out with horses (and riders!) you don’t know, most people who participate know their horses or ponies are placid enough to mix in a crowd like that. If your horse is known to be anxious in large crowds, consider lungeing it beforehand, and also if you can find ‘calming cookies’ which are organic herbal biscuits that will just take the edge off any anxiety your horse may have encountering a mixed herd. The events are very well run and of course don’t forget the more calm and confident you are, your horse will be too. If you feel that you or your horse are becoming anxious to the point it’s dangerous and putting others in danger, dismount and lead it away, alerting an official. But much more likely you will find it a fantastic time and will give you the confidence to keep attending! They are relaxed events and not usually attended by riders whose horses do not suit those type of environments. You wouldn’t even be considering attending if you didn’t have trust in your horse, and there is a first time for everything! I know you may be skeptical but YouTube yoga for equestrians and breathing exercises to do before hand so you are in your best frame of mind. I’m sure you will have a blast, let us know how you get on! X

 

[18hhOlls&Me]

The clue is in the name! Although of course it’s normal to be apprehensive about riding out with horses (and riders!) you don’t know, most people who participate know their horses or ponies are placid enough to mix in a crowd like that. If your horse is known to be anxious in large crowds, consider lungeing it beforehand, and also if you can find ‘calming cookies’ which are organic herbal biscuits that will just take the edge off any anxiety your horse may have encountering a mixed herd. The events are very well run and of course don’t forget the more calm and confident you are, your horse will be too. If you feel that you or your horse are becoming anxious to the point it’s dangerous and putting others in danger, dismount and lead it away, alerting an official. But much more likely you will find it a fantastic time and will give you the confidence to keep attending! They are relaxed events and not usually attended by riders whose horses do not suit those type of environments. You wouldn’t even be considering attending if you didn’t have trust in your horse, and there is a first time for everything! I know you may be skeptical but YouTube yoga for equestrians and breathing exercises to do before hand so you are in your best frame of mind. I’m sure you will have a blast, let us know how you get on! X

Just read the whole thread and I think it’s all good advice. Positive thinking and a calm contact and good seat will get you through any initial dizziness most likely. I’m sure you are experienced enough to know the difference between a little silly excitement and genuine fear from the horse your friend has lent you. If possible hack the horse out with a companion before hand x

 

[Lotsoflemons]

Sorry for the late reply but it went amazingly i have recently got a new pony and haven't been on 3 fun rides now including the beach! " thank you all

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Well done, glad you have had so much fun and congratulations on getting your new pony.

 

[Lotsoflemons]

Thank you!