Going on fun rides alone?

RubysGold

RubysGold

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Do you/have you been to a fun ride alone?

I really fancy going on some fun rides next year, maybe join the Endurance group for their non competitive rides. But I don't have any horse friends :(
Is it a REALLY bad plan to go alone??
I kept eyeing them up last year but not going because I couldn't get anyone to go with!

I would love to go on some of these rides in the countryside!
 
I did the Newmarket MacMillan ride on my own. First time on my own, first time ridden out in strange company, first time with more than 2 other horses.

The worst thing? Forgetting to leave the headcollar in an easy to reach place and having to load the pony to get it, then take the pony off to untack and wash off etc!! Oh and needing the loo and hoping someone will take lookout on your horse :)

Do it, you won't be the only person on your own and you will naturally fall into step with someone else :)
 
I went on my first drag hunt on my own and had a lovely time. On a practical level, you do have to have a back up plan if things go wrong, doesn't have to be awful, a sprained ankle would leave you a bit stuffed.
 
I would be ok in most situations I think, on the basis that I don't travel alone. My dad is the person that tows (I haven't done my test) so I'd be ok for anything that requires extra hands.

Its just the riding side of it. I have to ride alone from my yard mostly. There is one person I occasionally hack out with but she wouldn't go to anything like that. And no other liveries ride with me.
 
I have a couple of times but when I get there, I have usually managed to team up with others riders who are also on the ride alone.
 
If your horse is fairly sensible and you feel confident, then go for it! I've done lots of fun rides and there are always people there who have gone alone - some join other groups of riders for parts of the ride (we've often given leads to lone-riders past scary things like pigs or simply 'adopted' those who want a bit of a chat!) and others prefer to stay by themselves. They're usually very easy to navigate, especially if you go at a busy time when you can follow others if you can't find the next flag (rare!), and in my experience they've always been really well organised with lovely volunteers all the way around to make sure you get to the next point safely. I've luckily always been in the position where I have others with me, though would have taken my last horse to a fun ride alone as I knew him well and would have felt happy doing so. x
 
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I haven't been on one by myself however we have regularly adopted lone riders, even just for a while. Not everyone wants to go at the same speed all of the time so you can ride different parts alone or with people as you like. My friend that I ride with goes alone sometimes had still has great fun. Good luck.
 
Go for it, I'm sure once you get there you're bound to make a friend or 2 :) I used to do everything by myself show's etc and I made a new friend out hacking who had to help me get my horse past a pig, made loads of friends at show's to just in collecting rings and stood watching by rings waiting to go in:) it's amazing where you make new friends, and i'm sure once you go you'll make lots of friends to do other things with :) good luck if you do go.
 
Go on your own and make some new friends! If endurance in the UK is anything like it is here, you will have new friends 5 minutes after you arrive. I also joined an adult riding club a few years ago and went on my own, and made a whole lot more friends.
 
I used to go to loads on my own and enjoyed it. People are friendly and will speak to you so go for it (the first one is always the worst). Life's to short so enjoy it while out can :-)
 
Just do it!! I nearly always go alone and have done for many years. The one time I got injured there was a couple going home my way and the husband drove me and my float in convoy with his wife to within a very short distance of home. I'm sure if I had been hurt worse they would have taken me all the way home! People are lovely when you need them!! You do need to be positive though!!
 
I have been been my own and met some lovely people that I ended up riding with, if on your own it means you can go your own pace without worrying about upsetting others in the group. Take a bucket and if u need a wee go in trailer so u don't have to leave horse. Also if poss stop by tent and register on way in if not try to park near registering place and leave loaded until registered, you will have "such fun"
 
Go for it OP. It is sometimes a lot better to do stuff like pleasure rides on your own, as then you'll be able to choose your own pace & way of going, whereas if you're with others you'll feel pressured into either going too fast (when your mount is being a total t!t), OR having to slog along at the slowest pace because someone in your group is nervous.

A bit like hunting on your own basically; the first time you do it, it feels a bit daunting/scarey, but then you learn to make your own decisions and follow your own line, and then you even get to enjoy it solo.

If doing a pleasure ride its nicest IME to buddy up with just one other person: as I've got two horses they do go best together without anyone else, so I'd put a friend up on one and do that, if I were going.

If you're doing an Endurance ride, then don't hesitate to get hold of your local Endurance GB group beforehand and tell them you're coming on your own. I've a friend who does endurance and they seem to be a really nice crowd who would doubtless look out for you and buddy you up with someone who's an old hand. Just go for it - and enjoy!
 
I'm another who goes on my own quite a bit.
Daunting the 1st time going to new place/meet etc, but it does work.

I leave a laminated card on the dash with emergency contact numbers (inc someone who could take care of horse!) and also the yard postcode on it too.

I always tell the organiser of an event or hunt secretary that I am flying solo, and carry a small credit card sized sheet in my pocket of contact numbers too.

Go for it & I hope you enjoy it :)
 
When you send your entry in, why not just add to it you will be on your own, and maybe the organiser can pair you up with someone else in your situation? I organise a fun ride, and I havwe had it a few times, and have been able to help.
 
I prefer going on my own usually! Not sure my new pony will cope with them but Pip loved going, on his own or with a similarly speedy pony :) We used them as mock marathons and not many people want to trot relatively fast solid for 45 mins 10 min walk and then as many canters as poss for the next 45 mins! He's rock solid and we'd jump most things :)
 
I nearly always went on my own. Much easier as you go at ones own pace. When I went with others they always went to fast or too slow. I enjoyed riding in a new area and so did my boy. On the odd occasion when I went with others I ended up nannying or with someone who was just too gung-ho!
 
The few I have done I did alone and it was fantastic you can chose your own pace and keep out of trouble. Usually towards the end I have joined another rider or two which helps keep the motivation up when getting a little tired.
TFF that is a good tip about a note on the car will have to remember that.
I fancied one ride but could not go because they would not allow solo riders which was a shame. Most do not have a problem with it.
 
Where in Yorkshire are you? If you buddy up with someone you have to be sure they are on the same wavelength as you!! I've been in a few situations in the past from one extreme to the other :) Sometimes it can be more fun on your own, at your own pace.
 
I have been on my own, and was kindly 'adopted' by some passing riders as the chesnut git was being a seriously pratty pillock.

I arrived in good time to be first off and get round quick, but the ambulance was late and I was not allowed to start for 20 minutes, which messed up my carefully laid cunning plan! I found people to be very friendly and helpful.
 
I have been on my own a few times, but got myself "adopted" by the riders in front. We stayed a way back from them, but it was nice to have someone to follow (as it was a bit of a confusing route).
 
The last ride i did alone, believe it or not, Shy's next door stable mate did too within minutes us setting off. But we both did the ride alone. I have no idea why, but the other owner (Angela G on Harvest) decided she did not want to do the ride with us, told me she was "meeting friends" at the ride, and then did it alone, as did we. She looked pretty stupid arriving back alone, whereas Shy and I had a great time having been adopted.

I will never forget that slight, Angela. Glad Harvest found a new home.
 
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