lizsmith
Active Member
Hello, just wondering do any of you take part in organised fun/charity rides? if so what do you think of them and what sort of tips and ideas can you give me? i am thinking of doing some in the summer 
Horse fun rides
- Thread starter lizsmith
- Start date
lachlanandmarcus
Well-Known Member
I used to do all the local sponsored rides in the home counties and now in Aberdeenshire I have done an endurance pleasure ride and aim to do more now I have transport and pony is sound, touch wood.
The sponsored rides are great fun. Not ideal for a horse that can't cope with being passed or having to pass other horses but apart frm that great. Possibly good to step up the brakes bit wise if it's a first one. All the ones I did had optional jumps so you only jumped if you wanted to.
If you are nervous then you could try to get a starting slot near the end, also organisers will sometimes if you ask and you are by yourself pair you up with someone. (endurance rides will also do this, pleasure rides you need to be capable of hacking at a good trot for approx 1.5 to 2 hours so need decent fitness, but most branches also do 10km taster rides which would be suitable for any horse that is hacked out regularly for an hour or more including some trot and canter)
It's a great way of having a decent blast on good ground on a safe route and raising some money for charity at the same time. Recommend them.
The sponsored rides are great fun. Not ideal for a horse that can't cope with being passed or having to pass other horses but apart frm that great. Possibly good to step up the brakes bit wise if it's a first one. All the ones I did had optional jumps so you only jumped if you wanted to.
If you are nervous then you could try to get a starting slot near the end, also organisers will sometimes if you ask and you are by yourself pair you up with someone. (endurance rides will also do this, pleasure rides you need to be capable of hacking at a good trot for approx 1.5 to 2 hours so need decent fitness, but most branches also do 10km taster rides which would be suitable for any horse that is hacked out regularly for an hour or more including some trot and canter)
It's a great way of having a decent blast on good ground on a safe route and raising some money for charity at the same time. Recommend them.
PiebaldRosie
Well-Known Member
I live and breathe fun rides as much as I can in the summer-they're just brilliant! 
If you're anywhere near Banbury sort of way I can recommend a few good ones
A few general tips:
Most of all, you will have a fab, fab time! Definitely my most favourite equestrian activity ever!
If you're anywhere near Banbury sort of way I can recommend a few good ones A few general tips:
- You can normally start between 9 and 1...if you or the horse is nervous or you want a more peaceful ride, definitely set off nearer the beginning (9 sharp) or end.
- Likewise, if you want to jump a lot the ground gets poached v. quickly in some places and people hare around so best to leave as early as poss. I'd recommend aiming to get there 40ish mins before the ride starts so you can sort yourself out, get your number and set off asap
- No. 1 priority: Get your horse used to other horses passing at all paces if you can...sometimes fun rides aren't the most controlled environments although everyone means well!
- Take a few human and horse snacks to pass the time!
- As lachlanandmarcus said, make sure you and your horse are comfortable and not dripping on 1.5/2hr-ish rides and you'll have loads of fun
- Jumps usually seem to be optional, so don't worry if you're not so keen. Sometimes it's nice to watch a few people over the jumps, anyway.
- If it's raining or blowing a gale, fun rides normally aren't so fun. Hate to sound like a fair-weather rider but we normally only go if it's sunny/cloudy because sometimes it gets a bit slippy/dangerous.
Most of all, you will have a fab, fab time! Definitely my most favourite equestrian activity ever!
soltydog
Well-Known Member
I have done a lot they are great, usually get to ride on private estates that are not normally open to us.
My youngster did his first 3 last year and was very prancy and side ways with other horses passing and going away from us. I have my first one on 7th April this year and I am hoping he will be better having got a few under our belt, but will go for late time so hopefully we will be the last ones setting off.
My youngster did his first 3 last year and was very prancy and side ways with other horses passing and going away from us. I have my first one on 7th April this year and I am hoping he will be better having got a few under our belt, but will go for late time so hopefully we will be the last ones setting off.