Horseboarding

[abbijay]

Ok my hubby is adamant that we should have a go at horse boarding so has gone and bought a tow rope and handle but i have absolutely no idea how to connect it to Big Pony without wrecking his saddle. Has anyone got any tips? Thanx.

 

[rhino]

KatPT is a horseboarder, why don't you send her a pm?

 

[abbijay]

Thanks Rhino, I'll look her up!

 

[BBP]

Hi abbi, just seen your pm but my phone won't let me reply there for some reason,

 

[BBP]

As I've just shown by sending that last bit too early I am rubbish on phone so will send proper reply from computer when I get home tonight!

 

[Ceris Comet]

Any pics Kat ? I've no idea what horseboarding is. Thanks

 

[ghostie]

I opened this thread expecting it to be about horsey equivalents to kennels and catteries for when you go on your hols

Now I'm intrigued - what is horseboarding?!

 

[HappyNeds]

I opened this thread expecting it to be about horsey equivalents to kennels and catteries for when you go on your hols

Now I'm intrigued - what is horseboarding?!

I've never done it ! but if you google it you will find these pics which explain what it is...

 

[lazybee]

I looked into this a while back as I fancied 'playing' I looked into Skijoring as the principal is virtually the same. If you just want to try it out you can attach a single line to the "D" ring on the back of the saddle (if it has one) or what most of the Skijoring people use is a breast plate from a driving harness and attach lines to the tug buckles or quick release shackles. The breast plate buckles are also attached to the girth with thin straps.

PS don't forget the Motocross body armour.

 

[mandwhy]

Haha that looks amazing! How do you slow down/stop though??

 

[BBP]

Hiya, finally made it to a proper computer! We use a rope rig on the saddle - essentially a loop of rope that runs around the back of the cantle, between the saddle flaps and then both ends of rope down along the tree from pommel towards cantle and tied together at the back. We then have a small loop which we attach a carabiner to and then the end of the tow rope has a quick release clip on it (the kind you get on trailer ties where you pull the slide on it and the rope releases from the saddle). You MUST have this quick release. All horses should also wear a suitable breastplate just in case. I haven't seen any horses object or have problems with this set up (and I am the first to critisise things that might be damaging!), the hardest part for the horse is if it jumps off slightly to the side of the boarder at the start as then the pressure is slightly sideways.

The riders (and boarders) responsibility is then to maintain tension on the rope and not let any slack get near the horse that it can tangle in. When towing, to stop, the rider first releases the quick release to the tow rope so that the horse is moving forwards as the rope drops to the ground. The boarder must then either gently roll to a stop, or when racing, sit down and essentially crash! The horse can pull up once it is clear or boarder and rope. If you slow the horse then release the rope you are asking for an accident - the boarder has no brakes so slack rope will end up near the horses legs.

The boarder must have control over the board and be able to stop even at speed (control the crash) as otherwise you risk the boarder crashing into the back of the horse if the horse pulls up fast.

Any sensible horse can get used to towing if introduced gently, but for racing you need the right temperament and a good sound fit horse, as the races are flat out.

this is me last year (the rider) where we were National Champions

 

[Orangehorse]

Cripes - a sport for fit young people.

I would be a bit wary about introducing ropes around the back end of a horse for the first time or two, and they have to get used to the idea of towing a weight. There must be a right way and a wrong way to do that!

I have seen this in France where it is apparently very popular. Looks like the competition was at Malvern - when did it take place?

 

[Ceris Comet]

What pace do the races start at ?

 

[BBP]

Introducing the ropes and board has to be done carefully, my young horse isn't suitable as he is too sensitive and reactive, so you have to know the horse. We did malvern 3 counties and the autumn show last year and are back again this year. There is no such thing as an easy race, we hit top speeds of 35mph in the 100m. Obviously some horses are slower but may be more reliable at the start and gain points through getting the boarder to the other end safely every time, rather than a few fast races and lots of wipeouts. Boarders, horses and riders are all assesed for competence and safety at speed before being allowed to race.

 

[MissSBird]

KatPT - my sister is a snowboarder and seriously interested in this, and roping me and my (relatively sane thankfully) boy into this. Have you any recommendations how we can start off?

 

[BBP]

I'd say look up 8th Day UK Horseboarding on facebook and get in touch with Dan from there, he can give you better advice than me...I just get on and ride!