Horses on beach

[Jmn15]

Looking into riding on the beach as part of a group. Never done it before! Anyone able to share there experiences please? Just generally wondering how the horses behavior and speed changes as I'm aware beaches can be exciting places for them! I have trekked before on open mountains and galloped but I am wary of riding outside the school.

Thanks!

 

[sasquatch]

I used to take my horse to the beach occasionally

Make sure you're allowed to ride on the beach, some councils allow it, some don't.
Go at a time when there's not going to be many kids/dogs around, for obvious reasons.

My horse gets very excited, I had to hack him down on the roads and he'd get 15 minutes from the beach and then he'd grow about a foot and prance his way down.

A lot of them go down and love a good gallop, and suddenly they're at racehorse fit level!

Personally, I like to let my horse have a gallop and I also like to do slower work because imo he needs to learn beach isn't just for galloping.

It's also good to have an emergency stop. If you know your horse is strong when he's excited then be prepared to need to really give him a pull to pull him up!

The first time mine went to the beach he was nearly unstoppable in a Dutch gag, but as he got more used to it we did get more brakes and I was able to stop when needed in just my loose ring snaffle.

 

[starry23]

Depends on the horse.

My first ever proper beach ride was on a friends horse. It was just me and him with my friend on foot. I had a great time playing about on the beach, going for a canter and gallop, splashing through some water. He was great and behaved exactly as he did out hacking (had a little quirk or squealing and taking off for a couple of strides at that point but nothing nasty and nothing I wasn't already used to) so I didn't have an issue riding him at all.

The second time I went I was riding a horse from a trekking centre and he was very well behaved. No problems at all, he knew his job.

The third time I went to the beach was the first time I went with my horse. I'd had her for a few months and knew her reasonably well, had done some XC and RC competitions on her. We had the same friend and horse that I'd ridden last time with us as a sensible buddy. My horse looked like she'd never set foot on a beach in her life. Legs all over the place, flared nostrils, wide eyes etc. We walked around and the sight of the wet sand changing as she stepped on it was a bit mind-blowing for her. We did a little bit of trotting and cantering... all very wobbly, side-ways. Then we reached a little trickle of water flowing down the beach towards the sea when we were cantering. My horse slammed the brakes on and I went over her shoulder, somehow landed on my feet holding the reins. The second time I took her to the beach with a group of horses she was brilliant. Very speedy and liked to be at the front of the gallop but controllable (just as she was out hacking).

If you are going to a trekking centre/riding school you'll probably find the horses will know their job and be fairly sensible. I have found riding on the beach to be similar to riding in an open field or long gallop track. If you are taking your own horse and haven't taken it before then no-one can tell you how it will turn out! I love riding on the beach, it is great fun

 

[Jmn15]

I would be going with a riding school where the horses are generally calmer. But when a horse wants to go they want to go! Thats my only concern really. That on top of the fact it is Possibly bareback. Thank you both!!

 

[flurryjuno]

If you're going to a place that does beach rides the horses generally know their job and theres no worry, whereas if you're taking your own for the first time its a whole different scenario! First time I take mine down I generally let them have a look about, potter about for a few minutes then start treating it as a schooling session for 10 mins. Eventually the excitement wears off and THEN we go for a gallop and a mess about. After a while they know they're not allowed to go charging off as they please

Good thing if you have brakes, maybe up the bit for a first time just in case and go with a sane and sensible buddy for reassurance

 

[sasquatch]

I would be going with a riding school where the horses are generally calmer. But when a horse wants to go they want to go! Thats my only concern really. That on top of the fact it is Possibly bareback. Thank you both!!

Would you be riding the RS horses?
If so, then it's normally fine! The horses know their jobs and while they perk up they generally behave as you'd expect a RS horse to behave.

You could always speak to the people in charge if you're concerned about the bareback part - generally you'd be riding bareback if you're going in the sea. I'm sure if you spoke to the RS they'd be able to sort something out for you.

Beach riding is great fun, I hope you enjoy it!

 

[Jmn15]

Yes I would be. I have ridden bareback before but never in a canter. I will be speaking to them about it as I haven't said whether I am or not. Thank you!

 

[Red-1]

It depends on your horse.
Charlie Horse took to it straight away, we had a FAB time.

Next was Sherlock, and I realised once I was aboard that maybe I should have lunged...

And it was the third trip before he really settled.

So, with Jay I played it safe and DID lunge, then he was no problem whatsoever...

I even went into the water in-hand. After that he was happy to canter trough the waves. The beach was just a fun day at the office for him

In all seriousness, I prefer to go with a pair, we walk for a while, then agree a "schooling area" where we do some trot schooling. When all is well we have a canter, go for a paddle, have a gallop. It is the first bit, where if that is taken steadily they cope well and enjoy the day. I have found that when first faced with the sea they take a moment or two to assess the magnitude of the water. If allowed to process it all then they are fine.

Have a GREAT time!

 

[Red-1]

Oooh, while I pratting around uploading pictures I see you have added more and are going with a RS. The horses should be fine, you will have a fantastic time I am sure.

Photos pleas!

 

[ZondaR]

I am quite an experienced beach rider. You should know you are not allowed between life guard flags. Be very conscious of where people, children and dogs are, keep well away from them, most love to see the horses but there are always some who want to have a go at you for being there and leaving poo on the beach or in the water. Will there be kite surfers or wind surfers there? The big kits and sales can frighten some horses expecially the kites which can be in the air on the beach. Be careful which side of shore fishermen you pass on (not the side with the rod and line). If you want to take a rare opportunity and do a flat out gallop walk, trot or working canter over the ground first to check for unexpected lines of soft sand, holes, stoney bits, etc. Then turn back and go for it!!! It is the most exhillerating thing ever!!! If you lose control, turn for the sea, the water won't be long slowing him down and putting you back in control. If the tide is too far away, circle until you have him back.

Nearly forgot, some horses like to roll if you take them for a little walk in the water, even if it is up to their hocks. I also know people who take off the saddle, leave on the bridle and go for a swim with the horse.
I would highly recommend you ride him like stole him! Have a ball.

(not at all jealous)