Mule
Well-Known Member
If it's a hack and the person can stay on at all 3 gaits, they'd be classified as above novice, for sure.
How to classify your riding ability?
- Thread starter ArklePig
- Start date
scruffyponies
Well-Known Member
The last time I went for a little ride on holiday it was in Morrocco. The horses selected for our family ride were all entire, and would have killed each other if they'd been allowed near enough. There were other horses roughly half a mile away, and mine was desperate to break away and get to them. I don't know if it was my style of riding winding him up, but he was rearing, and really giving me a fight. He went up under a particularly spiky desert tree and flayed my left arm completely before I could get him down again.
I don't think the horses the kids were on were particularly easy either, but they were having so much fun watching me struggle that it steadied their nerves. Lucky we're reasonable riders, although I had been clear that the youngest was only 10. Would have been interesting if we'd only ever ridden riding school plods.
ownedbyaconnie
Well-Known Member
I would always give them a ring/email and explain.
I am balanced at W/T/C and can happily jump a small log etc. However, I just do not get on with ploddy horses that are behind the leg. I think I have the opposite of a hot bottom. I cannot get a tune out of a horse that isn't keen. Now for hacks that doesn't matter so much but when I have had a random lesson at a riding school (with mum just so we can have a bit of pony time together or when my OH was having a few lessons) I always mention it because I don't want to spend that money for 45 mins and get zilch out of it.
My point being a form isn't going to pick up little things like that so just give them a ring.
I am balanced at W/T/C and can happily jump a small log etc. However, I just do not get on with ploddy horses that are behind the leg. I think I have the opposite of a hot bottom. I cannot get a tune out of a horse that isn't keen. Now for hacks that doesn't matter so much but when I have had a random lesson at a riding school (with mum just so we can have a bit of pony time together or when my OH was having a few lessons) I always mention it because I don't want to spend that money for 45 mins and get zilch out of it.
My point being a form isn't going to pick up little things like that so just give them a ring.
teapot
Well-Known Member
Depends on the centre!
Mule
Well-Known Member
I suppose that's true.
Wishfilly
Well-Known Member
I would call them and have a conversation. I used to work at a riding school/trekking centre and we swapped our insurance forms from one which said Beginner/Novice/Intermediate etc, to one with specific boxes to tick for every activity people had done including, importantly, hacking! We used to get a lot of people come who were fine to walk/trot/canter in the school but realised it was very different when you are out in the Cornish countryside!
But as others have said, instructors/ride leaders should be able to sus people out pretty quickly and provide a safe, fun experience for everyone!
I'm another who always tries to undersell myself- after I finished working there, I went travelling and rode in a few different places. When I'm riding a strange horse I always want it to be sane, so I was very careful not to oversell my abilities.
I agree it's also about fitness- if you are used to riding for 1 hour at a time max, all day in the saddle will be challenging.
If you haven't been out hacking much recently, then it would be a good idea to get out for some hacks before booking!
But as others have said, instructors/ride leaders should be able to sus people out pretty quickly and provide a safe, fun experience for everyone!
I'm another who always tries to undersell myself- after I finished working there, I went travelling and rode in a few different places. When I'm riding a strange horse I always want it to be sane, so I was very careful not to oversell my abilities.
I agree it's also about fitness- if you are used to riding for 1 hour at a time max, all day in the saddle will be challenging.
If you haven't been out hacking much recently, then it would be a good idea to get out for some hacks before booking!
Kat
Well-Known Member
I think good places have a more detailed questionnaire than just beginner/novice/intermediate/experienced or they explain what they mean by each classification.
For a riding school lesson in a school it isn't too important as you can give a safe horse and assess things in a safe space but for hacks and treks they really need a better system. Most places I have been have had an enclosed area for you to walk trot and canter in so they can check you aren't a complete numpty before you leave the premises.
I'd suggest phoning them if you aren't sure whether you are up to the standard they require. They would rather explain a bit more than find themselves with someone who isn't up to standard.
For a riding school lesson in a school it isn't too important as you can give a safe horse and assess things in a safe space but for hacks and treks they really need a better system. Most places I have been have had an enclosed area for you to walk trot and canter in so they can check you aren't a complete numpty before you leave the premises.
I'd suggest phoning them if you aren't sure whether you are up to the standard they require. They would rather explain a bit more than find themselves with someone who isn't up to standard.
ArklePig
Well-Known Member
Some of these experiences are frankly terrifying with special mention to the ginger TV and the entire Morrocan horses. On that note, if anyone can recommend anywhere around Ayr, Mull, Lough Ness or Fortwilliam I'd be much obliged..! This is of course assuming at least UK travel is allowed later this year but positive thinking eh.
Shilasdair
Patting her thylacine
Mule
Well-Known Member
IndeedIf only we could all 'stay on at all 3 gaits'...
sportsmansB
Well-Known Member
Actually just thinking about it, one trip I went on in Turkey they were very particular - you had to be able to ride to do the trail, a pretty fast paced and some times rocky and twisty one. But the guide did say that they couldn't rely on the people themselves to tell them their riding ability - They had set up a full trec- type course at the ranch. You got on your horse and had to negotiate the whole thing, which included small drops, signs at which you had to walk, canter, walk again, stony sections, steep inclines etc.
They watched you carefully, and if it seemed like you needed a queter or more strightforward horse, you got one before you left and did the course again. We were in a good group anyway, but it definitely made for a more harmonious experience, as finding out who has control while you are cantering as a group on uneven terrain is not a wonderful feeling!
They watched you carefully, and if it seemed like you needed a queter or more strightforward horse, you got one before you left and did the course again. We were in a good group anyway, but it definitely made for a more harmonious experience, as finding out who has control while you are cantering as a group on uneven terrain is not a wonderful feeling!
mini_b
Well-Known Member
funny isn’t it what situation makes you “forget how to ride” it really does vary for everyone!
SEL
Well-Known Member
Balanced in riding holiday speak usually means you can steer without the 4 walls of an arena to bounce off, won't hang into your horse's mouth or disappear out the side door if the horse trips a bit on rough ground - in all paces. It is definitely worth giving them a call because I've seen what were apparently technically excellent riders (or so they said ?) come unstuck cantering across rough ground.
One of my best riding trips was a group of gung ho middle aged women in Africa. We probably couldn't ride a decent dressage test between us but we all had good seats and were used to riding "off road" - most hunted. The worst was Jordan where the dressage lady had a diva meltdown at riding a barely broken (by her standards) horse and the "eventer" was completely incapable of riding his hot Arab horse off the contact. He spent his time crashing into everyone with the guide telling him to drop his reins - he then spent his evenings telling us what an amazing rider he was ??
One of my best riding trips was a group of gung ho middle aged women in Africa. We probably couldn't ride a decent dressage test between us but we all had good seats and were used to riding "off road" - most hunted. The worst was Jordan where the dressage lady had a diva meltdown at riding a barely broken (by her standards) horse and the "eventer" was completely incapable of riding his hot Arab horse off the contact. He spent his time crashing into everyone with the guide telling him to drop his reins - he then spent his evenings telling us what an amazing rider he was ??
BBP
Well-Known Member
Being a trail guide was the toughest job of my life, because you either had total novices who said they were way more experienced, or you had experienced riders but who weren’t ‘good’ or nice riders, so they weren’t in danger of falling off but the poor horses didn’t get a good ride. When you are trying to cross deep rivers or quicksand areas it’s useful to have a proper assessment of who could do what, but unfortunately my employers took people at their word and we had to adapt as we went. Groups of proper beginners were fine as you knew what you had it the days when we got a group of really good riders were complete delights as we had some really cracking horses for them to enjoy.
I obviously get my forms wrong as I usually get the feisty ones! But I have mostly enjoyed them once I learned that I had to adapt my riding to them rather than expect them to adapt to me. The only trail ride I didn’t enjoy was a very sedate bored out of his brains horse in Madeira. I wanted to get off and lead him as I was so bored and there is no joy in riding a horse that doesn’t like it’s job.
I obviously get my forms wrong as I usually get the feisty ones! But I have mostly enjoyed them once I learned that I had to adapt my riding to them rather than expect them to adapt to me. The only trail ride I didn’t enjoy was a very sedate bored out of his brains horse in Madeira. I wanted to get off and lead him as I was so bored and there is no joy in riding a horse that doesn’t like it’s job.
Kat_Bath
Well-Known Member
OP, look up Blackstone Clydesdales - I have ridden with them a few times as I'm local and they're brilliant. They have a range of horses, all of which love their jobs, with some are more spirited than others and some being more steady. Happy to tell you more if you would like.
As for further north, Mull is pretty quiet but there are a few places and AFAIK, they'll be able to cater for you as they cater for the average tourist during summer months - you know, like the ones up thread who've ridden in Hyde Park for years...
As for further north, Mull is pretty quiet but there are a few places and AFAIK, they'll be able to cater for you as they cater for the average tourist during summer months - you know, like the ones up thread who've ridden in Hyde Park for years...
Errin Paddywack
Well-Known Member
https://www.lungaridingstables.co.uk/
This is where I bought my first appaloosa stallion as a foal back in 1978. I have never ridden with them but believe they are good.
This is where I bought my first appaloosa stallion as a foal back in 1978. I have never ridden with them but believe they are good.
Tarragon
Well-Known Member
Slightly off topic but this thread has brought back memories of a days ride I did on France with a friend's teenage daughter. It was sold as a "River Picnic" ride and the format was to spend the morning riding to a river, then a picnic stop by the river where you and the can have a swim, then ride back. Sounded idyllic.
Anyway we arrived and mounted up and set off. About an hour into the ride someone asked us where we had put our picnic!!! We were supposed to supply our own!! OMG!!! We had brought nothing to eat or drink. Some others in the group felt sorry for us when we stopped by the river and we were given the ends of their baguettes and someone else donated a tin of sardines and some water. Another memorable part of the same ride was when we were crossing a river when several of the horses did a poo, and we could see it floating down the river and straight into the path of a group of canoeists!
Such a long hot day but wonderful. I spent the last hour of the ride thinking about the cooled drinks machine I had spotted at the reception when we arrived.
Anyway we arrived and mounted up and set off. About an hour into the ride someone asked us where we had put our picnic!!! We were supposed to supply our own!! OMG!!! We had brought nothing to eat or drink. Some others in the group felt sorry for us when we stopped by the river and we were given the ends of their baguettes and someone else donated a tin of sardines and some water. Another memorable part of the same ride was when we were crossing a river when several of the horses did a poo, and we could see it floating down the river and straight into the path of a group of canoeists!
Such a long hot day but wonderful. I spent the last hour of the ride thinking about the cooled drinks machine I had spotted at the reception when we arrived.
Orangehorse
Well-Known Member
I do the same, say I'm less experienced if going on a riding holiday. I have hunted and evented - but not for a long time. I can stay on most things if the horse doesn't take active steps to get rid of me! But I want an enjoyable ride on a quiet ride, I'm don't want to be out of control.
In Italy we all had to ride round the arena for about 15 minutes, the Guide was ex cavalry and soon sussed out the ones who needed a different horse.
In USA and France all the guests rode in bitless bridles, the reason given was so that the guest riders didn't maul the horse's mouths. Riding in a group you'd hope that the horses stick together.
In Italy we all had to ride round the arena for about 15 minutes, the Guide was ex cavalry and soon sussed out the ones who needed a different horse.
In USA and France all the guests rode in bitless bridles, the reason given was so that the guest riders didn't maul the horse's mouths. Riding in a group you'd hope that the horses stick together.