I rode an ex race horse!

[Shantara]

I decided since I'm buying Ned in Feb, I should try and ride a few of the other horses at the yard while I still have the chance. So I asked for Viking Spirit! (Youtube him, he's won a few times)
He's such a pleasure in every way! Easy to tack up (pretty much falls asleep), easy to get on and easy to ride!

We did lots of trotting, he's got such a big, floaty stride, it was kinda nice compared to Ned's half pace, half trot, half canter, half walk!
His canter is a bit more effort to sit to than Ned's Ned's is smooth and quick, but Viking's is uuuuuppppppp, ddoooowwwnnnn, uuuupppp, doooowwwwn and very long!
He wasn't strong or silly at all Very lovely ride!

YO asked me how I liked riding Viking and I said "I love him! He's such a good boy" and she said "Well, you're not having him instead of Ned, I hope you know that!" Haha!

 

[LauraWheeler]

He looks so sweet. Glad you had a nice ride. All the ex races I've ridden have been nutters. I rode one on the beach once and it bronked, unseated me then bolted with me hanging off the side. There was no way I was falling off on the nuddy beach though

 

[trickivicki]

I've been meaning to ask... how did Ned get on at the show? Did Jobys lucky bit help at all?

 

[Shantara]

LauraWheeler - He's so calm! I had my reins at the buckle most of the way, even during the canters Our other ex racer however, he's very stereotypical haha! He's a nutter if you try and jump him though, but that's because he was a flat racer and doesn't 'get' jumping. I'm sure he'll get there though

TrickiVicki - Sadly, all the in-hand shows were cancelled this year, I'm so upset!! I'm hoping to get him out to other shows next year though So I will use it then f'sure!!
I did do a jumping show, but he was so wound up, that I put him back in his gag. We got 2nd and 4th!

 

[geegee1959]

He looks a nice Lad,glad you enjoyed your ride,you are braver than me

 

[Shantara]

He looks a nice Lad,glad you enjoyed your ride,you are braver than me

He's so gorgeous ^^ I've not ridden him since he first came, fresh off the track and he was pretty strong back then, but he's chilled out so much

 

[SNORKEY]

He looks lovely. I rode an ex race horse in Lanzarote once, probably nothing that decent as she'd ended up in a riding school there, but she was the fastest thing I'd ever ridden and the school was in the edge of a cliff, I was terrified she was going to jump the fence! Lol

 

[Lolo]

Dunno how we managed it, but my sister must have the 2 most 'normal' ex-racers ever Both in snaffles for everything, never strong... Al wants to learn to do sidesaddle on Reg (he's just that wild...)!

Viking is very cute Do you think he could lend a big floaty trot? Everyone expects him to have one as he's just solid and workmanlike in it

 

[bumblelion]

I love exracers! But then I'm biased as iv owned one now for 6 years! He's not the easiest ride and if not worked daily, resorts back to racehorse mode! He's pretty high maintenance too, in almost every way but he's my best friend and I wouldn't change his little quirks for anything 😊

 

[Nannon]

Same as Lolo - my ex racer is in a snaffle and cavesson! He will walk without even thinking to jog in a field that looks perfect for galloping as it goes on forever, stands like a rock for the farrier, dentist, chiro and vet even when my youngster is galloping round the field in front of him!! Love him to bits, the most affectionate and loveable horse I have ever owned

 

[Leaf]

ahhhhhhh my OH used to ride him, says he was a "proper dude" and a good sprinter with lovely owners. He is very happy to see a picture of him and hear he is well and loved!