Is riding on camber sands dangerous?

[rennhm]

Hello

Myself and a friend are planning on taking our horses down to camber sands near Rye at the end of February but is it safe to ride there? I've always seen horses on it when I've walked the dogs there but apparently the sand can be quite tempermental? Also are there any rules eg riding between certain hours? Any comments or experiences will be much appreciated!

 

[brightmount]

Here's the info you need:

http://www.rother.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=1472

The sand can be very soft towards Rye harbour end, that's to the far right as you go on to the beach from the car park. If you don't go too far down that end you should be fine. Check the tide times, there's not much beach at high tide.

 

[benson21]

Riding on Camber sands is the best ever! My most happy times with Banson is down there, letting him have a roll in the dunes afterwards!

 

[misterjinglejay]

Yes, Rye Harbour end can be dicey.

But on the rest of the beach, as long as you are sensible, and walk your route before doing it at speed, you should be fine.

Enjoy!

 

[Shay]

Just keep an eye on the tide times. The incoming tide seems to pause for about 30 mins because of a sandbank but then comes in in a big rush.

West Wittering is easier to park but the access is down a shingle beach.

 

[Brandy]

If riding on sand you shodl always walk along it before you trot or canter, that way you can find any soft or deep bits, and then canter back on the better surface.

 

[Shazzababs]

Its brill, used to ride there as a kid. We used to go in the sea bareback too, in the middle of winter!

As the others have said make sure you look before you leap. There are some soft bits and some drainage channels and you need to know how deep they are before you are going flat out.

Be careful if you jump the breakwaters. Some are a lot higher on one side than the other, and some have nice sand on one side and deep water or sharp stones on the other. When I was a kid someone landed in one of the lakes and the horse turned a somersault in the water with her in the saddle. She was really lucky to come out unscathed.

Oh, and take a complete change of clothes, you will get completely soaked. Don't do what I did and wear both sets at once. It was a really cold trip home after I fell off in the sea!

 

[rennhm]

thanks so much for the responses guys, you've really helped me out