Pony rides on Hunstanton Beach

[Stateside]

.There are Pony rides on Hunstanton Beach £2.50 for 100 yards up and down.
My Granddaughters wanted a go even though they have ponies at my place. But I am very concerned about the safety issues with this operation. (1) no hat supplied or offered, (2) Feet not put in stirrup iron but in sturip leather above the iron( very dangerous if kid fall, and foot goes through leather & would not then be able to pop out.(3) one girl leading 2 ponies, this is with kids that proberly never been on a pony before.These ponies are well behaved but we all know no horse /pony is 100% with kits beach balls etc on the beach.
I phoned the council to ask about Licensing and what conditions etc they insist on, They thought that there could be a hygiene issue with supplying hats, I did point out that a few nits is better that a fractured skull, they did think the stirrup issue was not good and there should be one person per horse leading.
They would speak to the guy that runs the pony rides but at no time was my name and details asked for. I will follow this up though

 

[mandwhy]

Yeah I've seen them too. I did think some of those adjustable kids hats would be a good idea, I was surprised parents just plonk their kids on really but thought maybe I was being a kill joy.

 

[Suechoccy]

In our world of h&s I think it's nice to see something oldfashioned and traditional going-on. 20 years ago nobody would have thought it unusual to do ponyrides with feet in leather loops and no hats. I can remember even now at age of 40-something the joy of being lifted onto the back of a little chestnut pony on a housing estate in Dagenham, no hat, couldn't reach stirrups, and led round a lap of the grass by the owner.

 

[Marleymoo77]

As someone who offers pony rides at a play centre our insurance states all kids must wear a riding hat that fits, feet must be in stirrups not the leathers and only one pony to be led per person. Knowing what the councils are like in the area I am not surprised by their reply, they have no idea about anything equine as I am constantly harassing them about unregistered riding schools. And to offer Pony rides they must have a riding school licence as it is for hire or reward. It's all very well not wearing a hat until the kid falls off and then you discover they have no insurance, even the quietest pony can still have a moment!