R.E. Sponsored rides and Fun rides

[Kayfm]

I would like to have a go at a sponsored ride or fun ride. Firstly is there any difference (apart from sponsor money of course) between the two. I was a little worried about groups of people galloping past me through out the ride. Do other riders consider you whilst your out there, my horse might go nuts with people constantly galloping past me !!! Lastly --- Are they good fun to take part in.

 

[Erehwemos]

No difference money wise - if you want to get sponsorship you can, but if not you just pay the entry fee

Unfortunately some people are inconsiderate - if you are worried then put a green ribbon in your horse's tail as a warning

They are EXCELLENT fun

 

[tucker]

They are great fun Ive been on loads . You do get a few people that are inconsiderate but most rides state in the rules you most ask to overtake. There is a ride coming up on the 4th October at Hatfield House in hertfordshire, its a very well run ride loads of stewards. Its very good to start with.

 

[tasteofchristmaschaos]

They are great fun. I have been on several and whilst yes, there have been inconsiderate people galloping past me, they have been one or two incidents per ride, not constantly. Usually people will get close to you and slow down to a walk or trot, and if you are going slower than they want to go, ask if you mind them going past.

 

[chestnut cob]

They're great fun if you have a horse that doesn't mind being overtaken. My old horse was brilliant, he couldn't have cared less but new horse hates being overtaken. Despite having a red ribbon in his tail (he KICKS!), several groups of very inconsiderate riders insisted on getting right up his backside on narrow tracks, wondering why he kicked out, then overtook flat out and I spent the whole 8 miles sitting on a prancing, bouncing, rearing, cantering sideways shivering wreck. So we don't do fun rides, because my horse hates them.

But on a good horse, they're fine. Try to go either very early or last thing as you don't tend to see so many people that way.

 

[tucker]

Most rides Ive been on ban people from next ride if they gallop pass people

 

[Coffee_Bean]

Excellent fun

Usually people ask to overtake, and then it will only be at trot.

 

[chickeninabun]

I'm going on my first one on the 27th September!! I can't wait! It's round a XC course with all optional jumps, so not sure how much jumping I'll do but I'm sue I'll ahve fun anyway!!

 

[Kayfm]

Thanks everyone, great information and advise - as always