Riding and Leading - what do you think?

[*hic*]

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The road in question that I was on BTW:

It's a single track back road, with either plenty wide verges or gateways to pull over into. I know most of the vehicles I pass down there by sight and to wave to. My girls have both done the route hundreds of times. Even though it was our first time we did a good few trots and they were brilliant. We pulled over and waited for a tractor to pass etc. I am thrilled with Be's "lesson", and then he went and pi$$ed on my chips

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Just wondering, is that Long Drove?

And yes I ride and lead and have been told off by various people for doing it!

 

[Christmas Crumpet]

I have always ridden and lead - I did so this morning. If there is only one of you and more than one horse it makes sense. My horses are brilliant at doing it and enjoy going out together. I take the little one out first and do some fast work on her, come back and get the big one (who is currently only walking) and take them for a long amble. Get them home totally dry and can feed them and then chuck them straight out ready for me to go to work.

Obviously if either one was wild then I wouldn't do it but they are fantastic in traffic and in each other's company. I also suspect that which ever one is led rather enjoys not having anyone on top!!

 

[jumpthemoon]

Don't see a problem with it at all on roads like that with well behaved horses. I used to do it all the time with the hunters - ride one lead two, sometimes even three. I wouldn't do it now, as my main horse is a bu**er on the roads and they are busy A roads, but in your situation I would.

 

[RunToEarth]

When I used to exercise Duncan's polom ponies I used to lead two, now at home I ride and lead, and if I didn't ride and lead at work I would have no time for a social life. I lead on busy roads and our bridle ways are riddled with gates, horses learn to be versitile. I can safely say that nothing in this sport comes without risk, and if you arn't a risk taker then perhaps riding isnt for you, but I do know it cuts my time in half

 

[jesterfaerie]

I have ridden and lead before and would certainly do it again, I think it is a good idea and way to keep horses fit if you don't have time to ride them both. Yes nothing is ever safe with horses but so long as you are careful when you do it, don't be silly and have preferably sane horses then at least you have tried to minimise the risk of injury.

 

[Puppy]

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Just wondering, is that Long Drove?

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LOL! No it's not called Long Drove... although I know half the vilalges round here seem to have roads called that, so it was a likely guess

 

[tabithakat64]

I think it's safe as long as both horses are wearing the correct equipment and are sensible. Fudge nips given half a chance and can be nappy and Lady has been known to freak out and run backwards if the leadrein goes taught so I don't lead either of them but happily take the shetland out on a lead rein as she is well behaved, I wouldn't ride and lead on a busy rode just in case.

 

[rara007]

At home i often ride the ponies with them as a tandem, one infront controlled by reins aswell, makes it more worth while as the other is 'schooled' more than being led. I leading is safe, but I don't as I'm too paranoid about losing a horse while out. we do take out the spare, on a lead behind the team to get the all done at once, but there is always 4 people with ythe 5 horses.

 

[Theresa_F]

I do it a lot of the time. I would ride Cairo and lead Jemima on the road as they were very steady. Round the XC course I would gallop and do a few jumps - might sound daft but they are both so well behaved, stop on command that it was great fun.

I would also ride Jemima and lead Cairo on occasion - like taking a huge lab out for a walk - he loved it.

I have for over a year led Chancer off Cairo. He has "hacked" past all sorts of hazards - shotguns, tractors, fires, combines and so far is proving great to ride out as he has seen it all before.

I would avoid busy roads and prefer to ride the larger and quieter horse and lead the other. Cairo is excellent for the job - plus with a western saddle I could put the lead round the front of the horn and drag Chancer plus anything if he tried to plant himself.

 

[SteveD]

I spent my early horsey days exercising army horses in central london where I rode one and led two for 1 1/5 hours, every day for 5 years, ....I had a few accidents when at the back of the ride with motorists hitting the outside horses...not nice but nothing too serious (my horses left a nice bum print on the bonnet of a volvo once, not a scratch on the horse...but one stunned motorist).
Its like anything, if you have the experience its normal and safe (as you can be around animals that think for themselves)
I agree, sometimes its the only way you can get all your horses exercised every day.

If your only leading one horse on the road make sure its on your inside so you can control it with your ridden horse.

 

[harvgj19]

Yes, and did it regularly in the winter when working at the RS. With 20 or more horses, getting them all out involved riding and leading some each day.

Wouldn't do it on a really busy road, but as long as the horses are reasonably sensible, it is a great way to excercise 2 at a time. Plus if for any reason you had to do it in an emergency, they already know what is being asked of them.