Taking horses to the beach (south coast)

[chaps89]

I've only ever once taken horses to the beach and that was organised by the owner. I'd like to take mine at some point this year and possibly go with my yo but don't know how the logistics work- are horses allowed on the beach all year round/are their restrictions on when you can go? And where's best on the south coast (we're in Surrey) Went to West wittering last time and my yo went to Bracklesham bay, any other recommendations at all? And is there a way of judging tides/what time of day is best please? Thanks

 

[Annagain]

I'd check with the local authority if there are any restrictions on the beaches you want to go. They will also point you in the direction of a tide timetable, although you can probably google that to find it online.

The beaches I go to are on the Bristol Channel (Welsh side) so have a huge tide range which means plenty of room between low tide and high tide. I prefer to go about an hour or two after low tide, that way you still have enough beach but the exposed sand has dried out enough for it not to be all soggy. If this coincides with an early morning that's even better as the beaches are much quieter then. If your beaches don't have such a range though (so therefore not so much room) you might be better off going at low tide so you have maximum space. If they have plenty of space above the high water line, you can go any time that suits you. If you're not sure, maybe go for a recce beforehand?

 

[Becca-84]

We go to camber sands (rye) several times through the winter. However, it is restricted through summer (march-october) and you have to be off the beach by 8am and not allowed on agsin until 8pm. The beach is brilliant though. If you google tide times there are several websites that give low tide times. I use tidesforfishing.com.

 

[Shay]

We go to West Wittering a lot - both alone and I lead PC Rides there.

You can access the beach year round - but during summer you can only do so between 8pm and 8am. The tides at West wittering are slightly complicated because of a sandbar producing a tide that is about 15 mins out from the nearest published point. Parking is available on the road - but not the safest. You can park in the town car park but there is a height bar. There is a local stables which offers parking and safe private access which works well and is a very reasonable cost. (They also know the ins and outs of the tide times!) You must have 3rd party liability to ride on the beach (although how they police that I have no idea.) and you may not jump the breakwaters or gallop - fair enough!

 

[iknowmyvalue]

I also go to Camber, I love it there, lots of space for a good leg stretch if it's not too busy! The summer times are actually before 8:30am or after 7:00pm, starting from 30th March. That means it's sometimes too dark for a month or so, but perfectly manageable through most of the summer months. We often get there about 6:30 so we can be on the beach at 7pm, gives you plenty of time, and some very pretty sunset photos! But as others have said, check the tide times carefully!