Unrealistic/unfair goal?

JoBo

JoBo

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Do you think I’m being unrealistic/ unfair to ask Bodey (the horse below in my sig) to do a 10 (may be 15) mile sponsored ride (no jumping) in September (5 months away)?

Background: 4 years old in June, been backed for approx 2 months by me. Now cantering a lap of the school on each rein and starting to hack out just around the block (30 mins) in walk. I’m planning to get Bodey out to a few in-hand shows and maybe to a walk/trot test or a little clear round before then.

To you think I would be asking too much? If you guys think I am, I’m going to aim for a sponsored ride next April.

Would appreciate you opinion guys.
Thanks Jo.
 
Nope. He'll love it. Go steady, don't hammer him on hard ground and you'll have a wonderful time.
 
i dont think so, he could get quite fit in 5 months. just don't go mad!

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He'll be fine. Mum & I did a 13 mile ride on Sunday. Both boys were fine all the way round (and it was hot) and were sound the following day too. They are 8 yrs old - so older than Bodey, but certainly not what I would call "fit". We did some trot & canter, but not loads. Plus we did stop for a 10 minute graze, so if you keep it steady all the way round he should be fine.
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BTW - He is lovely!
 
Oh don’t worry for my own sanity I definitely won’t be going mad! Do you think getting him into practice rings will get him use to other horses going fast around him? We keep them at home and we only have 3 horses.
 
i would get out at home as much as poss, lady at our yard has a horse similar age and has just been to local sponsored ride and it really blew this little horses mind, he couldnt cope with lots of horses ahead of him and really lost the plot. i would just get out in company and experience as much as poss. like said before take your time on the hard ground and enjoy
 
Oh thanks, he is a sweetie but then I’m biased!

Thanks if we do go (only if my instructor says it’s ok) then I will definitely be taking it easy!

Just don’t want to do anything that might ruin him for the future especially as I’m doing all the riding myself!
 
nah you will be fine - build him up and go out with others and see how it goes x

Lots of youngsters go hunting and then you sort up - but you can set your own pace and enjoy a lovely ride
 
I am on the same track as you- youngster back very late last year and i rode her away- started just like you are- I love reading your posts as I can really relate- I think you will be fine for the ride.I have built my girl up to 2 hour rides with a bit of canter( only ever on good tracks) a popping a log or too.
We even we xc schooling- well jump a fence then walk to the next jump a fence etc. But it was sucj FUN. ALL ican say about the ride is when I took my girl to one (even though she has done inhand shows for 2.5 years) it blew her poor brain! She was very excited by other horses cantering past her.
Saying that I regualry ride with a very good older horse, so she took confidence and a lead that we where only walking ie nothing to get excited about! from her.

I think it is great expereince for you both- all aI can say is i love every 1st I do with her- ie 1st hack, 1st canter 1st jump- its so rewarding- please keep me updated on your progress- its nice to have someone else going through the ups and downs of whether you are doing the right thing!!

Phew
Sorry for long post!!!
 
To be honest if I did get there and it was all too much for his young brain I would just come home. We have many years together hopefully so I wouldn’t want to do anything that upset/ ruined him, hence why I have posted this post. If it gets to September and I don’t feel we are ready I just won’t go. But it’s just nice to have something to aim towards if you know what I mean?
 
He'll be fine you should go!!!

September is ages away you've got plenty of time!!
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PS Where is it ? I might come too?
 
Oh well done you! I know, the first time me and Bodey cantered (only last week) I couldn’t stop smiling, my poor OH didn’t hear of anything else all night. I absolutely can’t wait to pop over the smallest x-pole, but I don’t want to do things to quickly as I want us both to feel completely happy (I still can get a little nervous at times). I ride with GinaGem (my sister) on Gem who is a 15 year old schoolmistress so Bodey has a very good influence to follow.

You must keep posting about you achievements too, feel free to PM me if you want too.

Big thanks for your reply!
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He should be able to do it absolutely no problem.
Just make sure he keeps calm, and you're not with a bunch of other riders & horses going mad.

It's best to do it solo and in the calm.
 
Hi ya, it’s the Molash Ride. Not sure of the exact date yet but I did it on Otto last year and it was a fantastic sponsored ride. It started off nice and slow (unlike the Wye Ride) and built up. Have you been?
To be honest though and sorry if it sounds rude but for the first sponsored ride I would prefer if it was just me and Gina, just because I will be nervous and Gina puts up with my moaning. Also I thought it would be best for Bodey as he knows Gem.

If not it might be Denne Hill.
 
No problem!! I smile like an idiot everytime I ride my girl- had her since she was 9 months! I get very nervous too! I dont want to ruin her either! its great becuase the partnership I feel (and you must feel it too) is so different to everything else I have felt when riding. When I did my xc schooling all you can hear on the video is me going" I cant beleive I am doing this, and YEH!! This is so much fun" the " jumps" where only diddy but it doesnt matter!!
oh get me!! how silly. I will pm you. Keep in touch!!!
 
Yes do Pm me, and yes I will keep in touch. However I don’t get on here in the day very often, mainly in the evenings.

I will have to get Gina to send you the video of me cantering the other night, I was giggling like a child literally!
 
that would be brilliant- I will see if i can find someone techie enough to helpo me upload my xc!! you will laugh your head off!! giggling like a schoolgirl!!!

Look forward to seeing your vid!!
 
Dom was 5 last year l brought him back into work the begining of last year and in the september done a 12 mile ride just kept him calm and he loved it .
 
He'll have a lovely time! Hopefully the ground will be better then and he will have muscled up nicely. It's lovely to see people starting youngsters off the right way and taking plenty of time over them - he is a credit to you.
 
The rules of our local endurance group state that horses aged 4 shouldn't do rides greater than 10 miles long. This is for their welfare. I would stick to the 10 mile distance as he is a youngster.
 
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