Views please - leading whilst riding

[niko]

As above, i am deliberating about the dark evenings that restrict riding and two horses to keep fit. I dont have a sandschool & have only roads to hack & the loop i would have time in the morning is mostly country roads that are usually quiet apart from part of a main road i have to go along for 1/2 mile to the other end of the road. Both my horses are usually bombproof, dont look at cars, dogs, cattle etc & was thinking this may save me time. Would like to know your views pros and cons please?

 

[Bossanova]

I do it regularly and it's fine so long as you stay alert.
It's actually harder on little country roads as when you meet something it can be a bit of a task finding somewhere wide enough to pass safely

 

[BigBird146]

Check your insurance, you probably aren't covered as you would not be deemed to be fully in control (I think).

 

[LankyDoodle]

I personally do not like to lead, but that is to do with my own confidence, as I know other people who do it regularly and are fine.

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

I think it's a necessary evil but should be ok if the horses are sane enough on roads and the led one is a cool dude. Not ideal but such is life. I'd check your insurance to make sure you're covered and the bit of main road might end up a deal breaker. You just don't have the same degree of control of the led horse - I used to ride and lead (sometimes lead TWO neds) at the little place I first learned to ride as the horses had to go back to a field about 3 miles away at the end of the day. Some of the journey was down the main South Gower Road - a very heavily used road, especially in the summer. Watch out for road signs coz once the ned I was leading went the OTHER side of a 40mph sign and my arm was practically ripped out of the socket before I was dragged off the saddle and dumped on the tarmac lol!!!

 

[Girlracer]

I personally do it most the time if i don't have time to take both out seperately. Aslong as you practice first to see which way works best (i.e i can only lead Nim not ride Nim and lead Lantern).

 

[AutumnRose]

I have been thinking about doing this too.....need to work out the best combination though!!!

 

[Maesfen]

Used to do it two or three times a day and still would if necessary!
Just take sensible precautions like always use a bridle for the led one and learn how to ride one handed, it's much easier to control than having led horse using the same left rein especially if the led one suddenly jerks back, then it's only that one that gets a jerk in the mouth!
I personally prefer a lead rein/rope to reins as they are both longer and more comfortable to hold; start with the loop/knot in your hand then fold it over so it looks like loops that you are holding in the middle (don't wind it, that won't unravel in an emergency) I usually hold the end loop/knot over my middle two fingers, the rest of the rein over my whole hand so that if you do have to let it out sharpish it all doesn't disappear at once, you've got the loop to act as a brake, if that makes sense.
Always keep horse's nose by your knee, don't let it get further forward otherwise your other might think it's in a race (happened to me many times before I got the hang of it!

)
Might be an idea to use hi-viz too, whether on yourself or the horses.
It's easy once you are used to it and I found that people gave you more space when overtaking too. I would always try to trot on to the nearest gateway for them too rather than keep them hanging about on my tail as that's when they start to get cross and impatient, especially if it's on a bend too; if the road is wide enough for them to pass not so bad but I'd always try to move on around a bend for my own safety too.
You get very good at nodding and smiling too as you can't lift up your hands to say thank you! If you do the same route regularly and at the same time, it behoves you to be as pleasant as possible to any driver you meet as hopefully they will return the favour!

 

[meandmyself]

Polo grooms do it all the time- up to six at a time. Just practice first

 

[vennessa]

I did it all the time as a groom and as a child in a rideing school.
My daughters uni also did it all the time.

 

[Ezme]

I've done it alot, I hold the reins on the horse i'm riding as if I'm driving so other hand is totally free. I agree with the keeping lead horse by you knee. Also helps if you ridden horse is a buldozer like my mags as you can then pin the other horse into the hedge! lol

 

[CracklinRosie]

This would ideal for me over the winter with 2 to do and OH at work all day but I'm thinking I may have a problem. One doesn't go in front (at the moment) so would have to lead her, the other can kick if another horse gets too close!!! Think I need a reliable rider!!! Have one girl who's good but she's got a small baby and a toddler now so time is a problem. ACOLYTE get your butt up here!!!!

 

[hellspells]

I use to do it all the time - first with my two horses and then with YO's daughters JA. It was fine - but I ditto about keeping the led horses nose level with you knee.

I've only had one issue when the horse I was riddig took exception to something and spun 180 really quick and the other one was intrigued and tried to go see - I have no idea how I didn't end up sitting on the floor. I ended up with one arm twisted round my body being pulled in two directions

but we were all fine.

The JA was fun cos a) valuable pony and b) walks alot slower than my girl.

 

[niko]

Thanks everyone, im very surprised that everyone is soo postive about it as long as the precautions are put in place, makes me feel more positive as it would save alot of time & the horses are familiar with the route. I checked with my insurance and they state it is acceptable im covered for liability for ANY sort of riding and handling as long as there is no payment involved (i wish!) Will let you's know how it goes!

 

[Ezme]

Oh, my other suggestion is break them to drive! hehehe

 

[seche]

Ive done it and do it - When I was polo grooming in Aus and NZ we rode one and lead usually 3 but sometimes 4 each time - including canterwork!
I ride and lead but in the forest at home - the boys are fine and havent been dragged off anything yet!

 

[mickey]

When I was around 18, the yard I virtually lived at had polo ponies. I used to ride one and often lead two. I never had any issues, these ponies were sensible. I rode around rural roads (some quite narrow) and had no issues. As an 18 yr old I didn't worry about it at all, I just got on with it.....I would probably take the same attitude now if the ponies were sensible.

 

[mickey]

PS Not sure if anyone else has said this but it's good to pick your times so that you don't meet people racing home from work etc. Sure you thought of that anyway!

 

[Tia]

I do it often; always have. When you have a few horses to exercise it really does cut down the time. I also find it invaluable for taking out young horses that I haven't yet backed; gives them a good idea of life beyond the farm but with a secure horse by their side.

 

[pootler]

I tried it with my two but one of them kept hanging back and I couldn't get him to walk alongside. Ended up giving up after virtually dragging him with his nose up the others bum behind me. Does anyone have any tips on how to introduce them to the idea if they are being reluctant?

 

[carys220]

I used to lead 2 (section A and shettie) while riding my Fell, one on each side. It was a great way of exercising the little ones and as the fell walked faster they spent a lot of time trotting so they were extra fit!