What is a novice ride?

[Spudlet]

Just wondering really as I think this is one of those terms that everyone will have different ideas over

For example - horse I used to ride, used for RDA and a poppet - but still quite capable of picking up his skirts on occasion and wailing that he just couldn't possibly do whatever he was being asked to do, and could get strong out and about too. You didn't need to be an amzing rider to overcome that, just firm, confident and balanced. So was he a novice ride? I honestly don't know! Although the policeman we almost squished once might have a view on it. But it was his own fault for insisting on walking round behind us while we were having a difference of opinion about opening a gate without me getting off. Silly man

So what do we think?

 

[Mike007]

To me ,a horse that is a novice ride,is one that tries to cover up its riders mistakes,rather than taking advantage of them.

 

[Spudlet]

To me ,a horse that is a novice ride,is one that tries to cover up its riders mistakes,rather than taking advantage of them.

I guess it leads onto the immortal question of what does 'not a novice ride' mean? It always makes me wonder when window shopping and people put this on a horse that on paper I think looks like it would suit me - if I was shopping for a horse, would I make a fool of myself going to look at such a horse for my first horse? Given that I have been riding for years - just never in a financial position to own a horse of my own?

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEEEEEAN?! **wails at aching of tiny brain**

 

[Cavblacks]

To me ,a horse that is a novice ride,is one that tries to cover up its riders mistakes,rather than taking advantage of them.

I agree with this! What Id call a "genuine" horse who will try his/her best and push the rider to his/her limit.

Not a cavalry horse! My riding has changed completely since I began riding these beasts! Before I rode where i do now, i'd have said I was an experienced rider now Id call myself novice without a doubt, though now I have learnt to handle their particular tricks . . .mostly . . . these days I still struggle sometimes and some of the others riders there put me to shame! But they are lovely and always pass on tips

 

[Kat]

I know what you mean spudlet, I'd phone up and ask what they mean.

Some people think anything that isn't a complete bombproof saint is "not a novice ride" others use it to mean this horse is a fire breathing lunatic that will probably try to kill you.

The other thing is that some horses will be a complete softie on the lead rein or with a complete beginner and are fab for a good rider but will take advantage of people inbetween especially if they think they know what they are doing! (a lot of cobs fall into this category).

All you can do is ask and see what they say.

 

[cider loving mare]

The other thing is that some horses will be a complete softie on the lead rein or with a complete beginner and are fab for a good rider but will take advantage of people inbetween especially if they think they know what they are doing! (a lot of cobs fall into this category).

Lol Katt this reminds me of quite a few cobs I Know or have known.

I work at a trekking center and people that go riding on holiday once a year, think they are experts and insist on going on an escorted hack. Then they don't know how to get on or hold the reins, so we end up leading them!

I still see myself as a novice, but am not as inexperienced as some of the people who call themselves novices and turn for rides at the stables.

 

[cider loving mare]

The other thing is that some horses will be a complete softie on the lead rein or with a complete beginner and are fab for a good rider but will take advantage of people inbetween especially if they think they know what they are doing! (a lot of cobs fall into this category).

Lol Katt this reminds me of quite a few cobs I Know or have known.

I work at a trekking center and people that go riding on holiday once a year, think they are experts and insist on going on an escorted hack. Then they don't know how to get on or hold the reins, so we end up leading them!

I still see myself as a novice, but am not as inexperienced as some of the people who call themselves novices and turn up for rides at the stables

 

[Mike007]

I agree with this! What Id call a "genuine" horse who will try his/her best and push the rider to his/her limit.

Not a cavalry horse! My riding has changed completely since I began riding these beasts! Before I rode where i do now, i'd have said I was an experienced rider now Id call myself novice without a doubt, though now I have learnt to handle their particular tricks . . .mostly . . . these days I still struggle sometimes and some of the others riders there put me to shame! But they are lovely and always pass on tips

OOOh, So harsh about cavalry horses. I think they are being very genuine. There are two ways to learn to ride,:The fluffy bunny way ,or by falling off a lot. Any good cavalry horse realises it is his duty to educate his rider as fast as possible.

 

[Kat]

Yep most cobs seem to fall into that category, it makes me laugh, split personalities some of them!

In fact I'd say that the vast majority of riding school horses and ponies couldn't reaosnably be called a novice ride if you were selling them as they invariably have their quirks and tricks because of the lives they lead!

They has a pony where I ride that was the perfect lead rein pony, quiet and steady but didn't need kicking absolute darling, until you took him off the lead rein. Then he would try to kill who ever was on board. They tried loads of riders but he was always the same, when they came to sell him on for a retirement it had to be on the very strict understanding that he would never ever be used off the lead rein. Taught so many kids the basics but far from a novice ride!

 

[Spudlet]

See I love cobs - their little trying it on moments crease me up The horse described in my OP was a cob, he could be a hoot (and after some discussion we DID get through the gate with me still on board)

TBH when I see 'not a novice ride' on an advert, I tend to be thinking along the lines of horses going vertical, turning themselves inside out, or spooking at everything under the sun but I don't think that's always what is meant

 

[NeilM]

I have always taken 'not a novice ride' to mean, please don't ring me up and ask if my competition horse is suitable as a first ride for your 9 year old, or the adult equivalent.

A novice ride I would consider to be a tolerant horse, who is honest enough to let you make mistakes without punishing you too severely.

I've never ridden a Cavalry horse, but I have fallen off a lot I've never quite understood how laying flat on your back on the far side of a jump somehow improves your seat....but it does.

 

[Cavblacks]

OOOh, So harsh about cavalry horses. I think they are being very genuine. There are two ways to learn to ride,:The fluffy bunny way ,or by falling off a lot. Any good cavalry horse realises it is his duty to educate his rider as fast as possible.

LOL Oh I wasn't being harsh I love them ALL, even when they do make me eat sand or give me an unscheduled flying lesson! They have educated me a lot! haha but I love them for it and wouldn't have it any other way