sue12345
Well-Known Member
To those of you who have been lucky enough to take you horses onto the beach, how did they react first time and were you on your own? Did you ride the first time or go in hand?
Your horse's reaction to the beach?
- Thread starter sue12345
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Jnhuk
Well-Known Member
My OH's usually sensible gelding dumped him on their second visit to the beach but their first on their own when he stood on a piece of seaweed. Was funny at first until we had to chase horse a mile or so back to the where we parked the trailer.
I would suggest for first outing, go in company ideally with a horse that been before and doesn't think it too exciting.
I would suggest for first outing, go in company ideally with a horse that been before and doesn't think it too exciting.
Missmac
Well-Known Member
When i moved to the gower my (at the time) 4 year old tb didnt react at all but my 15 year old native was like a kid on skittles!
dollymix
Well-Known Member
all mine have been fine on their first time at the beach! They've all been a bit bouncy, but tbh, they are generally that over-whelmed by it all and are looking at what's around that they don't worry about trying to lose a rider too 
Sparkles
Well-Known Member
Foxhunter49
Well-Known Member
Oh the memories!
I think I would be truthful in saying that I have seen about 99% of all reactions a horse could do when meeting the sea for the first time.
Majority will be very spooky when a wave with the smallest of crest to it comes rolling in. A lot will not want to get their feet wet the first time, whilst some will just march in chest deep.
If possible go with a horse that has been before, if not just sit tight when the waves come in!
One of the funniest was when I took a lame pony to the beach for the first time. It was mid summer so horses could only go on the beach after 7 p.m. and it was high tide.
Two other horses, one a green horse that had never seen the sea, and the other seasoned to the sea.
The water was calm but not a lot of sand. The rider of the old horse led the lame pony towards the water. He loved water and would stand in a pond where he had been before but he planted at the edge of the water. I got behind him and put my shoulder under his quarters and actually lifted his back feet off the sand but he would not go forward. In the end I led him in and then he was in his element. He was led out so the old horse was belly deep and the pony well up his chest. Pony was pawing and shoving his head into the sea and then rolled. He actually went all the way down and rolled over - the only horse I have ever seen do this. They had to let go of his rope and when he stood up he took off out to sea. He swam the full length of the beach before coming to land and just before I could catch him he bucked and took off and swam back to where the other two were waiting.
They had to ride off the beach and up the track before I could get him to come ashore and be caught.
It did clear his wounds up beautifully.
Watch when you come out any water and onto soft sand that they don't buckle to rol.
Another thing, if you do not know the beach well, walk or trot it before cantering. Often there are soft patches which, needless to say, can be dangerous if you are charging along.
I think I would be truthful in saying that I have seen about 99% of all reactions a horse could do when meeting the sea for the first time.
Majority will be very spooky when a wave with the smallest of crest to it comes rolling in. A lot will not want to get their feet wet the first time, whilst some will just march in chest deep.
If possible go with a horse that has been before, if not just sit tight when the waves come in!
One of the funniest was when I took a lame pony to the beach for the first time. It was mid summer so horses could only go on the beach after 7 p.m. and it was high tide.
Two other horses, one a green horse that had never seen the sea, and the other seasoned to the sea.
The water was calm but not a lot of sand. The rider of the old horse led the lame pony towards the water. He loved water and would stand in a pond where he had been before but he planted at the edge of the water. I got behind him and put my shoulder under his quarters and actually lifted his back feet off the sand but he would not go forward. In the end I led him in and then he was in his element. He was led out so the old horse was belly deep and the pony well up his chest. Pony was pawing and shoving his head into the sea and then rolled. He actually went all the way down and rolled over - the only horse I have ever seen do this. They had to let go of his rope and when he stood up he took off out to sea. He swam the full length of the beach before coming to land and just before I could catch him he bucked and took off and swam back to where the other two were waiting.
They had to ride off the beach and up the track before I could get him to come ashore and be caught.
It did clear his wounds up beautifully.
Watch when you come out any water and onto soft sand that they don't buckle to rol.
Another thing, if you do not know the beach well, walk or trot it before cantering. Often there are soft patches which, needless to say, can be dangerous if you are charging along.
sue12345
Well-Known Member
Thanks , the pictures and mental images are great. as is the advice.
Shantara
Well-Known Member
Ned has never been, but the others were all fine
The ex racer was the funniest! He did get a bit too excited and galloped off on the first canter, but was brought back under control and we didn't have any more mishaps.
When it came to going in the water, he really wasn't sure and threw a strop. His rider took him in calmly and when he got past his knees...he was off! He was swimming like a pro and didn't want to get out!!
Have fun
The ex racer was the funniest! He did get a bit too excited and galloped off on the first canter, but was brought back under control and we didn't have any more mishaps.
When it came to going in the water, he really wasn't sure and threw a strop. His rider took him in calmly and when he got past his knees...he was off! He was swimming like a pro and didn't want to get out!!
Have fun
miss_wilson
Well-Known Member
We ride on the beach all the time, problems only occur on rare hot sunny days when the tourist bit if the beach is busy, or kites are flying, she can get a bit freaked out then!
Marydoll
Well-Known Member
Both of mine that have been loved it
Undecided
Well-Known Member
Mine was so distracted by the huge amount of space he didn't do anything. Forgot to keep walking half the time, when it came to getting wet he plunged in splashing away soaking everyone in the process but absolutely loved it, he's such a water baby!!
brighteyes
Pooh-Bah
Never had any bomb off but one we took had some sort of agarophobia and ran backwards a fair way. Got over it eventually and proceeded forwards at a sensible pace.
The sea is another matter as it depends on the ferocity of the waves and water depth. Some really don't like the breakers at all. Once they are in and used to them, usually no problems. Go with a horse who doesn't mind and get a lead in.
Word of warning, though. The sand can be unpredictably hard and then soft - think pulled tendons and splints. Yes really! Also, beaches aren't flat. Be careful of being cut off by the tide and always be courteous to other beach users (goes without saying). If you are uber lucky, there mught be a tree washed up for you to jump!
One of mine really doesn't like the kite surfer things. Or windbreaks.
The sea is another matter as it depends on the ferocity of the waves and water depth. Some really don't like the breakers at all. Once they are in and used to them, usually no problems. Go with a horse who doesn't mind and get a lead in.
Word of warning, though. The sand can be unpredictably hard and then soft - think pulled tendons and splints. Yes really! Also, beaches aren't flat. Be careful of being cut off by the tide and always be courteous to other beach users (goes without saying). If you are uber lucky, there mught be a tree washed up for you to jump!
One of mine really doesn't like the kite surfer things. Or windbreaks.
Grumpy Jewel
Well-Known Member
Mines been twice and both times the seagulls where more terrifying than the water, especially when a flock is roaming about together! It took a little time to be happy enough to get feet wet but no major issues really.
Carrots&Mints
Well-Known Member
Mine went absolutely barmy!!! Loved it
tinap
Well-Known Member
Ours is always safer being ridden so it was a case of get on quick as the car park is smack behind a theme park & a mini train runs through it - he didn't much care for either!
He was on his own & loved it, although was slightly uncontrollable as he just wanted to gallop (there's no where at home to have a blast
) & did end up nearly knocking over the only other person on a 4 mile stretch of beach!!
He went straight into the sea (& came home very clean!)
He also didn't mind when my OH started kicking a washed up box, was then suddenly surrounded by coastguard & army vans & then we had to vacate & watch from the car park as they blew up the ww2 bomb he had found!!!
We've been a few times with someone else too & he is always a lot calmer in company.
You will have a great time if you get to go, but my daughter says take some swimming goggles to wear because your eyes really water when having a gallop
He was on his own & loved it, although was slightly uncontrollable as he just wanted to gallop (there's no where at home to have a blast
) & did end up nearly knocking over the only other person on a 4 mile stretch of beach!!He went straight into the sea (& came home very clean!)
He also didn't mind when my OH started kicking a washed up box, was then suddenly surrounded by coastguard & army vans & then we had to vacate & watch from the car park as they blew up the ww2 bomb he had found!!!
We've been a few times with someone else too & he is always a lot calmer in company.
You will have a great time if you get to go, but my daughter says take some swimming goggles to wear because your eyes really water when having a gallop
Kokopelli
Well-Known Member
My skitty tb was fine and so was a few that we took from work. If you're worried go with someone whose been before
Pedantic
Well-Known Member
First year Ok with the sand, not keen on going over the water running onto it, kept leaping back when a wave came towards us but got used to it, next year better and up to his knees, 3rd year fine, didn't get this year as he was lame when he should have been going on holiday with me
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Fools Motto
Well-Known Member
The one time when I went with an old mare some 14 years ago (gawd!) she was terrified. It wasn't a pleasant experience for both of us.. the waves were monsters and the company was over-whelming, together isn't a combination I would wish to repeat. Needless to say, it didn't last long before real disaster struck. I was allowing time for her to settle, and walking on the side of a sensible horse away from the sea - we hadn't managed anything faster in walk forwards... when, well, I don't remember.
Some 12 hours later I woke up in hospital! Fractured skull, was totally knocked out (was wearing all the right clobber!) and had the works of all the rescue services to 'save me'. - Thankyou guys, amazing job...
Never ridden in UK on a beach since!!
Some 12 hours later I woke up in hospital! Fractured skull, was totally knocked out (was wearing all the right clobber!) and had the works of all the rescue services to 'save me'. - Thankyou guys, amazing job...
Never ridden in UK on a beach since!!
tiga71
Well-Known Member
We have been twice. First time Izzy was overwhelmed I think. Kept stopping and just looking. Second time a bit more bouncy.
We had to pick our way through rocks which helped them concentrate rather than just galloping about. The other horse didn't really like the rock pools so we led over them.
Second time we went down to the water. There were three of us just sat on the horses calmly looking out to sea. Then a teeny, tiny wave broke about 4 ft in front of us. Next thing I know i am facing the other way as Izzy did a rapid 180. Didn't go anywhere just spun on the spot in between his two mates. Next time we will try to go into the water.
I am hoping to go down once a month this winter. Love it.
We had to pick our way through rocks which helped them concentrate rather than just galloping about. The other horse didn't really like the rock pools so we led over them.
Second time we went down to the water. There were three of us just sat on the horses calmly looking out to sea. Then a teeny, tiny wave broke about 4 ft in front of us. Next thing I know i am facing the other way as Izzy did a rapid 180. Didn't go anywhere just spun on the spot in between his two mates. Next time we will try to go into the water.
I am hoping to go down once a month this winter. Love it.
leah_x
Well-Known Member
I have a very spooky 14yo ex racer who hasn't really seen much apart from a stable and gallops in the past 7 years so he is terrible for hacking but I went for it & off to the beach we went..
It was the first time I'd ever ridden him where he had been 100% bombproof!! He absolutely loved it! I never in a million years thought he'd step foot into the sea, but after one (pathetic) rear he went in and soon he thought he was a dolphin, going in so far you could only see my upper body and his head!
Best day of my life and I will definately be doing it again soon!
It was the first time I'd ever ridden him where he had been 100% bombproof!! He absolutely loved it! I never in a million years thought he'd step foot into the sea, but after one (pathetic) rear he went in and soon he thought he was a dolphin, going in so far you could only see my upper body and his head!
Best day of my life and I will definately be doing it again soon!
Polotash
Well-Known Member
I wouldnt take one in hand if i were you, if it gets away from you you'll take forever to catch it!
We always take with a steady baby sitter that doesn't get excited, and we've only ever had one react badly. That was because we ride down a very steep set of sand dunes to get onto the far end of the beach (3.5 miles long and 1 mile deep when tide out!) and he just saw all these crashing waves and space down below him and freaked. I did get him down there but he was terrified and we never took him again!
Otherwise they've all just pootled along with their babysitter. The 2nd time is always more exciting than the first, especially if you've had a gallop the first time!
We always take with a steady baby sitter that doesn't get excited, and we've only ever had one react badly. That was because we ride down a very steep set of sand dunes to get onto the far end of the beach (3.5 miles long and 1 mile deep when tide out!) and he just saw all these crashing waves and space down below him and freaked. I did get him down there but he was terrified and we never took him again!
Otherwise they've all just pootled along with their babysitter. The 2nd time is always more exciting than the first, especially if you've had a gallop the first time!
chestnutmarelover
Well-Known Member
I am lucky enough to have a beach a couple of miles away - unfortunately there has been quite a few dog attacks (owners that don't/won't keep them under control but thats another dabate!) so I rarely go there unless in company. My mare is fab, whatever pace I want her to do she will TB is an ex racer who was trained on a beach so we are still learning we CAN walk & not explode when nearing beach (we haven't actually got on there yet!!)
TB is an ex racer who was trained on a beach so we are still learning we CAN walk & not explode when nearing beach (we haven't actually got on there yet!!)
claireandnadia
Well-Known Member
Nadia loves it but when the waves comes in she finds it a bit scary.