Horse riding

[nutzboutbikes]

I have been thinking about trying horse riding out before I get to old!, and seeing as I love riding the metal horse so much I thought riding a real one could be interesting/fun.


so anyone tried it?, how did it go?, did you enjoy it?.


Cheers.

[Littlepeahead]

It's great fun. Just remember though that a horse has a braking and acceleration system far superior to any bike but you're not in control of when you stop or start or the speed you go at, or for that matter the steering.

[L3nny]

If you are used to being in control it can be very frustrating, horses are very intelligent and most of the ones at riding schools know when they have a noob on board and can be lazy, stubborn gits, especially the older larger male horses.

Did quite a bit of riding when I was a kid, hadn't done if for years but went on a guided horse trek in the Brecons last month and loved it.

Forgot what hard work it is though

[Spank86]

I have been thinking about trying horse riding out before I get to old!, and seeing as I love riding the metal horse so much I thought riding a real one could be interesting/fun.


so anyone tried it?, how did it go?, did you enjoy it?.


Cheers.

Two weeks ago. It's surprisingly fun for something that doesn't go that quick.


Damn dangerous though if you look at the stats.

[nutzboutbikes]

so it's like a bike but it has a mind of its own and you have no control?, I can see this going well if I try it!.


Well as you can probably tell I am complete noob so it probably wont even move.


Spank86 this is why I would like to try it while I still bounce fairly well.


Three out of three saying its fun, this is sounding good already.

[Spank86]

https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11150596_10152719418172353_1754226818971149593_n.j pg?oh=f94c3eacc81c7422df1de2025fd037e1&oe=55D1E35D

It looks less impressive if you realize I have no control over direction, speed, or indeed if the horse even moves.

[nutzboutbikes]

that looks excellent.

[BanannaMan]

The wife and I used to own Arabian horses when we were younger.
Her horse was a female and always well behaved and a pleasure to ride. Mine was a much larger male who always had a mind of his own.
We loved riding. It is great fun and a great way to enjoy the countryside.

Does not compare to riding a motorcycle. For me does not even compare to push bikes.
Totally different form of riding which is more like walking or hiking except it's easier and you can take in lots more scenery.

We did eventually give it up as actually owning a horse is a lifestyle as they say. Takes up quite a bit of time on a daily basis.
Taking up riding without the responsibilities of ownership is a newer concept. I think I would enjoy it but at the same time would miss the relationship that you have between horse and rider.
They are quite intelligent animals and once you become mates, so to speak, riding is much more pleasurable.
Still if you get the chance and fancy a go at it then by all means do so. It is definitely fun.

You will be a bit nervous the first time and have that out of control feeling others mentioned but it quickly goes away as you learn to control your horse.
On all but the most stubborn animals a light touch with the reins works better than a heavy touch so don't jerk on the reins or try to turn the horse by turning it's head. Realize it takes a few seconds horses don't respond instantly and make gentle sweeping turns. Reins are in no way handlebars.

All that being said now get out there and do it.
You'll soon see why man was content to ride these beasts for centuries.

[Littlepeahead]

Don't wear jeans with a seam on the inner leg. There's a reason jodhpurs are designed the way they are. Something like tracksuit bottoms are better.

[timwilky]

I was brought up with horses, my last on being a 16.2 gelding by the name of Ben who loved to jump in a very horrid style for a male rider. He could clear 6ft by running at the fence and leap from right in front of it. the rider smacking his crown jewels into the withers.

In the hot summer of 76, he would swim the lodges just to keep cool, clever little sod at escaping he was.

I leaned to ride bare back with a pair of lead ropes to the halter. No bridle and saddle for the first years.

I hadn't ridden for years when a friend persuaded me to give it a go. Out on a little hack with a group of her friends, one threw its rider and bolted. Instinct kicked in, belted mines backside. Jumped a wall and caught the little blighters reigns whilst at a gallop. The adrenalin rush at that point was amazing as it all came back.

But I guess these day, riding anything smaller than a Clydesdale would be cruel.

[7755matt]

I started learning to ride a few years ago, wish I'd kept it up really. As said above I was on an old school master called Big George, who basically did what he wanted, when he wanted - but was lovely.

A few of my exes were very keen riders - as eventers. Ive watched hours of cross country and it looks amazing! I've also put in many many hours looking after their horses for them, and you do get a real bond with them.

Jodphurs also look great (mostly)

[timwilky]

jodphurs for bikers brings back a memory.


My uncle liked to go on benders to the isle of man.

Liverpool cops in the 70s used to ride their bikes in what appeared to be jodphurs and riding boots. The probably had the same kit as the equestrian.

So uncle Tony pissed as a newt drives off the docks and heading down the road gets flagged down and asked to blow up a bag. Yes you got me he concedes, but looking at the copper through his window he then confirms he is paralytic with the next sentence.

"How the F*** did you manage to overtake me on a horse?"

[Spank86]

Don't wear jeans with a seam on the inner leg. There's a reason jodhpurs are designed the way they are. Something like tracksuit bottoms are better.

that looks excellent.
Wear tight boxers. :oops:

[Heorot]

When you first learn to ride, you will find that, especially when trotting, you will bounce around and your ar$e will get sore, so you try to take the weight off with your legs. All that happens is that you still bounce but your thighs get raw. You have to learn to flex your back and not try to take your weight with your legs. You need to learn to put all your weight into the saddle so you don't bounce. It can take a lot of uncomfortable hours before you get the hang of it.

[ophic]

gelding by the name of Ben...

the rider smacking his crown jewels into the withers.
Sounds like revenge!

[nutzboutbikes]

Thanks for all the reply's guys some really good info, tips and experiences being posted, after reading
them I think I am going to give it a try some time this summer, I have found a local riding school that do 1hr lessons at a reasonable looking price so when I am close by Ill pop in for chat and see what they recommend.


Thanks all.

[Littlepeahead]

Learn how to get off! By this I mean take both feet out of the stirrups. Lean forward still holding the reins, swing right leg over the horse's rump being careful not to kick it so you can then elegantly slide off landing on both feet.

Or do what my ex did. Let go of reins. Keep left foot in stirrup, swing right leg over accidentally kicking horse on the hind quarters then as horse jumps get right leg almost to the ground and then dragged along with your left foot still in the stirrup. Bumping head on ground as you go. Lucky he was wearing a hat. It was quite funny to watch.

[Philby.]

Or do what my ex did. Let go of reins. Keep left foot in stirrup, swing right leg over accidentally kicking horse on the hind quarters then as horse jumps get right leg almost to the ground and then dragged along with your left foot still in the stirrup. Bumping head on ground as you go. Lucky he was wearing a hat. It was quite funny to watch.

Sorry, but that sounds hilarious. I can just imagine it, hahaha :lol:.

[nutzboutbikes]

I think I am going to go wearing my crash helmet, boots, gloves, leathers and back protector just to be extra safe!

[ophic]

I think I am going to go wearing my crash helmet, boots, gloves, leathers and back protector just to be extra safe!
Make sure you get your knee down on corners :p

[L3nny]

I think I am going to go wearing my crash helmet, boots, gloves, leathers and back protector just to be extra safe!

All jokes aside I would reccomend you wear the back protector, a place a friend of mine uses had someone fall off, break their back and end up paralysed.

[ClunkintheUK]

All jokes aside I would reccomend you wear the back protector, a place a friend of mine uses had someone fall off, break their back and end up paralysed.
Yep, there's a reason why Dianese make their kit for the two sports. similar injuries.

[Littlepeahead]

Yep. 1996 girth snapped coming down a Welsh mountain on a horse. Fell off, landed on my left side, minor chipped elbow.

15 years later hit slippy bit on a Thai road, landed on left side, chipped elbow again. It turned out to be a completely shattered end of the humerus and detached bicep but the same landing on the elbow caused the injury.

[nutzboutbikes]

warning received back protector will be going with me, cheers guys!

[ophic]

completely shattered end of the humerus
I agree, at that point, it just isn't funny anymore. :takeabow:

[Mrs DJ Fridge]

Heels down, head up, back straight and smile. That is and was the best advice I have ever had for riding a horse. I could give you loads of advice having grown up on a horse farm and having a son who still rides and keeps his horse at my father's farm. But I reiterate heels down because it will keep your bum in the saddle, head up so that you can see where you are going and it keeps your back straight, and smile because you don't want anyone to know how much your muscles hurt.

[Heorot]

I'll add to the heels down comment. I learned 40 years ago from a school run by someone who hunted. She taught that only the balls of your feet should be in the stirrups and that the leg should be so straight that, standing in the stirrups, there should be no more than a 2 inch gap between your bum and the saddle. I've noticed that schools now tend to teach a more bent leg style but, in my opinion, the straight leg style is the best and easiest to master. It also teaches you to sit deep as, if you don't, you will lose your stirrups.

[nutzboutbikes]

I agree, at that point, it just isn't funny anymore. :takeabow:



:smt042

[nutzboutbikes]

I imaging the first lesson will be spent hanging on for dear life lol! but will try and remember these tips thanks guys.