Horse riding

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

Originally Posted by 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.

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


Damn dangerous though if you look at the stats.

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.

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

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.