tips for your first beach ride – plus introducing your horse to the water
Nothing can beat the salty sea breeze brushing against your face as you go for a bracing canter along the sand. If you haven’t had the chance to go for a beach ride with your horse, no doubt it’s on your bucket list. So, with summer approaching, we share our top tips for beach riding.
As well as being huge fun, beach riding provides a useful training ground for you and your horse. Firm sand is a fantastic surface for trotting, cantering and galloping; it is also ideal for building muscle tone, strength and stamina.
Top tips for riding on the beach
- Check that the beach you have in mind is open to equestrians.
- Ensure there’s a car park close by that will accommodate the height of your horsebox/ trailer.
- Double check when/ where horses are allowed on the beach.
- Respect beach wildlife and avoid disturbing birds, particularly in sand dunes.
- Do a recce to check that your proposed path is clear and safe. Potential dangers to look out for include rocks, holes, seal life and ocean shelves.
- Don’t ride in the water if you can’t see the sandy bottom.
- Look out for fun rides with beach locations – you can often cross areas you’re not normally allowed to, plus a clear, safe pater will be marked out for you.
- Clean your tack as soon as you get back home – salt and leather don’t mix
Keep to walk
You’re less likely to splash, which could spook your horse.
2. Approach at an angle
. Take a lead
Having another calm horse with you who knows all about beaches will give your horse confidence.
4. Try an escorted ride
If you’re not sure how your own horse will cope, many riding centres near the coast offer beach rides on experienced horses.
