I was delighted to be in Your Horse magazine again, this time in their ‘Meet the Expert’ feature!
I gave an in-depth interview on the subject of fun rides and sponsored riding events and challenges.
Get fit to go the distance
I was asked for advice on how to approach training for, and completing these events, and I discussed how fit horses (and riders!) need to be.
A good rule of thumb is to calculate how long it will take you to complete the distance, and use that as a goal to build up to gradually over your hacks in the months leading up to the event. You don’t need to complete the full distance over and over again before the event, that would be overdoing it.
Bear in mind the pace you will be travelling at, and what is realistic for your horse’s age and general health. Look at the terrain involved, and any natural obstacles you’ll meet along the way and practise these beforehand. Most fun rides will have options where you don’t have to complete jumps and obstacles, but it can be a nice challenge to aim to tackle some or all of them.
On The Day
I also gave tips on what to expect on the day. Look out for your horse behaving differently, as he might be excited to be with lots of other horses and riders, if that’s not something he’s used to. Read all the participant information carefully, ensuring you’re in the right place at the right time for picking up numbers and making the start.
Dressing for the occasion
Make sure you’re adequately dressed, as the weather may turn throughout the event, consider a pack-up jacket, or extra layers, as well as food and water if the ride is sufficiently long, in a backpack or saddlebag. Check out more tips below…
Finally, have fun! These events are very enjoyable if you and your horse are properly prepared. They also work well as a first taste of an organised event, without the added pressure of competition.
