Anyone here seriously into horse riding?

[Woodsey]

And I don't mean down the pub after a few beers

Just after a bit of advice really. Anyone who knows me, will know I don't do normal holidays.............

I have a few holiday plans up my sleeve, but high on my list at the moment is a horse riding holiday. Down the line I want to combine my major passion of a safari with a horse riding holiday, but you need to be a very experienced rider or you can't go on one of those, I'm not going to be stupid and BS my ability and take a risk until I'm good enough.

Soooooooo, I'm considering a bunch of other destinations from Argentina to Mongolia and anything in between as something for a great experience and to get better at riding. The plan is this will eventually lead to my goal of doing a horse riding safari. Here are a few questions to anyone that has experience to help me.

1. I'm a novice rider, which means I haven't ridden for a long time but I can control a horse and walk and trot without any problem.

2. Most of the holidays I'm looking at require intermediate (min) riders, other than being able to canter comfortably, what else does that mean?

3. I get scared cantering now, how long till I get comfortable with that?

4. I will take tuition before I go, approx hours required to get to intermediate?

5. I'm a fat bastard, about 16.5 stone. Do these types of things have a weight limit normally, short of having a shire horse in the stable

Ty in advance for any help and FU to any pisstakers

[RED-DOG]

I'm looking at require intermediate (min) riders, other than being able to canter comfortably, what else does that mean?

I'm guessing that this means you can also ride at a gallop, stop, turn quickly, stay in the saddle if your horse shies or moves in an unexpected direction, and jump small obstacles.


I get scared cantering now, how long till I get comfortable with that?

As soon as your arse becomes sore enough to take your mind off it.
Seriously though, it's a "how long is a piece of string" question, but the more you do it, the safer you will feel. You will feel safer on some horses than others. (It doesn't hurt to be a bit scared anyway, it adds to the fun).

I will take tuition before I go, approx hours required to get to intermediate?

It's the piece of string again, but probably quicker than you think.

I'm a fat bastard, about 16.5 stone. Do these types of things have a weight limit normally, short of having a shire horse in the stable

They will have a horse to suit you. Remember, some blokes are lean and fit at 15 - 16 stone. Then again, if you shed some weight, you will be in better condition for a long day's ride, and you will get to ride a smaller, more agile horse.

[GreekStein]

I did this in France years ago Woodsey. Man it was sick good fun but it hurt my bollocks like crazy

[Karabiner]

I used to ride quite regularly up until about fifteen years ago, I guess that I would be an "intermediate" rider.

I often went on "rides" at Bestwood Country Park in Arnold where you go out for an hour or so on supervised rides and do walking, trotting, some cantering and usually have one good gallop and there are small jumps on an uphill stretch (which makes them easier) which you can choose to go over or not.

IIRC the guy that runs it is called Glen, a very nice fellow. My favourite mare was Tuppence but she's probanly retired now.

I highly recommend it if it's still going.

[Laxie]

I'm looking at require intermediate (min) riders, other than being able to canter comfortably, what else does that mean?

I'm guessing that this means you can also ride at a gallop, stop, turn quickly, stay in the saddle if your horse shies or moves in an unexpected direction, and jump small obstacles.

The most important bits ^^^^^

You will be sore after each session until you've spent a goodly amount of time on a horse.  Get over that and learn the bits in bold and you'll be booking in no time.  The rest will take care of itself. 

[lazaroonie]

i used to be a jockey

(according to tikay)

[The_nun]

When we used to go to the states we always went riding, but omg, with not used to have my legs that wide open for such long periods, it bloody killed after, last time i was in that much pain with each movement beneath me wrecked and I couldn't dismount. Get used to it before is my advice.

[kinboshi]

When we used to go to the states we always went riding, but omg, with not used to have my legs that wide open for such long periods, it bloody killed after, last time i was in that much pain with each movement beneath me wrecked and I couldn't dismount. Get used to it before is my advice.

 

[Laxie]

When we used to go to the states we always went riding, but omg, with not used to have my legs that wide open for such long periods, it bloody killed after, last time i was in that much pain with each movement beneath me wrecked and I couldn't dismount. Get used to it before is my advice.

 

not the only one then   

[The_nun]

   That didn't come out quite right did it.

[Laxie]

Someone find the pic of Jon MW...pleeeeeeeease!!!

[Claw75]

Someone find the pic of Jon MW...pleeeeeeeease!!!

Click to see full-size image.

[TightEnd]

thank heavens for that.

Jon's hat gets me every time in that photo

[The_nun]

LOL..

[thetank]

Mother maiden name = gun

Hobbies include rootin and tootin.