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Discovering the Wide Outdoors
Category: General
Published on 18/09/2010 by Jenni Miller
Published on 18/09/2010 by Jenni Miller
Riding Outside of the Farm (click for larger)
You've got your first horse, possibly a long term dream realised. Scary but exhilarating! Or possibly you've been very lucky and grown up with horses in your back yard and been involved in dressage and the like, occasionally going out for an hours ride. So what now for the new horse rider. Has the lucky rider ever considered going out of their circles into the big wide yonder? Perhaps you have no wish to compete.
Equine Ramblers UK is the only registered company supporting and promoting Long Distance Riding. It was formed primarily to construct a network of Trail Partner volunteers UK wide to offer local knowledge help with access and accommodation and has grown into a resource where Long Rider's can contribute routes, stories and much more. Long Riders travel with their horse, beyond the day's 'hack', sometimes camping and sometimes staying in accommodation either pre-booked or 'on the hoof' depending on what adventure they are embarked on.
Map Reading. So how do you go about becoming a Long Rider? Being able to map read is really important. If you can't already map read or use a compass there are places you can find on-line where they will teach you. You can use a GPS as confirmation but don't rely on it. You can then plan your route and daily distances. 20 mile (32.19 kms) daily distances are comfortable as you can split it into two and have an hour lunch break to allow your horse to revive.
Feed.Some riders allow 10 minutes grazing every hour on a long ride, but it's personal preference. Don't be too concerend about taking exta feed for your horse as this complicates things. The herbage during the more clement months will be plentiful. At the end of each days ride put your horse out at grass. It's preferable to travel as light as possible using saddle bags, without back-up – true Long Riding!
Distance.Go for longer rides first and get you and your horse used to distance. You may find your horse is inexperienced and spooky. Even though you have owned Neddy for ages he hasn't seen that much as he's been used to the confines of the menage. Some things will be new to him. It's guaranteed your relationship with him will go to new levels. If you've just bought your first horse you will have to join up and it may take a while for Neddy to trust you, but you'll know when he does! If you can do a regular ten miles (16 kms) you are well on the way.
Safety. Don't take unessecary risks. Your safety equipment should include emergency food rations, water and a whistle. If you go into wild and wooly places it is likely your mobile phone won't work. Even in relatively civilised areas this can happen so the whistle will come in useful should you be incapacitated. Also take a space blanket and a rudimentary first aid kid for you and your horse. Let someone know your intended route and don't deviate from it intentionally. You can try 112 on your mobile for another network service in an emergency.
Clothing. There's no need to go and buy new clothing to look smart. Your well used clothing will do and is well tried and tested. Mostly you can take clean underpants and socks with one change of top clothes should they get wet or need washing. Light weight clothing is best. You can wrap them in large sealproof bags to keep them dry along with any medication and your toiletries and put these in saddle bags. You can tie your wet weather gear rolled up on your saddle. It's amazing how much you can pack in a small space!
Your Horse. You are not going to present yourself to a judge so just a brush and hoofpick or penknife will be OK. Use well used equipment that is in good condition. Your horse needs to be comfortable but you don't need the hassle of things breaking. If your horse is shod then have him checked about ten days before you set off. If your horse is barefooted you should have some idea of how to trim and take a small rasp with you. In both cases it's a good idea to carry a hoofboot or two.
Ther's a big country out there with lots to see. The sky for your roof, the grass for your floor.
You can go on-line http://equineramblersuk.co.uk and join the Equine Ramblers UK forum free and talk to some of the experienced members. If you would like to offer your services as a Trail Partner fill the form in in the Trail Partner section. Equine Ramblers is building a library of routes countrywide that are not promoted by National Trails, Councils or the BHS and would be pleased to receive contributions. Please email jenni@equineramblersuk.co.uk
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