How to prepare for your horseback ride?

Are you planning a good horseback ride or a horseback ride? In this case, as a good rider, you will need good preparation. Indeed, whether you are a beginner or experienced, a horseback ride requires good endurance from your mount and good knowledge of horse riding.

Discover the pleasures of the equestrian world through the hills

If you are already a skilled rider looking to improve, you will certainly know that riding a horse is above all a sport, although conviviality is there. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a good time contemplating nature, on the back of your horse during your equestrian tourism session.

Besides, nothing beats a good several day ride to recharge your batteries from your daily life and evolve in a brand new idyllic setting. Take a deep breath of fresh, invigorating air and gallop your horse at high speed through the fields and meadows, over several hectares, to rediscover nature and life differently. Hello ecology and goodbye anxiety! Horse lovers are sure to enjoy it!

Important points to check before your horseback trip

Your passion for horses should not take precedence over your vigilance. Before embarking on pony rides of a few hours or horseback riding of a few days, you must first check certain points concerning your famous walk. If you are leaving under the supervision of an equestrian center, do not hesitate to ask them as many questions as possible and discuss the essential points with the organizers and the horse rental before the big departure.

• How long will the walks and hikes be?
• The itinerary must be established in advance: regional nature park, on the beach or in the hills?
• All participants are certainly not career riders, however it is important to know whether they are beginners or experienced.
• For beginners, arrange for a professional guide or riding lessons beforehand.
• Are the equipment provided by reservation or on request?
• What about insurance?
• In the case of a hike lasting several days, what about accommodation and lodges at sunset and overnight?

First make sure that all these points are illuminated so that you can leave in complete safety and fully enjoy your horse riding vacation. Generally speaking, call on qualified horse riding teachers for small group training or riding lessons before the big departure. This will save you a lot of disappointments on the road.

A walk of a few hours or a hike of several days?

As part of the equestrian activities, when we talk about a friendly horseback ride, it generally takes between 1 hour and half a day. On the other hand, when we mention a horseback riding, it can take a whole day and even several days. For a beginner, it is best to start with a simple walk. Indeed, even if the hikes generally provide for an equestrian tourism guide, the French Equestrian Federation strongly advises that all precautions be taken so that you can leave in complete safety.

If you want to see the fauna and flora over several days on horseback, it is strongly recommended to call on instructors who will give you some walking lessons beforehand. Motivated beginners who are in perfect physical condition will soon be able to match experienced riders and increase their equestrian level by putting their effort into it.

Adopt the right equipment during your horseback ride

If you register at an equestrian center and prepare for a simple ride of a few hours, aimed at amateur riders, the necessary riding equipment is generally provided. On the other hand, you will be responsible for some personal belongings as well as the appropriate clothing so that the walk takes place in complete safety. Don't forget to bring a bomb, even for a relatively short walk. In fact, a fall can occur regardless of the horse's pace or your dexterity.

What clothes to wear for a horseback ride?

The clothing to wear during a horseback ride essentially depends on your itinerary. Indeed, it is not uncommon for the weather to be volatile in certain regions, particularly if they are hills or vineyards in mountainous areas. So remember to prepare waterproof and adaptable clothing. Also plan for various thicknesses so that you can best adapt to temperature variations. For the bottom, opt for fairly thick riding pants or riding pants, which offer optimal comfort in the saddle while avoiding chafing.

Always wear closed shoes such as boots, which are strongly recommended when it comes to horse riding. If you don't have any, opt for hiking shoes, preferably waterproof. On the other hand, forget particularly loose clothing such as capes and ponchos as they can frighten your horses and ponies. If it is particularly hot, wear good sunscreen and always wear long but thin clothes. This will be even more useful if you ride a horse in humid areas where insects proliferate.

Other equipment tips for horseback riding

If you plan to go during the school holidays or on horse riding weekends over several days, remember to bring your tents. Unless you have to stay in a yurt in Mongolia or your travel agency has made reservations in a caravan or the surrounding castles.

Have a good strong backpack! It will allow you to have your hands free during your ride and can allow you to carry food, water and personal effects. On the other hand, the backpack must be well adjusted so that it does not rub against the horse, which could hinder its running. It should also not be too heavy as you risk adopting a bad posture to compensate for its weight.