Having grown up “seaside” I can’t say I’m a huge fan of the beach at all – don’t like the sand all the much. I know this sounds slightly absurd :). I look forward to the day of getting a fibre based arena surface so u don’t have to hose of wet sandy boots – yuk!
I do however enjoy taking the horses, mainly as you have complete freedom in such a open space, with very good footing. Short of a racetrack there is little other space like this us mere mortals can have a good hoon at. The water is always great for their legs and riding through water, even though it’s mega splashy the horses love it…and so do I!
I try and go once a week before our show season kicks in, good exercise to gallop and do some work on the sand.
E’s favourite thing is to sink & drink. He lets himself sink up to about his knees, has sips of the ocean…waits for a wave then jumps up & does it over again. I imagine for him the sinking is quite a unusual feeling!
Seeing as how the lighting was good, I hoped off to take a few pics as E played. He is such a people horse he stays close by, combined with having a basic knowledge of being ground tied…he wasn’t going anywhere quickly!
Beach attire wise – I use a leather bridle as PVC rubs precious pony. Cheap girth with nickel buckles that gets hosed (no point getting a decent one as they get sandy/salty and it ruins the elastic). All other work gear as normal – saddle gets cleaned & stirrups washed…and a helmet!
I tend to ride in shorts as you end up getting splashed and pulling wet Joddies off is no fun. That said you get some nice rub marks from the stirrup leathers and slightly odd marks on your legs where you grip.
Even if the beach is a decent float ride for you, take your horse at least once during the summer. You will wish you did it sooner!
Apologies If this appears either spell checked using US language/random spelling/skewiff – blame the iPhone!
Gallops & Garlands 