Everything you need to know about fun rides

What to expect on a fun ride

While some riders like to compete, others are happy riding at home. Fun rides have a universal appeal because you can take a number of different approaches. You may be looking to enjoy time with friends, improve your horse’s fitness, or explore new areas that you wouldn’t usually get the chance to ride in. Whatever you want to gain from the experience, it will be more enjoyable if you’re suitably prepared.

What to expect on a fun ride

Fun rides are a pre-planned hacking route open to a large number of riders who usually set off at predetermined intervals in singles, pairs or small groups. You may be given a window, a precise time, or you may need to effectively join a queue and wait your turn, depending on how the event is organised.

Despite a large number of riders in the area at one time, fun rides are usually smooth sailing, excellent fun and a great learning experience for your horse, thanks to riders following good etiquette.

A lot of the rides also have optional jumps of various heights, so you can opt in or out, depending on what you and your horse feel comfortable doing.

Fun ride etiquette

1. Arrive early so that you are ready for your set-off time to avoid bottlenecks.
2. If you’re riding in a group, agree on a pace before you set off. If you’re not all happy with the same pace, it would be wise to split up.
3. Keep your distance from others and be aware that they might be on young or inexperienced horses, or that their horses might kick. You can tie a ribbon in your horse’s tail to warn other riders if your horse kicks (red ribbon), is young (green ribbon), or is a stallion (yellow or blue). A white ribbon shows a horse is for sale.
4. If you need to overtake slower riders ahead of you, alert them that you’re approaching, wait for them to respond as they may need to adjust their position on the path, and thank them as you pass slowly.
5. Avoid queuing for jumps – if it’s busy and your horse doesn’t wait nicely, move on past. There will be a way to get around as jumping is almost always optional.
6. Thank marshals who have given up their time to volunteer at the event – they’ll be at the start, at road crossings and other checkpoints.

What to consider before signing up to a horse fun ride

Before committing to a fun ride, there are a few things to think about to help ensure you have a good time.

Fitness

Find out how long the route is and then consider whether your horse is fit enough to complete it comfortably. Be honest with yourself about your horse’s fitness – and your own – as most fun rides will take at least two hours to complete. Some rides will offer more than one distance running on the same day, so you can choose the option most suited to you.

In order to prepare for the fun ride, you may need to step up your time in the saddle over the weeks beforehand. It’s recommended that you:

• Make an effort to ride on various surfaces and over different terrain to strengthen your horse’s muscles and tendons.
• Gradually increase the length of your rides until you’re covering at least three-quarters of your fun ride’s distance.
• Introduce faster work, if you haven’t already, as there’s likely to be some good ground to make the most of on the fun ride route (if you want to).
• Make sure you’re confident riding your horse in open spaces.
• Consider how you might need to adapt if you’re riding in the heat.

What to wear

There’s no dress code on a fun ride and it’s certainly more relaxed than a competition, but many riders love to bring out the cross country colours – partly to feel their best but also because there may be a photographer.

A suitable riding hat that conforms to current safety standards is essential, as is suitable and correct footwear. A body protector is also recommended, and often compulsory. Dress for the weather and the pace you plan to ride, as you’re likely to get warm if pressing on. If the route has roadwork, you should bring some hi-vis for you and your horse, too.

Insurance

Check whether your horse insurance policy covers fun rides before you sign up, as you may need to increase the activities you can do. If you are insured with Petplan Equine you can increase your activity group/class free of charge, up to three groups per policy year. You just need to let us know 72 hours before you take part in the activity.

How to find horse fun rides near you

Fun rides are organised by a variety of different groups who will all have a different way of publicising their offering. You can search local events on the BHS website, My Riding Life and Horse Events, but Facebook is also likely to provide a wide range of options.

To make the most of Facebook, find and follow local unaffiliated riding clubs and hunts, as they’ll post details of upcoming events on their pages with details about how to sign up. Joining a local equestrian Facebook group will also alert you to local events as organisers often share details in these larger groups.

What to pack for a fun ride

If you don’t travel your horse regularly for competitions or pleasure events, use this packing list and follow this travel guidance to help you prepare.

Take with you in transport

For your horse

• Passport
• Emergency contacts for vet and breakdown assistance
• Water for your horse
• Bucket
• Filled hay net
• Travel boots (recommended)
• Cooler rug / travel rug (depending on the weather)
• Sponge
• Tack
• First-aid kit
• Grooming kit

For you

• Snacks and drinks – although food may be provided or on sale at the end of the ride
• Suncream

Carry with you on the ride

• Phone
• Contact for organiser
• Folding hoof pick (recommended)