Horse Riding Tips & Tricks

We want you to enjoy your trip with us to the fullest. Here are a few tips and tricks to help.

Avoiding aches and pains

• Wear panty hose, tights or lycra bike pants under your riding pants to help reduce chafing.
• Avoid wearing new or freshly starched jeans; those seams can be a killer.
• Lengthen stirrup leathers a notch or two to reduce stress on knee joints.
• Protect all exposed skin from the sun.
• Take the opportunity to walk when possible.
• Do some simple stretching exercises before mounting.
• Bring some Vaseline or similar for chafed bits
• A small cotton neckerchief can helf keep sunburn at bay when you have an open neck shirt.
• We recommend half chaps.

Golden Rules

• Always walk and lead your horse out of camp in the morning.
• Never ride off until the last rider has mounted.
• Stay at the pace set by the trek leader.
• When riding in single file, never ride closer than one horse length to the horse in front of you.
• When we stop to let the horses drink, do not ride off until the last horse has had a drink.
• Always wear footwear you would be comfortable walking a long distance
• Always listen to the guide's instructions and respect them.
• Never leave camp without first informing the guide of your intentions.
• Always wait until the rider doing gates is ready to ride off
• Always lead your horse on the buckle. He knows how to look after himself and the best place for his feet...you look after you

A Horse's Perspective

• My vision is not the same as yours; mine is monocular and it magnifies things such as, shadows, tree stumps, puddles and rocks by 50%. What appears innocent to you can seem awfully menacing to me.
• I am a herd animal programmed to flee from perceived dangers. I'll be keeping a good eye out for such things along the trail so best you stay awake and keep a good seat.
• As with other herds, our herd has a hierachy and associated politics. Please do not make me crowd other horses as I (or you) could be kicked.
• While I like to have my own space within the herd, I do not like to be left behind or made to leave the herd. This is unnatural for me and, unless I have a lot of confidence in my rider, I find it a difficult thing to do.
• My instincts tell me to avoid any kind of unsure footing. If you are not sure it can hold me up then don't expect me to test it willingly.
• As I am essentially an insecure creature I will look to you, my partner, for confidence and guidance if and when the going gets tough.
• When I am being led I do not need you to push me around by my head with a short grip on the reins, I know the best footing for myself, you only need to worry about yourself I will follow.

Getting Involved

Getting involved is one of the key elements of these rides and for most people adds much to their experience.

You will be responsible for the grooming and saddling of your own horse each day. Your guides will instruct and assist you in this and check your horse before you set out each day.

Your guides will appreciate your assistance in other areas whilst on the trek: ie helping prepare food, doing dishes, grooming, feeding  andsaddling horses, packing and loading gear.

What we supply

• Oilskin raincoat
• Saddlebags
• Riding helmets

What you should bring

• Sturdy footwear, Riding or jodhpur boots (hiking boots with a heeland half chaps)
• Warm clothing (polyproplene or wool)
• Sleeping bag (can be hired)
• Waterproof hat/sun hat
• Swimming costume, Towel, Sunblock
• Insect repellent
• Camera & spare film
• Flashlight(small), Gloves

Our Gear

We pride ourselves on the quality and condition of the tack and equipment we supply.

All equipment starts a trek clean and oiled, and everything is inspected at the beginning of the ride and at the end and sent for repairs if necessary. Spares of vital tack are carried in case of unavoidable mishap.Saddles: We ride in light weight Wintec saddles which we have found after years of experience ,to be the best for our horses backs when ridden by a variety of riders., for heavier riders we use the Australian style stock saddle made famous by "The Man From Snowy River". They have breast plates and circingles. A synthetic wool saddle cover can be supplied for extra comfort.

Bridles: Our horses are ridden in snaffle bits, fitted to English and stock bridles.