As a child I always wanted an Arabian horse - thing is I've never actually ridden one but I think it was a book (or two) I read about them that set me off. I've also always (even during my 30 year break from riding) wanted a horse that I could 'be' with, just doing things together.
I think the thing that has surprised me most since returning to riding last year is that the 'done thing' seems to be to do a bit of schooling or jumping in the arena or go out on a hack round the fields, which to me is a bit like walking the dog, only on top of a horse! After an hour or two that's it.
My own dream of having a horse was and still is to spend hours or even whole days exploring the countryside, popping logs and galloping along grassy canal banks. With that in mind, I wondered whether endurance riding would be a good hobby? I've had a look on some websites and see there seem to be pleasure rides going on as well as the competitive stuff which I think would be a bit beyond me at my current level of fitness and inexperience, as it does look pretty tough.
I've also discovered that Arabs seem to be a very popular choice for this type of riding. However I've seen adverts for Arabs that say 'typical Arab so not novice ride'. What does that mean??! I don't mind horses that are lively/forward going or jumpy, but wouldn't be keen on a bucker or napper, nor would I want anything bad tempered on the ground.
I'm not ready to get a horse yet as am taking things slowly to make sure I know what I really want and am ready and capable, which might never happen! I returned to riding last year, am loaning this year, see how that goes first - but I am thinking about what direction I want to go in.
Anyone have any experience of Arabs or Endurance? Would love to hear any thoughts.
I think the thing that has surprised me most since returning to riding last year is that the 'done thing' seems to be to do a bit of schooling or jumping in the arena or go out on a hack round the fields, which to me is a bit like walking the dog, only on top of a horse! After an hour or two that's it.
My own dream of having a horse was and still is to spend hours or even whole days exploring the countryside, popping logs and galloping along grassy canal banks. With that in mind, I wondered whether endurance riding would be a good hobby? I've had a look on some websites and see there seem to be pleasure rides going on as well as the competitive stuff which I think would be a bit beyond me at my current level of fitness and inexperience, as it does look pretty tough.
I've also discovered that Arabs seem to be a very popular choice for this type of riding. However I've seen adverts for Arabs that say 'typical Arab so not novice ride'. What does that mean??! I don't mind horses that are lively/forward going or jumpy, but wouldn't be keen on a bucker or napper, nor would I want anything bad tempered on the ground.
I'm not ready to get a horse yet as am taking things slowly to make sure I know what I really want and am ready and capable, which might never happen! I returned to riding last year, am loaning this year, see how that goes first - but I am thinking about what direction I want to go in.
Anyone have any experience of Arabs or Endurance? Would love to hear any thoughts.