Explaining A Little About Long Distance Riding

What does the term long riding mean? Well in horsey terms it means long distance non-competitive horse riding

. Distance riding done at a more relaxed pace over a period of days, weeks or months and in some cases years!

It has being going on quietly for many, many years, but since the coming of the Internet in the UK in recent years, and in other countries previously, it has been easier to organise and is becoming a more popular alternative to competitive riding. Some long riders used to (and still do in some cases) just saddle up with their gear and ride each day, looking for accommodation when they feel they want to retire for the night. This could be wild camping or sleeping in a barn, wherever they find something suitable. Now, via the internet, you can organise your accommodation ahead of the journey. This can include all of the above plus Bed and Breakfasts, which are obviously a softer and more expensive option. The true long rider is someone that organises their own route and accommodation. Holidays on horseback are organised for you and are just that, a holiday with no challenge for intrepid riders that travel light with no back-up crew.

Some accommodation providers can offer grazing or stabling but often it is hard to find these together at the desired days riding length, but finding a field close to it is an alternative. You just need to be persistent at finding it. The B&B provider will often be pleased to help with transport to and from the field if it is some distance away. Pubs are a great source of information.

To answer the question of what type of horse is suitable for travelling long distances, the answer is any horse that is fit and interested in changing and unfamiliar scenery including your horse. In fact horses do appreciate not going round in circles or doing the same routes or exercises repetitively - they become brain-dead and dull. The relationship between horse and rider always improves when long riding because you spend so much time with each other. The trust between the two grows because they rely on each other for food and safe passage. You actually learn to listen to your horse and then the partnership begins in earnest!

I have gone down the route of barefooted, bitless and treeless saddles. I ride barefooted horses because farriers are sometimes difficult to get hold of when they are required and I can trim myself. No losing of shoes and a lame horse in the middle of no-where! I ride bitless because the trust with my horses is good and they can eat naturally without any interference. I ride treeless because the horse does change shape as they get fitter. My Tennessee Walker broodmare is the exception and has a treed saddle especially produced for the breed as she doesnt have a flat back. What each rider does is personal to them. There are no rules except the decent care of the horse.

by: Erin Brankowski

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