BRIDLEWAY BUDDIES DATABASE - FIND A FRIEND TO RIDE WITH

By Camilla Mascall

Last Year I won a ride in Hyde Park for points accumulated in endurance rides from Central Horse News. This year I won a two hours beach ride on Studland Beach in Dorset! These were both things that i wouldn't have normally done so they were a real treat. Riding on the beach is restricted in summer, so my friend jane and i made the journey down south at the end of April. Studland is a short car ferry ride away from the very expensive sandbanks and we enjoyed looking at all the very beautiful houses and different scenery on the way down (fortunately the "crew" came to chauffer us there and back.

When i phoned to book i explained that we were both experienced riders and we were offered a choice of cobs or thoroughbreds, English or Western saddles. As we were used to riding both types of horses and tack i left the decision up to them. As we arrived at the yard i began to feel quite apprehensive a the thought of riding strange horses at speed and hoped that they had chosen quiet cobs with western saddles for us! Of course we were directed to two ex racehorses with english tack.

The horses were in good condition but lacked the polish, lean fit look and top line we are used to in endurance horses and perhaps it was just as well we thought, maybe they would treat us gently! Our guide who rode a thoroughbred and two other ladies rode with us on cobs. We had a short hack to the beach, which opened out into miles of flat firm sand. Our horsesbehaved beautifully and had lovely long comfertable strides which only a thoroughbred can offer. This contrasted with the cobs who were being really naughty ! One insisted on bolting to the front and when he got there stopped dead, and the other one seemed lacking in steering and gave a few bucks! Fortunately the two ladies riding them were competent and weren't worried by it at all.

Halfway along the beach we realsised we were actually riding on the nudist beach, but there weren't many about in April! as we relaxed and got to know our horses we were able to enjoy canters along the sand and in the surf. Idyllic. We rode back over the headland and were sorry to say goodbye to our beautiful mounts.

As well as beach rides the stables offer rides along the cliff tops and over the heath. For more information look at their website www.studlandstables.com

Bridlerides offer accomodation and riding for you and your horse nearby, but to ride on the beach you need to be aware of the restrictions during the tourist season. Jane has done an endurance ride from nearby Lulworth Cove and although it is a long way to take your horse, the area can provide several days of different riding and there are plenty of non horsey activities available in the area (for the "crew" of course)