Comments for Riding Tours Blog

Comment on Does horse racing edge on the side of cruelty? by Lalamalamimu

Lalamalamimu — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:04:18 +0000

Horse racing is cruel! They start the horses too young, giving them aches and pains and a shorter life span. The horses often die in races as they get too hurt to ever move again with things like blow out knees and broken limbs. Some even die due to working too hard during a race and their heart or lungs explode! Even more dreadful, some over competitive racers may even KILL the horse after he/she loses a race by shooting it, stabbing it, or even hanging it. It is a cruel sport and NEEDS to stop!

Comment on Thoughts on Horse Safety- Bayard Fox by Sarah

Sarah — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:37:12 +0000

Very valid points from both ladies. There is a certain stimga attached with wearing a helmet- especially in the Western riding world. Out here in Wyoming it is easy to fall into the habit of “Western Style” where you replace your helmet with a cowboy hat. I myself fall into that catergory on occasion. More than anything it is laziness for me. I need to remind myself that as I get older my body doesn’t ‘bounce’ as well as it used to!

Comment on Thoughts on Horse Safety- Bayard Fox by Ruth - past Bitterroot guest

Ruth - past Bitterroot guest — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:50:01 +0000

I am in agreement with Bayard’s article. One only needs to browse YouTube to see videos of bucks, falls and wrecks due to riders’ inexperience or inattention. I approach horseback riding like driving a car. Be a defensive rider, anticipate the unexpected and wear a helmet. It also helps to learn as much as you can about the equine mind. If you can think like them, it helps to avoid potential sticky situations. There is no better feeling than being in synch with your horse, whether on the ground or in the saddle. I would also add that it’s a good safety practice to wear a helmet anytime you are working with a horse. I have seen a horse kick at a fly on its belly while a person is bent over picking a front hoof. Fortunately no contact was made with that person’s head. Be proactive with safety.

Comment on Thoughts on Horse Safety- Bayard Fox by Jenice - gaited horse and mule lover

Jenice - gaited horse and mule lover — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:52:46 +0000

I have seen both the situations you mentioned create safety issues. Beginning riders generally don’t see these types of things coming whereas a more experienced rider might anticipate the hazards and be able to take evasive action. We once saw a horse bolt and the rider take a bad spill because a person on the ground, who was approaching the group of riders, tripped and stumbled. The person stumbled in the direction of this horse. The rider was distracted, didn’t anticipate the unexpected, and the horse quickly whirled out of the group and took off in a run. The sudden action of the horse caused the rider to lose her balance which further unnerved the horse who ended up in a panicked fear-based run. The rider came off that horse at a dead run. Thank goodness she was wearing a helmet and didn’t end up with a broken neck or other body part. It could have been much worse.

Comment on Back to Business by Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:24:50 +0000

Hi Robin and Ted!
So good to hear from you two. I still tell all my clients enquiring about Los Potreros about the wonderful and unique overnight stay that we had with Menta and Chiche. A definite highlight of the trip.
Equitours have some great rides in Spain which your would enjoy. I will forward your details onto Nancie in the Equitours office, who handles most of these rides and she will get back to you shortly.
Hope to ride with you again one day!
Sarah

Comment on Back to Business by Ted and Robin Eccles

Ted and Robin Eccles — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 04:32:34 +0000

Sarah,
My wife Robin and I had the good fortune to ride with you in November 2006 at Estancia Los Potreros. We are planning to go on an equitours trip to Spain in April. We just read your blog about your recent Australian travels. Sounds exciting!! We hope you are well and look forward to riding with you again sometime soon! We have many great memories of our overnight ride in Argentina with you and the Beggs. Do you have any recommendations on Spain?

Warmest regards,
Ted Eccles

Comment on Balkan Heritage Ride by Lesley

Lesley — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 08:35:56 +0000

What a brilliant blog, I would never have THOUGHT of looking in bulgaria for a horse riding adventure. Definitley will put it on my list of places to visit now though.

Comment on Too Expensive To Travel? by Sarah

Sarah — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:24:08 +0000

Thanks Kate. Mel and Bayard just returned from Kenya safe and sound. Equitours trips are removed from the current violence but it is certainly a point of concern.
Hope to see you at the Bitterroot again sometime soon.
Sarah

Comment on Too Expensive To Travel? by Kate

Kate — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:40:02 +0000

Hi, I had a wonderful time at the Bitterroot Ranch this summer. Just wanted to send my best to all and I hope that if any trips are running out in Kenya at the moment that everyone is safe and removed from the current violence.

Comment on From the top of a horse. by Sarah

Sarah — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 22:01:19 +0000

Thanks for your reply Cindi. We offer two different unguided rides - Ireland and France. Nancie will be in contact to discuss your options.

No problem being horse crazy- my husband calls me the same thing!
Sarah