Cumbrian Heavy Horses- The Best Fun on Four Legs
Experience the thrill of riding a Suffolk Punch and other heavy horse breeds on the beach in the England's Lake District with one of the few riding establishments internationally that use heavy horses.
by Tracy M Thomas
I'm not necessarily the bravest and most gung ho of riders. In fact there are some, mention no names but he knows who he is, who might say I can be something of a wet lettuce. He does, I would point out, only say this from a considerable distance.
On the whole I am aware that I am a competent rider, however, at some things, I do get a little worried. I can practically see my confidence floating away into the ether as a gleeful brain rubs it's hands in Machiavellian glee and convinces me that I am about to perish in the horse equivalent of a hundred car pile up.
There may also be some exploding.
And my leg will definitely fall off.
Cumbrian Heavy Horses is located at Chappels Farm, Whicham Valley, in the beautiful Lake District.
Photo by Pat McGucken.
However, in a festive, lucid and positive moment (possibly brought on by an over indulgence in Christmas sherry) I threw caution to the winds and booked himself and I a real corker. During our annual spring sojourn we would have the unique experience of riding some heavy horses. Himself, being of the tall variety, had always fancied a go on one of these beasties, and I must admit I was curious. Not only that, but we were going to ride them along a windswept beach in Cumbria, what could possibly be more fun?
As the holiday approached, I was feeling a sense of excitement about this outing in particular. I would sit and watch the videos on the interwebby wotsit, imagining myself flying through the surf with mad abandon on the back of a Shire or Clydesdale. But then, about a week before we were due to leave, the evil brain slug began to emerge. "What in the name of all things furry what I thinking!!"
Cumbrian Heavy Horses specializes in specialise Clydesdale and Shire horses, powerful mounts for beach riding.
Photo by Pat McGucken.
On occasion I have a dodgy hip. It can be brought on my any number of the stupid things I have a tendency to think are a good idea, sitting trot, walking, sleeping... it can be very random. How on earth was I going to cope on the back of a very large horse for nearly four hours?
Additionally, I'm not terribly keen on being a long way from the ground.
Was I completely out of my mind?
Fortunately, the beach ride had been booked for the day after we arrived so there was little time for my self conscious to get up a full head of steam. Pups were deposited at doggy day-care and we took ourselves off to Millom.
Thanks to himself and his OCD time keeping we arrived ridiculously early, so had a chance for a cup of tea and to meet our companions for the day. The pre-ride briefing run by Annie, the owner, should have sent me into panic mode as all the obvious and necessary health and safety stuff was covered, but it didn't. Like most horsey people, she oozed enthusiasm and just helped to consolidate my confidence.
Annie's horses are big, very big. Most stand about 18hh high. My mount for the day was Thor. A Suffolk Punch and a 'small' at a mere 17.2hh. He was simply beautiful, so full of character and I fell quite in love with him. Himself was on Sol and for once actually looked in proportion on a horse whilst I, it was pointed out, looked like a Thelwell pony cartoon.
Writer, novelist, and blogger, Tracy M Thomas of Rabbit in Headlights on Thor.
Riding Sol, one of the Cumbrian Heavy Horses team.
Down on the beach, the sun shone, the wind whipped through the horses feathers, and Annie encouraged us through the 'getting to know your horse stage', while I wondered how my hips and contrary brain was going to cope.
I need not have worried.
All I can say is if you only do one unique equestrian experience ever, make it this one
Riding Thor was as comfortable as any other horse. He had double reins and, as a first time user that took a bit of getting used to, but at no stage was I concerned that he would get away from me. He was the perfect gentleman. Annie is careful to match her horses to their riders and she is obviously very good at it because I felt completely safe and comfortable.
The Cumbrian coastline has miles of sandy beaches for riding. Photo by Pat McGucken.
Cumbrian Heavy Horses is one of only three riding establishments internationally that use heavy horses. For riding, these animals are as responsive as they come and so gentle you just want to take them home. Obviously they have been well schooled and are much loved by everyone at the yard. Such is their versatility they can take care of the absolute beginner right up to the experienced rider who wants a thrilling ride. *It should be noted that absolute beginners are not allowed on the beach ride for safety reasons, the horses do get very excited and enthusiastic, but there are other rides available such as fell rides, farm rides, and trail riding around the stunning Lake District.*
Eventing, dressage, schooling, showing and hacking out are all in a days work for these big boys and girls. They can turn a hoof to almost anything and bravery comes in buckets.
Speaking of bravery, it is hard to describe the sheer joy and exhilaration that comes with an open stretch of beach and the opportunity to let your horse just open up and just go for it. As we lined up for a good canter, you could feel the excitement building as these beautiful animals were desperate to be off. And there is power underneath you. All the horses we took out, and there were seven altogether including Annie's, had a turbo charge and once it was engaged you were in for the ride of a lifetime.
A little shaky, but cool! Watch this YouTube video of the experience by Annie Rose.
The author and himself, smiling on the beach in the UK.
Both of us haven't stopped grinning...
And my leg didn't fall off.
The work they do with these 'almost' rare breed horses is an inspiration and Cumbrian Heavy Horses deserve all the support they can get.
'It is very hard to distinguish between "Whoo Hoo!" and "AAAAARRRRGGGGH! on the beach.' Said Annie at the pre ride briefing.
For us it was "WHOO HOO! All the way!"
About the author: Tracy M Thomas is a feature writer, novelist, and blogger. She took riding lessons briefly in her twenties but, having managed to scare the bejeezers out of herself, took a not so brief sabbatical from all things equine. Two years ago she finally summoned up the courage to return to the saddle and has since evolved into a fully fledged, hopeless horsaholic. Read her blog at www.rabbitinheadlights.com.
