Many people dream of riding a horse on the beach. It’s an incredibly romantic thought and a freeing and exciting thought in real life. However, riding a horse on the beach is quite different from riding anywhere else and there are a few things to consider before you ride into those waves.
What are the beach restrictions?
Many beaches have restrictions – especially in terms of animals. It’s a good idea to call ahead of time or go to the beach beforehand and find out exactly what their restrictions are and if they even allow horses to walk on the beach. It’s important to realize that some beaches prohibit all animals.
Even if they do allow horses on the beach, it’s best to double check if there are any areas of the beach that horses are not allowed.
On some beaches, it depends on the season whether you are allowed to bring your horse on the beach or not.
Where are you going to park?
Visit the beach ahead of time and figure out where the best place is for you to park a truck and trailer. Beach parking can be busy and your transport will take up a lot of space. It might be a good idea to get to the beach early just to make sure you find a space without too much trouble.
Some beaches have a street that leads up to the parking area at the beach and parking on it is allowed. It’s best if you can find somewhere to park where you won’t have to back out to be able to leave.
Train your horse to load-up easily
Be sure that you have trained your horse to load up in the trailer easily. This may take many hours of training. Do not get frustrated or discouraged.
Making sure that your horse is trained to load easily will make for a better experience in taking your horse on the beach.
Bring water for your horse
It’s best not to count on there being freshwater at the beach for your horse to drink. So, bring along plenty of fresh, cool water because your horse will be thirsty after a nice workout on the beach. You will need at least a few gallons.
Plan your clothes and equipment
Being that salt damages leather I would suggest using a synthetic tack. I would also suggest wearing old riding clothes just in case your horse ends up really loving the shoreline and the water.
Bring a second set of everyday clothes to change into in case you end up getting soaking wet.
Be ready in case your horse spooks
If this is your first time riding a horse on the beach, it’s likely that it’s your horse’s first time too and there will be a few new things for him to get used to.
Usually, when a horse is allowed on the beach, a dog will be too. Train your horse at home to make sure he listens to you really well before you ever take him to a beach.
There will be so many different things that will be a distraction for him. Kids playing, adults playing frisbee or volleyball, boats on the water, and dogs running around barking.
All of these distractions can excite and stimulate your horse making him jittery and nervous.
Ride with someone else
Take a friend along with you who is experienced in being around horses. It will give you someone to help you water and care for your horse. It also means you have someone there to take pictures and videos if you’d like some to remember the occasion by.
Remember to bring your camera or your cell phone to be able to take the pictures.
If your friend rides too, why not bring both horses? Your horse will likely be calmer if he has a horsey friend to take in the new experiences with.
Be prepared for your horse not to like the water
Some horses will not even walk across puddles much less walk along a shoreline or go near the scary waves!
Take your horse on a trail ride where you know that there are streams or a small river so you can get him used to a walk in the water before taking him to the beach.
Even if your horse is fine with going in streams or lakes, he may still be hesitant or flat-out refuse to go in the water at the beach. Rivers and streams have boundaries, a beach leads out into the ocean with no boundaries. Also, streams and lakes are much quieter with a lot less activity than a beach.
These things may not sit well with your horse and can even spook him. Just take it easy and listen to what your horse needs.
Is your horse comfortable in traffic?
You need to prepare your horse to be around traffic. If you don’t, he is sure to get spooked which can make him rare up or run. At the very least he will be nervous which can lead to a bad situation.
If he has never been around traffic, start off by riding him down roads where the traffic is extremely light. Once you feel that he is alright with this then take him on a rural street. Do this a few times a week before planning a trip to the beach.
Remember, the more prepared you are, the better your beach trip will be.
Find out what time the tide comes in
Most people do not think about this but check to find out what time the tide is coming in on the day of your trip. You don’t want to get to the beach and have little sand to ride on because the tide is in.
Google can be a huge help in searching for the times when tides are in and out.
Conclusion
With careful planning and a few extra steps, riding your horse on the beach will be an exciting adventure.
If you implement these tips and plan accordingly, taking your horse on the beach can be one of the best trips ever for you and your horse.
The more time that you take with your horse and have patience with him, the better your trip to the beach with your horse will be.