Beach riding can be one of life’s greatest joys. However, you’re wise to investigate the vagaries of beach riding before you head to the surf. One of my favorite photos shows my Arabian, Gabriel, and me galloping deep in the surf, looking like free spirits. However, it took me 20 minutes to actually get Gabe into the ocean for that photo. Smart horse!
Most horses see no good reason to enter the ocean. There’s nothing to eat, they can’t drink the water, and they’d be hindered escaping from predators while running in water. If you have the opportunity to ride on the beach, here’s a few tips to ensure that you and your horse stay safe, and have the best possible outing:
Take it Easy: Beach footing differs depending upon sand composition and degree of moisture. Sand made up of course, large particles doesn’t pack well, creating deep footing whether it’s wet or dry. Fine-grained sand is usually firm close to the tide line. Be sure you are on firmly packed sand before moving beyond a walk. At faster gaits, your horse catapults himself over his supporting leg like a pole vaulter, after which the “elastic rebound” of his suspensory muscle and tendon system snaps this leg forward. In deep footing, elastic rebound is lost, so he’s forced to use muscle strength to pull his leg from the sand and advance it. This can cause muscle/tendon injury, if he isn’t conditioned. However, if he’s fit for an hour’s ride in a sand arena, he should handle a typical beach ride without problems.
Some beaches, such as the north end of Ten Mile Beach, have areas where sand can have a “quicksand” quality. Also, keep an eye out for submerged rocks, driftwood, seaweed/kelp piles and sand shelves which may abruptly plunge you into deep water.
Spooking. Waves, seaweed, driftwood, dogs, kites… there’s plenty to spook your horse at the shore.. To pass sunbathers safely when riding in a group, ride as far away from the water as you can. Avoid riding between sunbathers and the tide, as a wave can send a nervous horse leaping onto a beach blanket. Your horse will gradually acclimate to the beach environment, but he’s always going to be more alert than usual. These beach bogey-men are best met in the company of a calm, experienced companion. Find good company. Ride with another rider on an experienced horse who is comfortable on the beach. On an initial visit, don’t try to get your horse into the water… let him follow the other horse but allow him to stay as far away from the surf as he feels comfortable. Plan your first visit to coincide with a receding tide on a day when the water is relatively calm. High, crashing waves won’t inspire calm in a horse that has never seen the ocean!
Be Aware of the Water: Watch where you’re riding. Both horses and humans can get dizzy and feel “seasick” watching the waves surging motion. If you sense yourself or your horse “feeling funny”, get out of the water and onto firm sand. One friend, treating her top show stallion to a beach ride, had him faint underneath her when they were belly deep. Luckily, horses float. She held his nose above water and floated him to shore like an ungainly canoe. As soon as his body hit firm ground, he got up, shook himself off, and looked quite chagrined.
Realize that a wave can easily knock your horse off his feet, particularly if it hits him broadside. If you can’t get away from a rogue wave before it reaches you, turn your horse so his rump faces the water.
Group Riding: To protect my horse’s limbs and minds, I never gallop them full out on the beach. Control is paramount, especially when loping in a group. Begin at a steady trot, and segue into a mellow canter, checking for “brakes” with frequent half-halts (in which you use the same aids as for a full halt, but to a lesser degree, to shorten your horse’s stride and improve collection). A controllable horse is chosen as leader, and if any horse passes him, the whole group breaks to a walk. In the beach’s wide-open spaces, your horse may want to accelerate, so keep your head, and keep him under control.
Respect Wildlife and the Environment: Be a steward of the environment. Know that “designated trails” are so designated to protect delicate or endangered flora or fauna. A rare plant or bird may inhabit areas in which you should not ride… you don’t know what they are, so obey the rules of people who do. In our area, Snowy Plover are of particular concern. If you spot any type of marine life, stay away. If you’re worried there may be a problem… say, you see a baby seal by itself… know that momma seals sometimes park their babies while they’re gone fishin’. Don’t try to help by touching or moving the seal, as momma might then desert them because of the strange smell. Report your concerns to (insert the name/number of the local marine mammal rescue organization)
Don’t ride through flocks of sea birds, as they use up precious energy flying away to avoid you. Skirt inland around them.
Be Courteous to Beachgoers: Communicate with and be courteous to those you meet on the beach, especially since most of them won’t be familiar with horses. If they have their backs towards you, call out so you don’t surprise them. Don’t separate and surround a group of people, as this can be intimidating. Politely ask them to pause throwing their Frisbees or flying their kites as you ride by. Always pass people at a walk. Most fellow beach lovers will grab their cameras and treasure the photos of your beautiful horses on the beach… make sure they are happy to see you!
Post-ride cleanup. Salt is drying, and sand is gritty. After every beach ride, thoroughly rinse your horse’s’ coat. Then hose down all your tack, including protective leg boots if you use them. (If you ride on the beach regularly, you may want to invest in biothane or nylon tack.) Apply leather conditioner to prevent drying or cracking. If your horse returns from the beach with a scrape, clean it with antiseptic to help prevent infection, as sea water can harbor bacteria.
Dream Come True: For many people, riding a horse on the beach is on their “bucket list”. Enjoy your dreams coming true!