Double Up For a Great Time Horse Riding

Everyone remembers their days in school and the fun we used to have double dating on Friday night. Some of us went to the drive-in movie, and other couples headed up to the point and checked out the view. Then, we’d all meet later at the local hang out for a root beer float and a burger. There was something special about it, and now that we’re all grown up, there are still good times to be found by doubling with another couple. Plus, the fact that we can bring our horses into the picture, makes the idea of a double date even more exciting to contemplate. After all, a big part of owning a horse is having experiences that involve them

Horses are social creatures just as we are, and they’re going to enjoy mixing with a few other horses, especially if there’s a horse or two they aren’t familiar with. We always enjoyed watching the way our horses seemed to perk up when we’d meet with another group on horseback. Their display of personality and the way they interact is, at the very least, interesting, if not entertaining in its own way.

The first thought that comes to mind for a double date with our horses would be four people, each with their own horse. You could all get together in the afternoon for a ride, and it could even be followed by a barbecue. In the event everyone is relatively new to each other, this a great way to get acquainted. On the other hand, if you’ve all been out before, a ride and a dinner is always a good way to keep the friendship moving along.

The summer season is right around the corner, and summertime usually suggests some type of water sports. Bathing suits and bareback riding to a nearby stream, or playing in the spray of a rain bird sprinkler can be a lot of fun. Anyone that’s been around these animals for a time knows, horses enjoy cool water as much as we do. A good wetting down on a hot day is one way to beat the heat, even if it’s only wading into a lake on horseback. If you’ve done this before, you can imagine the fun of playing in the water with your partner and another couple.

Of course, there’s always the hay ride on a warm evening. For anyone that hasn’t had the occasion to outfit your horse with a harness, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Even if your horse has never been outfitted with harness tack, you’ll be surprised how well the animal takes to the rigging. Horses have a natural desire to go forward, and if this means being harnessed to a wagon, the animal is going to it, especially if there’s a clear, flat road to travel. Bring along a cooler of cold drinks and a few snacks for everyone, including the horses. A double date, with the horses hitched to a wagon can be a lot of fun on a summer evening.

Meeting new people that share our interest in horses brings out our enthusiasm. In addition to the social side of our lives, talking about our horses with other couples is one way to improve everyone’s approach to training and care of the animals.

Double dates on horseback are a weekly affair for many, and if you were to ask them, they would admit it’s something they look forward to with delight. Summer is the time to take the plunge and set up a date with your partner and another couple. You can arrange to meet at the stables, or set out and gather everyone up, one at a time. Your horses are going to enjoy a double date just as much as you will.

The social side to a Gymkhana

There’s a good chance, the most energetic, and diverse event that involves both horses, and riders, is Gymkhana. Some people will go just to socialize with friends, some will trailer their horse across the state in hopes of winning prize money, and some are happy to walk away with a ribbon they can pin on the wall. Gymkhana is an opportunity to see how well a rider and a horse are working together, and in this regard, simply entering and competing is a win.

The typical Gymkhana features a half dozen, or more events, and riders are awarded points for first, second and third place, in each event. The rider with the most points at the end of the competition is the overall winner. Whether riding for prize money, or for the excitement of the contest, there’s a fair amount of work that goes into preparing for Gymkhana. Fortunately, the greater portion of this preparation involves spending time with a good horse.

Horses are athletes, in the sense they have to be in shape to run, and are susceptible to muscle pulls, exhaustion, sore tendons, and any other conditions that go along with training a body. The riders have to be in shape, and spend time working with the horse, to ensure both are on the same page. When a rider hops down from the saddle to scramble through a drainage pipe, it’s nice to know the horse will still be there when they come out of the other end. Teaching a horse to ground-tie is not difficult, but it does take some time.

For some reason, Gymkhana seems to promote an easygoing environment, where other competitive events such as barrel racing, or especially Dressage, have a more serious tone attached to the competition. This might explain why the range of contestants that line up to participate in Gymkhana is so diverse. Eight year old’s, to sixty and up, are eager to get out there for some pole bending, so they can try the lead change cues they’ve been working on for two weeks. For someone who recently acquired a horse, entering in the neighborhood Gymkhana is a great way to get acquainted with the animal. A horse’s temperament and skills are all at the test in any number of the events, from rescue racing to the barrels, jumping, and slide stopping on the mark.

Later in the day, a hot dog and a cold drink, with plenty of horse talk mixed in, is a great way to catch up on things with friends, and meet people who share the same, casual interests. For the horses, that extra scoop of A & M is as good as it gets after some healthy exercise in the ring. Gymkhana is about as much fun as a group of riders and their horses can have, especially on a sunny Saturday.