Go Horseback Riding on the Beach!

Hi...my name is Chari and my daughter and I own and operate Wildfire Stables, www.wildfirestables.com. Horse owners for years, we came to Bodega Bay specifically to set up trail rides for guests. I thought I knew it all having been around horses my whole life then being blessed with a daughter who developed a passion as big as mine; but, I soon learned sharing our horses with vacationing guests was a whole new animal.

I mean it literally, “a whole new animal.” Our horses had been shown in cutting, reining, on a youth drill team and are considered well trained yet, it meant little when I was faced with the responsibility of placing various sized, aged, and skills level individuals on one of my horses for a short ride. I had used a stable horse only once or twice in my life and really, really didn't know how inappropriately trusting and naive the general population is about horseback riding.

Now I know. I hope to share with the public tips, information and open up about exactly what it is to ride a horse. To be honest, I would absolutely recommend “Don't Do It” because first and foremost, riding a horse is a risk. If you are an individual that would never consider, let's say, bungee jumping, parachuting, or white water rafting...don't go ride a horse. This is some of the exact wording required by my insurance company that's on my three page release:

Rider is agreeing that the stable should not be liable for any damages suffered by, or injury to, or the death of the rider and/or horse resulting in the inherit risks of equine related activities. Horses are 5-15 times larger and 20-40 times more powerful, and 3-4 times faster than a human. Horseback riding is the only sport where a smaller, weaker predator animal (a human) tries to control the movements of a larger, stronger prey animal (the horse), each having a limited understanding of each other.

It's the truth yet, I get inquires such as “does my 18 month old ride in front of me or behind me in the saddle?” My fellow horsey friends and I roll our eyes and think, “seriously?” “If you don't love them you can put them in the front or back.”

Can we work out something safe for you? Yes, we can but if we want to offer healthy, reliable, well trained horses we have to insist on limitations and need your undivided attention. As I continue this blog, I will offer more specifics on how to successfully enjoy a horseback riding adventure.

I will also explain more about what is behind the scenes. Take this great picture of my daughter really having fun riding her horse, Teddy, on the beach. Teddy is a 12 year old horse that we have had since she was two years old and had only one ride on her. We put her in professional training for six months for $550.00 a month which was a deal even back then. We paid $3,000.00 for Teddy which was a fair price because while Teddy wasn't trained yet, she had strong cow horse breeding, good conformation and was smart.

Teddy is one of the best horses for our inexperienced guests which you couldn't tell by looking at this picture. She's great for guests because she is respectful to her rider which means she will turn left/right, stop/go and if kept at a walk, she will peacefully mosey along. Of critical importance is that Teddy is not a horse that startles easily. A child (8 or older) can ride Teddy and she will be safe as long as we direct and monitor the rider which we do with all our horses and riders.

Horseback riding on the beach is romantic and as it was with me, many woman dream of doing it. The truth is, riding a horse on the beach is difficult on the horse and nothing less than nerve wracking for your guide. A horse that loves water and will swim forever can and does shy away from slapping waves. They are a flee animal and a horse's survival instincts kick in each time those waves come rushing at their feet. For us to get a horse comfortable with waves, we expose them and ride them without it being work so they learn that they “ won't get killed.”

Teddy is having fun in this picture and is being allowed to lope, paw and generally have fun with her rider. Teddy is arguing a bit about slowing down and becoming “hot” which happens when she is allowed to unleash her tremendous amount of energy. Riding Teddy like this is a rare occasion and only because she has proven over and over that she will NOT ignore our requests for her to stop and she can be trusted to get hot without loosing control.

Here's the catch for all of you who dream of running a horse on the beach...it's hard to keep control and crazy if you don't have a good seat and knowledge of how to use your reins. We, as a stable and people who love this horse, will not let anyone lope or run Teddy unless they have proven THEY have the necessary skills to keep themselves and Teddy safe. If you think that all it takes is pulling hard on the reins then know that horse people cringe and scoff at those who think this. True stopping a horse comes from using your legs and seat, proper head alignment (horses) and thinking ahead as to not do anything that will cause the horse to fail your request. In other words, training. Honestly, a horse has the strength to take hold of any bit and ignore it if they are so inclined. More importantly, anyone who loves a horse does not want them hurt due to others inexperience.

There is good news. We can set you up with a horse that is trained, show you how that horse understands commands and give you a chance to walk along the beach and sometimes even into the water. We use a guide and often a drag (a rider who follows) so we can watch over you and provide instructions. All we need from you is an honest understanding about the risks you are embarking on and the desire to follow our instructions. In return, we watch your every move and adjust according to rider and horse each and every step of the way so you can have a safe and fun experience.

We have set up at least three marriage proposals on the beach and have been honored to have provided this experience to people all over the US and other countries. Riding at a public stable is possible! I will continue to post information and would love to answer any question you may have about where and how to enjoy this activity.