Bikes and horses!

[nottoospecial]

Hi ladies! I am thoroughly enjoying this website! So, as well as being new to cycling, just put my first 100 miles on my new road bike! I have a horse. I love my horse and the hours I spend in the saddle are the best, but, I find that I just dont get the endorphine rush I get from cycling when I ride my horse. Any one else share these two passions? I have seen on a couple of you in other threads have interests in these two. Just looking for some input and sharing of how these two loves work for you?
I have a 14 year old quarter horse gelding named Choclet and a 2011 specialized Ruby comp, not named at this point.

[Koronin]

I love horses as well. I know just enough about the care of horses to know I don't know anywhere near enough to ever own one. I am lucky enough to again live close enough to stables where I can start riding again though.

[tealtreak]

Hi ladies! I am thoroughly enjoying this website! So, as well as being new to cycling, just put my first 100 miles on my new road bike! I have a horse. I love my horse and the hours I spend in the saddle are the best, but, I find that I just dont get the endorphine rush I get from cycling when I ride my horse. Any one else share these two passions? I have seen on a couple of you in other threads have interests in these two. Just looking for some input and sharing of how these two loves work for you?
I have a 14 year old quarter horse gelding named Choclet and a 2011 specialized Ruby comp, not named at this point.

I can't wait to read what comes up on this thread. I love biking (all types) and have never even sat on a horse. ...My daughter is crazy into riding (equitation/jumping) and though I am intimidated by those gorgeous animals I am becoming more interested as time goes on. The jumping advice I over hear at her lesson has many similarities to taking jumps and landing drops mountain biking.... Though the last thing I need is another $ consuming hobby, it might be fun to get into with her a bit......

[Kerry1976]

I had my first horseback ride ever this summer while in the Dominican Republic. I think I was about as confident on it as I am on my bike - yikes - moments of joy and moments of omg-what-am-I-doing combined.

[nottoospecial]

Yes there are a lot of similarities, balance mostly, and at this point in my cycling career I seem to have more control over the horse! I got my first horse at 30. And never looked back. 55 now. Love cycling, it is a totally fulfilling hobby. To those of you who have always wanted to ride horses.... Take some lessons. It is usually a very controlled environment and it will introduce you to the basics on a very safe horses. It is a sense of accomplishment
and being outdoors is the goal for most of us. You won't regret it.

[tealtreak]

Yes there are a lot of similarities, balance mostly, and at this point in my cycling career I seem to have more control over the horse! I got my first horse at 30. And never looked back. 55 now. Love cycling, it is a totally fulfilling hobby. To those of you who have always wanted to ride horses.... Take some lessons. It is usually a very controlled environment and it will introduce you to the basics on a very safe horses. It is a sense of accomplishment
and being outdoors is the goal for most of us. You won't regret it.

WOW! interesting to read - the main point of hesitation for me is that I feel in control of my bike- and I feel like the horse can choose if it wants to listen or not......

[ehirsch83]

Up until a month ago I rode horses 3-4 times a week and taught a few select clients (was about to take a position running a lesson program for a big show barn when the fiance got a great job opportunity in Denver). I am now looking for a place to ride in exchange for some help as I am not looking to take lessons(I hold my pro status). I grew up showing h/j and I love it and it is my ideal career To me it is 100% different then the bike, the horses are your friend but they are also a challenge to ride- you are working on them as the athlete. Using their hind end, collection, bending, extension, etc. so much to it- and I love getting the perfect 8 jumps in a course. I also love working with kids and adults and helping them reach their goals. To me the bike is an endorphine rush in a different way. But I always know, no matter how bad of a mood I might be in- a trip to the barn can fix it

[indysteel]

This thread makes me want to take up riding again. I took a couple years' worth of lesson as an adult but gave it up when the demands of a new job (which I've long since left) made it hard to get to the lessons in time. That, and the stable just wasn't very well run. Well, the stable is now under new ownership and a good friend and rider has assured me that it's a lot better now. It's also relatively close to my house. It's just the $$$ that holds me back. I envy all of you who own horses and/or are accomplished riders.

[dottigirl]

Quick question to you horse riders:

When you're out on the road, what do you want to hear from any otherwise quiet cyclists coming up behind you?

I usually call, 'Bike behind!' just to let them know.

[DebSP]

I have basically the same question so I am posting it here. I don't have a loud voice that carries, so tonight I gave one ding of my bell and startled a horse! What is the correct way to approach a horse from behind. I slowed right down and moved out to the yellow lane divider line. When I was still about 15 ft behind the horse I dinged once. Fortunately the girl that was riding had no problem handling her horses little side step but I felt bad.

[libbyfhenderson]

I do! I have 7 horses here at home -- I am an eventer, which is sort of the triathalon of the horse world! I have several retired horses, and my young horse that I am trying to get started in competition.

The problem is that she and I are both "easy-keepers!" Basically, we can stay "sturdy" on air

I bought my first bike as an adult last summer, and rode for a bit and got distracted and it sat through the winter. This year, in July (in Florida of all things!), I decided to get serious and get back to work in order to be fit enough to not be a burden to my pony.

Who knew I'd get addicted?! I've already got bike #2, which is a hybrid with road tires, and am eyeing entry level road bikes!

My pony is sidelined with an injury at the moment, so I'm mostly concentrating on feeding cookies, doing barn chores and improving my bike riding skills!

As far as alerting horses to the fact that you are there, what I have always preferred is for the cyclist to speak to the horses -- that way, the horses recognize you as another human (and potential dispenser of cookies! ) rather than a machine they should be afraid of. I'm fortunate though, as mine are all ok with cyclists because I ride my bike every day in view of their paddocks as I set out and return from the road.

The two sports seem to be quite complementary -- I had already noticed a great increase in my leg strength before Razzy went on the injured reserve list, and hopefully by the time she is better (fingers crossed it isn't a torn ligament or tendon ) my balance will be so much better. The bike is great for working on my own balance and strength.

Plus it is FUN!!

Libby (who, instead of googling horse tack and saddles, has been oogling bike porn instead -- why after doing this for only a couple of months do I think I need a third bike?!)