I introduced my ponies a few months ago and wondered whether my 16 year old New Forest gelding was up to doing some shows. People said go for it. Well we did and went for a riding holiday with a friend and another two people from the riding club three weeks ago. Merlin was the only pony and the others were all 15.2hh and above. Not only did he keep up but but seemed to get better as we went on. Certainly on the last day, he could gallop with the best of them. We did 75 miles in four and a bit days along the Ridgeway, some of it was heavy going after the rain, other bits stony, we crossed over the M4 and under the M40 and nothing worried him. I think it is just another example of how good New forest ponies are and how adaptable.

75miles! geez i bet you had a sore butt lol

It was not too bad, the second day was the worst but it got better after that and it was worth it for the experience. I was so pleased with Merlin.

What an fantastiic experience! Well done you and your brill NF Pony :0) Its so good when they prove them selves equal to the big breedy horses!
Claire K xx
PS Any photos taken along the way we can see??

Ooh photo's would be lovely!

I remember your post and am so thrilled to read about the wonderful time you had, and how great Merlin was.

Amazing distance that horses can cover when you think about it, I am terrible for not pushing distance I must confess.

Hugs, Jane and the boys.

Thats great news..........glad it was such a successful few days riding

Thank you, it really was an experience. It is lovely to have a really long bridlepath like that but what was surprising was that even though it was half term we did not see any other riders on it till Saturday, the last day. I do have some bad photographs I will try to put up when my husband comes in.

During the First World War a company of volunteers from Hampshire was formed with their New Forest ponies and they went over to France. The first couple of days they travelled quite a way and apparently when they bedded down for the night the bigger horses were so exhausted that they practically collapsed and could neither eat nor drink - the Foresters were all eagerly tucking into their supper!

My Forester thinks he's equally as good as the big boys. I cherish the look on a friend's face when he shot past her warmblood at full gallop once and left it standing!!

Sounds like you had a smashing time. Just shows how versatile these forest ponies are.

I'm so glad you enjoyed your riding holiday. I took my old New Forest on three riding holidays (for three days each holiday) - South Downs Way (West Sussex & Hampshire), Cranbourne Chase (Dorset) and the Midlands. And did several Endurance Rides with him. It's surprising how far they can go without any problem isn't it providing they're fit to begin with. We averaged 20+ miles a day without any problems.

Whilst he couldn't keep up with the others in respect of short bursts of speed, he certainly matched, if not exceeded, their stamina! And as you say, at the end of the holiday, my NF looked toned and ready for more whilst the bigger ones just looked like they'd had enough!!!

I'm so glad others have seen what fantastic ponies New Forests are for long distance work. And they're brilliant little "mountain goats" when it comes to all the different terrain too.

I'm hoping that my youngster Ozzie will be ready for a two day holiday at the end of this summer but as he's young and not that fit, we will limit the miles and difficultly to suit him.

I'm too old for jumping, not technical enough a rider for dressage, and get pretty bored with showing - but I have to say that long-distance riding is fab!

Did you go with "Bridle Rides" or did you organise it yourself? The last two holidays we went through "Bridle Rides" and Bobby was fantastic at organising all our stay overs and the maps and instructions were brilliant too. Totally recommend them!!!

So glad you had a great time!

Mx

We organised it ourselves but used the Ridgeway website which is very good and lists accommodation with horses. I can see the attraction of having it organised as we had to take turns in driving the Discovery with the trailer and our things. I escaped this and rode all the time as I can't drive. We are all in our forties and fifties and like you i find it really good fun and a challenge as I am not a competitive rider. We are debating where to go next, the BHS county booklets are good for circular rides and we are thinking of joining two or three together.



The start of the Ridgeway, as you can see the weather was pretty dismal but it did get better.

Merlin enjoying his B&B the first night.




Arriving at the car park for lunch on the third day, the grass on that bit of the Ridgeway is the best and we had some good canters.


The horses resting after enjoying the grass on the third night.



Our hastily taken group photograph after we had finished. I wish I had seen my hat was at a strange angle.

Looks fab