to ride a heavy horse
Heavy horses, once thought of as the gentle giants of our working and farming heritage, are becoming increasingly popular as quality riding horses. Annie Rose of Cumbrian Heavy Horses tells us more
AFIT, WELL-SCHOOLED HEAVY horse has all the qualities you would expect of any riding horse. In addition, they have beautiful flowing paces emphasised by the lovely feathering on their lower leg, an amazing ability to cover rough ground, stamina, intelligence and a good temperament. And they can stand up to 19hh!
There aren’t many riding disciplines that these horses can’t turn their large feet to, but their calm nature and kind eye make them particularly suitable for teaching. At Cumbrian Heavy Horses in the Lake District, we’ve had riders from five years old to 86 years young. Families, couples and groups all enjoy the experience, and men love to ride them as their height encourages taller riders — they feel correctly horsed.
Fun and responsive
There are definite benefits to riding a heavy horse. Not only do novices find them friendly and comforting, but experienced riders are often amazed by how speedy they are and how light under saddle, responsive and fun.
Riders can improve technically as these beautiful giants have such a big, bold pace, encouraging a deep seat and good hand position, yet for faster work a good lower leg position and light seat are essential, promoting excellent balance. Many of our less confident riders, having ridden a fantastic, fun and yet trustworthy heavy horse, go home with vastly increased confidence, ready to ask more of their own horse.
Riding a heavy horse can open your eyes, transform preconceptions and be an amazing experience into the bargain. If you’d like to try it, choose a BHS Approved Riding Centre where the tuition and welfare standards will be high — and prepare to be amazed!
Find out more at facebook.com/ cumbrianheavyhorses.