So what is going on around here and where does it happen? This section is for discussion on local events, festivals, and holidays as well as activities and things to do.
There is a small horse camp just west of Takiab that provides a better life for some of the ex-beach horses and offers treks into the hinterland. So in the name of research I saddled up and went to see what it was all about ...
There are 8 horses in total at the camp
Heading off into the hinterlands ... rodeo style
Some great views over Hua Hin can be had
Into the valley we go
Great for kids, far better than 300 baht for ten minutes on the beach
The tranquility of the wilderness is great - and only ten minutes from hell central
You wouldn't think you were in Hua Hin at all
Into the sunset cowboy style
Shooting photos from the saddle is no mean feat ... but we got it done!
So if you're bored with the beach, stressed with SUVs, and mad at market village get yourself down there for a trek into the country. The camp is off soi 112 and they offer a number of treks into the hills and hinterlands, it is a great way to see the surrounding countryside without the buzz of motorcycles or the bustle of Bangkok drivers!
Arcadian wrote:We had a riding stables in the UK, we would not have allowed shorts and flip-flops, a recipe for sore legs and/or accidents. BTW are there stirrups?
Yet another reason why many of us have chosen to live here rather than there. I rode horses for years as a youngster and even did some horse jumping, all without any riding gear, and without a saddle as well. If you ask me, that's the way it should be done.................so much more enjoyable.
Buksi.........How much does it cost, and can you go riding about without an escort/guide? Sometimes it's just nice to be on your own when you're on a horse..........love it.
Don't try to impress me with your manner of dress cos a monkey himself is a monkey no less - cold fact
...and do they have instruction for the un-initiated. I've ridden, but not since I was a teenager and the wife has ridden buffaloes , but never a horse.
My brain is like an Internet browser; 12 tabs are open and 5 of them are not responding, there's a GIF playing in an endless loop,... and where is that annoying music coming from?
If stirrups are the things you put your feet in then yes, my horse had them. As Takiap said the more experienced riders can go without them.
No idea on prices or guides, you'll have to contact them.
hhf, yes they'll show you the ropes or put you with an easy horse - I hadn't ridden since I was about 8 but picked it up pretty quickly, my horse was very obliging!
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
Short history of the horse camp.
Our Thai friend Joe has more than 20 years experience with the beach horses and had the idea to provide a place to rescue horses and to give children an alternative to internet shops. Most of these youngsters are from families with busy parents, thus having little time for their kids.
We rent a camp for the horses and since beginning of 2010 many children enjoy this wonderful nature experience with caring for the horses and riding for free. It became like a second home for a lot of them.
Everybody is welcome to visit the horse camp and to join the horses. The horse camp is a benefit to the horses, children and adult. A contribution is anyhow very welcome, to support the camp and its expenses. It’s free and up to you. Joe is happy and thankful for each support as well as for every visitation.
As until now the donations Joe received can`t cover all expenses like food, veterinary, equipment… for 8 horses, Joe will try with the kind help of Buksida to offer over a website paid horse trips for tourist to allow the community and those with limited resources to have access to this project.
Arcadian, the woman with shorts and flip flop is my wife, she took over the horse for 5 minutes after the kids like to walk a bit. Joe recommend long trousers and shoes for the ride and he has also riding helmet and stirrups.
hhfarang, Joe offer riding instruction, but don`t worry the horse has a good temperament and they are directed through specialized training exercises on a regular basis.
Takiab, we share the same feeling like you. It`s so beautiful to see the kids riding and jumping bareback and even without bridle in our riding arena.
The kids where very impressed from this woman
It`s very nice to see them trying to do the same with there horses.
Of course you can go alone for a ride, it`s so wonderful. Joe only recommend to show you the first time some trails and check if you are fine with the horse.
As you are a part of the community Joe will not charge anything and no monetary donation is to small- no gesture is unappreciated.
For more information or contact details please PM me and I will forwarded to Joe.
Learn Kung Fu with and get fit quick
www.wt-thailand.com
[quote="Takiap"][Yet another reason why many of us have chosen to live here rather than there. I rode horses for years as a youngster and even did some horse jumping, all without any riding gear, and without a saddle as well. If you ask me, that's the way it should be done.................so much more enjoyable.
Dear arcadian, Mr. Reeve was thrown from his horse and landed on his head during an cross-country competition. He was wearing a helmet and a protective vest at the time.
He had been approaching a triple-bar about 3 1/2 feet high when his horse apparently could not find the right spot to make the jump. The horse abruptly stopped, causing Reeve to "roll up the horse's neck and fall on his head.
Statistics show that cross-country events like this one generate 72 percent of all riding injuries because they involve jumping over fixed obstacles with speed.
I think this cross country accident is not a good example for what we speak about.
My son enjoy bareback riding with an old and very calm pony and only in the riding area, not outside. His horse walk to the 0.5 feet high jump and it`s only for the experienced kids.
For the trail riding, beginner are not allowed to trot or canter and Joe check everybody before on the riding area, and I can promise you that this ex beach horses are very calm and used to go around with riders.
This is not a cross country trail with jumps, only a nice walk to the country side.
I understand your concern, but every activities have there risk. I`m more scared when my son is on his bicycle or asking for kite surf lessons.
Learn Kung Fu with and get fit quick
www.wt-thailand.com
Reeves? An example to prove that equipment doesn't make a difference? :
thrown from his horse and landed on his head during the second of three trial events in an equestrian competition. He was wearing a helmet and a protective vest at the time.
poosmate wrote:Reeves? An example to prove that equipment doesn't make a difference? :
thrown from his horse and landed on his head during the second of three trial events in an equestrian competition. He was wearing a helmet and a protective vest at the time.
My Guess is he also had a saddle,
My point was that even as an experienced rider with all the safety equipment it can still be dangerous, without the safety equipment, who knows? Even the most docile horses can be spooked so complancency is unwise. If an accident occurred whilst on holiday the travel insurer`s first question would be what safety precautions did you take. If there are helmets available, use them. An accident is just that, an unforseen occurence.
Point taken. I still think though your example is like comparing renting a bicycle and taking part in the Tour De France
I recon a quick google could come up with lots of examples of injuries as a direct result of harnesses and stirrups etc.
Last edited by poosmate on Tue Sep 21, 2010 4:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
When I first saw Buks's photos the though of snakes jumped into my head. I'm sure there's some in those hills and don't know how a beach horse would react? I used to go on guided rides on trails up near Lake Tahoe in California. There were snakes but the horses never bucked or bolted, just stopped dead in their tracks and thumped a front hoof on the ground. They wouldn't move an inch until the snake was out of sight. Pete
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
, but never a horse.
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