Oh dear! Novice Horses with Inexperienced Riders 😳 a disaster waiting to happen?

Would you like to become a Club member & receive email, Newsletters & Additional Videos? Then all you need to do is send a donation to our Carrot Fund which is
paypal.me/Carrots4ApolloFarouk
DON’T FORGET to include your EMAIL address to become a Club Member. Apollo is our 10-year-old, pure-bred Friesian he is a good horse for a beginner rider. He has a lovely collected canter and is a great farter. He is herd leader over Farouk who is a pure-bred Arabian horse, Farouk is 8 years old and loves galloping and is a good endurance horse. He is the Grandson of the famous Marwan Al Shaqab and then there is Princess Bella a Three-Year Old pure-bred Andalusian filly her speciality is bucking and jumping for joy.

[@sandysmythe3459]

"Mum I am walking - but it just feels that I am cantering on the spot😋" I think Apollo will soon make a move to be at the front...and away! He is definitely fed up at the slow pace of everyone....he is the most gorgeous horse in the group. I like the way his mane is always flying in the wind. He looks terrific.😍😍🤩🤗🤗

[@poyznelf]

LOL, love Apollo's "slowest canter in the world" mode. So much control but, willfulness at the same time.

[@sarahmarks7082]

Apollo 🖤is so expressive 🤣😂

[@donnagoring250]

@@sarahmarks7082 I agree! He couldn't be more so, it's time to be off Mom! Let's canter already!!! At this point, it may be okay to proceed ahead, as one would think a hunter, even in pleasure, will canter, esp., since she mentioned jumps. Perhaps the group will split into the novice jumpers with more cantering, and those who prefer the walking, and little/no jumping. The leader was right, Tara is an expert horsewoman, and one of the ones to watch. Tara, have you given thought to leading a class, and so when Bella gets started, if needed, this would be an option, as you know the rules and etiquette of all of this?

[@Tara101]

I would be happy to help if asked

[@donnagoring250]

@@Tara101 Hope you are asked, as you are a professional horsewoman, and they need someone to get. them ready for moving up. And that paint, he always turns his rear towards Apollo. Suspicious behavior Paint! If asked, publish ahead of time the rules of etiquette for the group, so that they can learn. We're learning over here from you, they need to learn also, as your knowledge is an opportunity to learn.

[@traceyfisher6312]

@@donnagoring250 the paint keeps turning his butt to Apolo because Apolo is jigging and throwing off a lot of energy, I'm sure he is a nice horse but he is not a well behaved trail horse, and this was a large group out for a nice hack, nit a cross country event. He won't stay in a relaxed walk, keeps jigging and it may be a lovely slow canter - but it's a canter. She should ride with people who go her speed, or go gallop the trails by herself.

[@maryleewalden3175]

I think it is super considerate of you to hold him back so as not to upset the other horses. I am usually the novice in my riding group and always appreciate others being so helpful to me as a newer rider.

[@Tara101]

🐴👍

[@horsingaround339]

The only rider and horse that I can see that are jogging on the spot and going past the other horses is you and Apollo.

[@traceyfisher6312]

exactly, and their energy would definitely be being passed onto to the other horses I think you need to pick your groups more carefully

[@leannejohnson8845]

Everyone was a novice once. If you think about it, someone might have been riding a while but be a novice to pleasure rides and how it effects their horse. I think the best thing to do in these situations is to provide support and company to newbies. It’s lovely that Apollo likes his days out. He obviously knows what he wants to be doing. I know it’s fun doing the cantering stuff, but I also think doing slower paced things and teaching your horse to behave in the desired manner is really important. I had an ex team chase/point to point horse. And as soon as his feet hit grass he wanted to go. Although I was in control of his jigging and rocking horse on the stop stuff. It’s very off putting to other horses and riders, especially if you are overtaking. It took me a while to rewire how he reacted. But it was well worth doing.

[@Tara101]

yes we are all still learning however horses need to be introduced to group rides gradually.

[@suzannalouise2904]

When I was younger my aunt made me vault onto the horse which I couldn't do.....and she was mean all I remember her saying was sit up sit up sit up toes down she's a qualified instructor too xxxxx

[@nosillalaluna7078]

My friends and I had no adult supervision when we rode . We went any and everywhere we wanted to go , on our adventures. Ponies and horses of every description and training level . We learned through trial and some errors . Nobody died ,and these odd equines and their ragamuffin rider's had the times of our lives ! The confidence that came from these expeditions , the challenges we overcame , and the freedom we enjoyed ,was priceless . Our mounts were an extension of ourselves , fused together as one , brave ,bold and able to overcome any obstacles in our way ! ✌️🙈🙉🙊😁

[@Tara101]

tfs

[@littleboots7752]

@nosillalaluna....That’s how it was for us, also! Exciting adventures! We were blessed!

[@tinadoick3381]

It made me laugh when you said Apollo knows he should be walking but he just can’t help himself😂

[@bevbremer2680]

Let's go mom!!! Let's show them a slow run then a little faster!!🐴🏇 Bless his heart , Apollo is so excited... It's been a while since he's been on a trail ride. Love his tick tock💗 mom wants to walk, Apollo wants to run. Who will win, because we all know mom likes to run also😊👍👍👍

[@MsEssmess]

Got to start somewhere!

[@dianawhited6604]

Apollo was very patient. And you know he wanted to go.🐴🐴

[@madelineevans128]

Hi Tara, Apollo is creating a new gait - the Fresian tic tock canter! Hope you complete this ride without a disaster!

[@jayneterry8701]

Hahaha ❣ 👍🤣

[@Sugaree43]

Nope I would have been gone 🐎 superdangerous... Apollo is being so cute 🤗 and a good boy considering. Can't wait to see the rest play out!

[@judithfryer7024]

This is why we never went on pleasure rides. We decided it was better for just two of us going on long rides😁

[@ruthgoebel723]

"Oh dear" is right! Never a good combination. When one acts up, the rest follow and things go downhill from there. Poor Apollo, he is so DESPERATE to canter! I had to chuckle as he was trying his best to do anything but walk! I hope nothing bad happens. 😲😲😲❤️❤️❤️🏇🏇🏇🥰🥰🥰

[@donnagoring250]

Tara, please do what is safe for yourself, Rens and Apollo. Farouk and Bella are also wanting you both to be safe. There are other rides to go on after this one..

[@Mainecoon_Izzy]

Oh dear Tara… I’m familiar with this situation it is frustrating. This is why I only trail ride with my best buddies♥️ people I know & trust.. From the stables, (starting point) we have to cross the road (not a busy road) but I still use much caution when around cars. My mare is very calm, but sometimes we must watch others. Watching you navigate this situation was brilliant, I really like your style♥️

[@Tara101]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@pennytriggs29]

Apollo was so excited to be out with you, on event. You could tell by the camera when he was walking, cantering or trotting on the spot. He is a sight to behold. I'm sure it is not the greatest ride for you, but it is also great to know how happy he is. It is too bad they didn't advertise it as novice or experienced groups so you could choose the other one. However, some of those novice riders can learn from you! Thanks for taking us along and letting us know how excited he is.

[@Samantha_annie_music]

I absolutely love his “canter in place” He’s such a good boy to remain in control when he was so excited. I wish someone would’ve been filming from afar to see his slowest canter, but I got a kick out of his shadow silhouette at one point. 😂

[@lindalamuzz6824]

This should be very educational to watch. I hope no one gets hurt. Love Apollos canter in place!

[@bethje30]

The thing is, the slower the ride is, the more stressed the unsteady horses become. When we went out with my stables to the beach in the Netherlands there where always some excited or new horses. We always put them in double file, calm one next to an excited one, and then go trotting for half an hour. Not walking though, only got them more excited. The best way to calm them down was always a good gallop in the dunes though😁 Good times....

[@amandavm]

I thought the horses and riders were actually in pretty good shape. The riders looked pretty calm and the horses engaged. None of them were having a tantrum or a melt down. I remember taking my employers 23 year old hunter on a pleasure ride and he spent the whole time jogging, throwing in bucks and generally being a wally. All I could do was sit it out. I used to run racehorses up the gallps twice a day so this was just another day at the office for me. Another day he would have plodded along at the back. That's horses. Disaster is when one has a wobbly, the others join in, it becomes a free for all. Riders are dumped on floor and the whole thing is out of control. I don't see that here. Not really a disaster.

[@debbieadkins2803]

👍👍❤️🤍💙🇺🇸VIRGINIA in USA. Thanks for sharing your wonderful horse APOLLO with!🌻🌻

[@Tara101]

😊

[@lindalala5813]

Apollo and Farouk are both very competitive. I love Apollos..tic toc, but I'm sure it's not easy for you..he's a lot of Freisen to hold back. Lovely ride Tara, as always. I noticed some red ribbons, take care..

[@SallyGreenaway]

You could see how his ears flick back to you listening. He's having a great time trying to listen but also couldn't contain his excitement

[@happydays7143]

That was like a DOG walk 🤷. Loved Apollo in rockinghorse mode 🤣 Xx

[@reeritz1280]

I think all the horses might have been better served to have good gallop over that field before converging onto the 2 deep pathway. All that excitement & nowhere to expend it😕👋

[@cherylstone7256]

You are so kind and a thank you from all the new riders

[@T-J-C]

I keep seeing that red tail ribbon in this series of hunt videos. It is good that they have donned it, but it does concern me for you and Apollo

[@paulaharris-allen8900]

Always lovely to accompany you on a ride Tara!

[@Tara101]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@janaeanne2653]

All of that flat, open ground and we’re walking? I guess we’ll cantor through a rocky river LOL🐴🖤🥕🥰

[@jayneterry8701]

Sarcasm?

[@aisha2370]

This was interesting Tara, a really different type of situation. Were you considering leaving the group ride that day? I don't know anything about riding or the protocol. Ty

[@rebeccaweil1]

I bet Apollo would love to canter back and sort out some new kids on the block.

[@karenlee8068]

Everyone has to start somewhere and rides like these are good, the lady at the front was very good at keeping everyone calm. It all adds to experience for both horse and rider. We all had to start somewhere and positive encouragement is always helpful. Practice makes perfect, well nearly, as we all know with horses their mood can change with the weather 🫣 Keep on doing what you love but maybe go on a ride you know will have more experienced riders next time. Apollo was well behaved but it doesn't hurt to have a walking fun ride now and again even if it's a little frustrating at times.♥️

[@Tara101]

Horses need to build up to this size of group it is a big ask of an inexperienced horse.

[@meloniedropik3539]

It's been a busy two weeks for me and I am sooooo far behind on your videos, but I had to cheat and watch this one today instead of waiting to see it when I catch up on all of the posts when I get time. Cantering at walking speed has got to be the most adorable thing Apollo does, and we all know that he is the most adorable lad in the world. Thanks for uploading this video and giving me a pleasant break from all of my work work work!

[@Tara101]

🐴😁♥️

[@hannahnyheim3213]

It must be so nice to ride Apollo, I almost feel it through the video...🥰Sweet boy...

[@Tara101]

👍 I have every confidence in Apollo he doesn't do silly things♥️

[@hannahnyheim3213]

@@Tara101 👍❤️🤗

[@janetvella2314]

So enjoyable to watch such a big group of ladies and their horses walking through the meadow and the woods. What a beautiful ride and sight to see. Apollo is trying so hard to not just take off and run . What a good horse .

[@lechatel]

Blimey Tara, you have the patience of a saint. This would frustrate the hell out of me. I can't do the communal thing anymore. lol

[@Dusty2024]

Love how his ears are always listening to you. That's what my old boy Dusty does but he is thinking "Oh Mum I just wanna have fun" LOL. Love that you always talk to Apollo I love watching you both.

[@karenbellini2240]

I'm glad you're an experienced ride. Hope all goes well. 🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@sarahmarks7082]

Was that Apollo 🖤doing all the snorting starting at the 2:34 mark 😜? He's trying to lodge his disappointment with Mummy for the slow pace! 🤣😂

[@Tara101]

👍

[@finnegan1657]

I agree with your final comment - I think you and Apollo would be more suited to the other group regardless of his fitness 💖

[@Tara101]

👍

[@pfkat9749]

Poor Apollo, he wants to stretch those long legs of his, this pace is too slow for him. Let's go Mum!

[@PsychicIsaacs]

Cantering in his own mind, when Tara wants to walk...

[@laurashipp447]

Well, at least he got to stretch his legs!! This is just a warm-up for the mighty Apollo! Bless his heart!!! 😉

[@Witchy_Woman]

Always enjoy watching Apollo. He's such a pleasure.

[@Tara101]

👍🐴

[@sarahcooper3378]

Maybe not the best decision to go with this group. I know Apollo is not fighting fit but unless this lot gets a move on he will be able to out do them all. Hope it gets better.

[@sarahbates3818]

Apollo is wonderful and so full of beans

[@maryharlow8933]

Mum turn me lose! That would be scary for novice horses & riders.

[@brendabarker524]

Apollo wants to show them how it’s done. Look youngsters this is how you behave when you’re out in a group ride. Calm down and follow my lead 🐎🐎🐎

[@wendytaylor4030]

🐴🐴💙...Apollo is very Happy that He is out with His Mum!😄🥰...I Love the little Canters!😍 Just don't tire yourself out Apollo, You've only just begun!🏇♥️... Inexperienced Riders...🤦‍♀️ Oh Dear is right! Boy, I hope this is not a disappointing Ride for you both!🤞...We'll just have to wait and see!👀🙏 Thank you so much for sharing and All take care!🙏🥰🤗🤗🐶🖤...🐴🐴💙

[@Tara101]

😊 thank you

[@elizabethdraper1017]

Mum stop saying walk please say canter its hard cantering in the walk 😂but I did try oh Apollo you are a hoot 😁💖what was it like to be back at the novice stage again Tara 😁🐎🐎💖💖💖

[@margritneuenhagen6950]

I always wonder why all these big horses walk so slow. I understand Apollo, he wants to get going. He has enough of the slow walking horses. I’m always happy when Apollo gets a little run in.

[@marshaworkman2764]

Oh my! A disaster in the making!! Been there!! Poor Apollo and you! It increases our tension and our horse isn’t sure why we a concerned. Hopefully the next video is Apollo getting more relaxed and you can concentrate on staying out of the inexperienced traffic! 🙏❤️😘

[@Tara101]

👍😊

[@trishpurden7131]

Hi Tara, I had to laugh and smile… he is such a sweet heart…. Canter/walk…. Cleaver boy… you are so patient Tara. Love the video…..walk walk 🥕👍🐴🦄

[@Tara101]

😊

[@yvonnerahmes9618]

That was amazing Tara! I've not seen Apollo actually canter at walking speed... I realize he just wants to get on and have a run, but you two have been through a few years of constant training and know each other well. I do know how it is to be a beginning rider on a hot horse :) but we were with our trainer and not in a group. I hope these riders didn't have major problems...

[@bcgrote]

Apollo doing "field piaffes" 😆 7 miles at a walk, snooze fest. With heart attack moments for spice. Yikes!

[@robinwojcik8514]

He can't help it! Lets go Mom!

[@carolkoch5818]

I have had to chuckle at Appllo as he feels the lot in front dawdle to much. He is such a special boy, hope you enjoyed the ride without a gallop. Blessed day to you Tara. 💕😃

[@Tara101]

😊

[@ilovediamondspearls]

Apollo is such a good boy , I know the ride was slow for him but perhaps it could be chalked up to an experience for him to learn that not every ride is full of fun galloping and cantering and sometimes rides are slow and steady. Though who doesn't love seeing Apollo cantering❤❤❤. Apollo always takes good care of you ❤❤

[@njk9989]

Isn’t that simply a collected canter In dressage? He’s showing off his beautiful collected canter. Be proud 🙌

[@mellyb.1347]

Oh dear.. this is my situation. (well experienced horse but new to English)

[@marilynmccormack5905]

Ah dear Apollo trying to listen to mum but it's way too exciting. Cant wait for the next instalment 💞🐎💞

[@Tara101]

🐴

[@madisonpoiry3783]

when my horse gets too quick I usually turn him in circles till he calms down. But, I also ride bitless 80% of the time so I rely on other methods. You did an amazing job though tara

[@wendytaylor4030]

🐴🐴💙...Tara🥰 You are So Welcome!...🐴🐴💙

[@Tara101]

♥️

[@jacky3580]

Apollo and I have the same opinion on the use of open fields! 🙂❤️

[@Tara101]

👍

[@redshorse]

Excellent !

[@basreynolds50]

Wow, I agree with one of the other viewers, not my kind of fun ride. I realise you’re sort of stuck with this group, but so far it is straining the patience of poor Apollo! Will they ever canter?

[@susiethomas6909]

Apollo cracks me up! What a character! I love him!

[@autumnisnothere]

I hope Apollo got a chance to move a little more quickly, at least through the wide pastures. So disappointing to "walk" through the entire ride. But he is such a good boy and so well trained. Tic toc, tic toc. Bless him!!💜

[@Tara101]

🐴♥️

[@annamarisaboselli3617]

I love slow canter ...mitic APOLLO..🐎❤❤❤🤗

[@Tara101]

me too😊

[@Mountlougallops]

Yikes! Well, I guess it’s still a good experience for Apollo however frustrating.

[@Tara101]

👍🐴

[@judithaudin889]

Apollo is doing a Farouk. "Mum, please let me run a bit."

[@Tara101]

🐴👍

[@josieharris1343]

Seemed Apollo not the only one on his toes

[@ren-uz2mz]

Oh my, what a bunch to be stuck in... even group lessons with a hack out cannot prepare horses and riders for a larger number on strange ground. Obviously you made it home 😉 but hope it did not get too, umm, "interesting"😊

[@carolynjones4016]

It was informative but I felt sorry for Apollo and you too Tara.

[@allic8571]

Apollo must have looked magnificent doing his rocking horse canter. ❤️🐴

[@i.u.h.9912]

It looks to me like Apollo is bores. He wants to go faster.

[@Sugaree43]

I've noticed if Tara doesn't ride him for awhile he's always hot to go. 😄

[@leonslionessnz6948]

Awwwwww Apollo is excited to be out and about with mum.

[@carolmcdonald8905]

Love this video. Such a controlled canter too 🥰🥰🥰

[@donnamoore7554]

Only takes one to brake the flow. Have fun

[@waterdragon5418]

But Mom this is SO EXCITING!

[@giancarlaaddison7034]

Our Apollo was raring to go! Soooo excited!

[@Dark_Wolves8014]

They might not be novice riders but they have to start somewhere 😆

[@Tara101]

as a novice you need to start in a smaller group and build up to this size

[@Saoirse3797]

He's totally listening to you, only he can't stand how excited he is! My off the track thoroughbred acted the same way. He was very successful on the track as well, so NOT being at the front just wasn't his style. You are an amazing horse mom and he clearly looks like he enjoys being under you. His canter looks so comfortable as well.... like a lovely rocking horse! He wants to be soooo good! Thank you so much for posting this.

[@joannmuir2176]

A knight herding nuns

[@lillianbourne575]

Thank you for the lovely videos. How come you continued with this ride and didn’t find another area where Apollo and yourself could enjoy your day out. 🥰

[@Tara101]

it's private land you can't go off by yourself

[@debrabolton9372]

No wonder Apollo was a bit frustrated.....the pace of that ride was very slow and boring. I suppose that was what was safe for that group of riders. He is always the most handsome. 💙

[@Tara101]

😁

[@Teaally1913]

I don’t think I would enjoy a slow ride. Still interesting to watch.

[@marshaowen6988]

He definitely is the most gorgeous horse in the group. But he always is isn't he?? And what's with all the walking Mum? No trot, no canter, no fast running???

[@mjc2879]

Apollo is very happy to be back on the job!

[@susanmills8455]

Hi Tara, hi Rens, It is a shame they don't add a notation box in the sign up sheet -- are you a novice ? , is your horse novice ? That way everyone would have a better experience instead of just slow group or fast. Guess you will have to always choose fast group from now on -- 20 /20 hindsight right. ! Hope nobody was injured during this outing ( no horses either ! Thanks for the video. Take Care. God Bless, Susan

[@Tara101]

👍

[@Aoife24601]

I shouldn't laugh...but honestly...Hunt Pleasure Ride...😂😂😂😂 Apollo was wonderful...doing a kind of Piaffe for miles...he was like "mum what is going on....are we ever going to.actually move?🙄'...You were so tolerant.....so was Apollo. The lady/girl on the skewbald pony was panicking, bless her, reins getting shorter, head up, the more she does that the more wound up he will become. You're right a group ride is very different. I well remember having a hunting pony who danced around sideways like that and then set off like a bomb.....I got sent home twice as a kid as we overtook the Master....13.2 little bomb...as a kid who'd ridden since I was 3 I loved it, but a novice rider would have been terrified. At least she called out, the worse thing is when people are embarrassed to say anything and end up having an accident. Apollo was so good..and desperate to just pass everyone and go...😂😂😂

[@Tara101]

tfs ♥️

[@sigi6353]

I remember it well myself when my horse did the same thing, but only on hunts. I liked the feeling of cantering almost on the spot and still not even much in your hands. 🤗 But it is really something completely different to be on a normal cross country ride or on a hunt. As you said - the horses react very different and are rather excited 😊 Fun for experienced riders but can be scary for the first timers🏇😎

[@madamtrout919]

That was like a riding school hack. Poor Apollo waiting to get going and never getting off. Were there any jumps? I think it would have been like a Therwell cartoon

[@Tara101]

👍

[@jamie7253]

“Mum, seriously, all this beautiful flat canter space and we’re walking?!” Yikes…I’d not want to have been stuck in the middle of those two groups with no exit. All the sidling and twirling around-looked a bit more like potential bumper cars attraction than a pleasure ride! Perhaps should have been advertised as a novice ride, but maybe organizers couldn’t have anticipated that’s who would sign up. Fingers crossed any disaster’s averted! 😬🤞🏻❤️

[@Tara101]

it is very unusual to have so many novice horses on a Hunt pleasure ride

[@badnelly7819]

Nice work

[@clairewerthman2467]

Too slow a pace & too much chit chat by riders….not a ride I would want to be on.

[@clairewerthman2467]

@@melissachatwin9673 yes, I was a novice rider many years ago & I know that if my horse was untrained, not safe I would not go out with a group. Many the times the group left the barn & I stayed & worked countless hours in the arena or in the fields near by. Practice & persistence paid off.

[@mbf938]

Wow that is unusual! I would have struggled on any of my previous horses (current one not been on a fun ride yet) - they would have been bucking and cantering on the spot in frustration as they are used to trotting and cantering round fun rides 😂 I try to be one of the first to go for this reason otherwise I’m having to constantly overtake. Hope you got some good canters in the end! ❤

[@lizmansfield2070]

I can feel Apollos frustration here ! Best do the Coral ride on your own at his happy pace ?? x

[@lizcox8379]

Felt so sorry for Apollo such a well behaved boy. He just wanted to canter.

[@degraham9198]

And we love your accent. Will you be my fairy godmother?