i would love to go riding on the beach - but somebody told me that the wet sand would damage my horses leg tendons - is this right? i really wanted to give it a go - but i don't want it to hurt my horse

Ok take off your shoes and go for a run like your bums on fire on the sand... it'll kill your calves!! Do it at a walk and go gently till you're accustomed to the new terrain and build it up gradually and you'll get stronger and your muscles, tendons and ligaments will start to support your skeleton properly

Thats what the horse requires too

Its the same as riding in a sand school,its hard on a horses legs,if you ride on the beach go on the wet sand where its easier going.rather than the deeper dry sand,support boots can help leg strain,

I personally wouldn't use boots or bandages on the beach, the sand could easily get trapped down the boot/bandage and rub the skin. If the horse normally wears boots or bandages for ridden work he'll need to get used to not wearing them before the beach day or his legs might get strained.

I ride my horse pretty much every other day on the beach and have done for the last 4 years and he's 100% fit so I'd say it's absolutely fine. Apparently Red Rum was trained using beach riding so if it was good enough for him!!! I canter in the shallow water, it's excellant for muscle building..just have to watch out for dips and rocks!!!

I was ridding a horse on a beach, I did not even have to kick it before it was off in a full gallop!

Hi. It really depends on what your horse is like. Is it quite hardy, or is it a delicate, flighty breed like an Arab, for instance.? Have you ridden out at the beach before.? Also, if it isn't going too well just keep the pace at a walk or a steady trot. If it is going well try a canter. But don't work your horse too hard, as you don't want to overwork it, or strain it's tendons. Have fun and I hope this helped!