Pony trekking

[goldfish1]

Would anyone know of any places that we could go pony trekking around these areas - Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire. We're total beginners and don't have any gear.

Thanks in advance.

[butter1]

found some places in Renfrewshire on yell.com.  Here is the link, you'll be able to find more in the other areas if you have a search.

http://www.yell.com/ucs/UcsSearchAction.do?keywords=pony +trekking&companyName=&location=renfrewshire& ;searchType=classic&broaderLocation=&clarifyInde x=1&ooa=on

[Clare A]

I'd also look in the horsy press - classifieds at the back have loads of riding holiday ads. Andy is right, but I'd be a little wary of clapping my heels hard into the sides of a horse or pony I didn't know. Some are more sensitive to the leg than are others, and a firm squeeze may be enough. It's right, though, that on a trek you shouldn't let them eat the verge or hedge while you are in the saddle. Get away with it once, and they expect to for ever after! I have weekly riding lessons, and occasionally a horse will 'try it on' in the school by napping* at the gate, running into a corner, or going in the opposite direction to what has been asked. My instructor always tells me to make the horse do the original manoeuvre it was asked to do, otherwise the animal has established that s/he and not the rider is the boss!

*Not 'sleeping' (!), but pausing at the gate as though thinking the lesson is over, or else dropping a pace there.

As regards your gear, goldfish1, all you really need are warm clothes and sturdy boots or shoes, preferably with at least a small heel to stop your foot sliding right through the stirrup. Hats should be provided by the trekking centre. I hope you enjoy it - I'm sure you will!

[goldfish1]

Thanks to everyone for their comments.