h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I'd just like to mention that the reason I wrote this entry was because I went for a real horse ride for the first time in my life this autumn!

My usual reaction when being close to a horse: runny nose, sneezing repeatedly, slight asthma problems, itching eyes. So I usually stay away from horses.

My reaction to a Bashkir horse: small red dots on hands and arms - this is odd, because I don't react like that to anything else. I found the ride well worth these minor symptoms.

My advice to others allergic to horses:
- call first and ask if you can come and 'test-sniff' the horses
- bring your medicines when you go there
- make sure to spend some time with the horses, touching and sniffing them, because a reaction might take a while
- ask if they have ordinary horses as well, because if they do, it probably won't be a very good idea to go into the stables

I spent 2½ hours with a Bashkir horse - 1½ hour of riding on small dirt roads and in the forest, the rest of the time brushing it off and cleaning its hooves...

...and I was so excited afterwards - we even got to gallop!

Great advice... great entry.

Thank you!

...and if anyone would like to know more about my riding experience you'll find it here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/guide/A610219

I'm not putting that one up for Peer Review, since it's an entry describing my personal experience...