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

I agree wholeheartedly about ponies - I used to groom for a lady who did privated driving classes and her Welsh mountain pony was a complete and utter nutter! He was mad as a march hare. But he was gelded quite late so I wonder if that had a lot to do with it.

Quarterhorses are starting to become popular over here as Western riding takes off.

I think that it is about finding a horse you click with - I spent last summer riding a 17 2 hunter called Odin who really instilled a lot of confidence in me and taught me to jump. I was on a riding camp and learnt a lot.

So is your warmblood a Irish Draught or Irish Thoroughbred cross?

He's a draught / thoroughbred!

I'm interested in your comment about western riding taking off. I live in Canada but came from England originally. I have been wondering if it would be worthwhile to return to England and open up a western riding school complete with shows and games. I will try to find out more.

Hold on I might be able to find you some URLs - bear with me.

A lot of shows have been doing barrel racing and reining demonstrations this summer.

[Broken link removed by Moderator]
http://www.valleyfarm.demon.co.uk/riding/western.html

The UK western association's details are Western Equestrian Society, Wealdbridge Road, North Weald, Essex, CM16 6ES

Email - [email protected]

Riding is growing as a leisure activity - about a million more people ride in this country then play amateur soccer.

Thanks for the info. Maybe I'll come over and check things out.