Is Horse Trail Riding For Me?

You should not go solo; remember that horses are by nature herd animals and they will be very nervous without other horses around, and also, if something happened there wouldn't be anybody there to help you. There are a few things you should be sure of before you head out on the trail. Getting Ready Situations can occur on a trail that would not happen in a dressage competition. Your horse should be pre-conditioned so that if something unexpected were to occur on the trail, like an ATV roaring by ahead, he could be kept under control and not injure you or even both of you. This can be done in the arena by gradually introducing distractions in a controlled setting. You should call before setting out to see what the trail conditions are like, and if there are a lot of insects around. If it has been very rainy, be careful of soft areas where your horse could lose his footing. It is a good idea to let someone know that you are going trail riding and what time you expect to be back. Your horse should be fed and watered before setting out. You will need to remember to bring a basic first aid kit for both you and your horse. Duct tape is handy for temporarily wrapping his foot if he loses a shoe, so you don't have to walk home. Also bring a hoof pick and a pocket knife to dislodge any stones that might get stuck in his foot. A cell phone and GPS are handy, but might not work if you are remote or in a thickly wooded area. Perhaps an old fashioned map and a compass will work better. Check your equipment and make sure the saddle fits well. The Adventure Riding with friends or family and enjoying the nature around you is a very satisfying experience. Always be on the lookout for the unexpected. You should stay on the trail and go at a pace the least experienced rider can maintain and keep a distance of two horse lengths between riders so nobody gets kicked. The most experienced rider leads, and calls out to the others if there is something they need to know about, like an obstruction ahead. Only cross water at designated areas- you never know how deep it might be. Let your horse drink water whenever he wants, but don't let him put his head down to eat grass; he might step on a rein and break it. If you stop, tie him with a halter and rope, never with his reins. If he breaks them, then you will need to walk back. Most experts advise wearing a safety helmet. It will also protect you if you should run into a tree branch. By taking care will ensure that you and your horse have a great experience.