Trail riding is an enjoyable activity in horseback riding that is enjoyed by nearly everyone. It provides an opportunity for both you and your horse to explore nature and encounter new obstacles outside of your usual environment. Personally, it is one of the activities I most enjoy doing with my horses.
If you’re getting ready for your first trail ride or looking to become a more avid trail rider, there are specific considerations to bear in mind before embarking on the trails. Prioritizing the safety of yourself, your horse, and your riding group should always be of utmost importance.
TIP 1: Take a Trail Buddy
One of the most important things to keep in mind when trail riding is to have a trail buddy. This is particularly crucial when venturing to an unfamiliar location outside your property. Your trail buddy can either be a riding friend or your instructor, but they should have the skills to manage their horse while on the trail.
When going trail riding, it is important to have a friend with you for various reasons, but the primary one is ensuring your safety. Many riders venture out alone and end up getting thrown off or disoriented. In such situations, locating them can become a time-consuming process that may take days. Having a companion on the trail ensures that one of you can seek assistance if necessary or provide basic first aid.
It is important to always keep in mind that having two minds is better than having one.
TIP 2: Bring Extra Gear and Equipment
Before heading out on the trail, ensure that you have packed additional equipment. This may involve storing spare reins and attachable horseshoes in your saddlebags. By doing so, you will be prepared to handle any situation that may arise, such as a broken piece of tack or the need for extra equipment.
When you intend to transport your horse to the trailhead, it is essential to pack additional pieces of tack. This includes having an extra halter, bridle, and girth, at the minimum.
To maximize the use of your saddlebags, you can store additional equipment that may prove useful during your journey on the trail. Besides being employed for directing your horse, reins can also serve the purpose of fastening a tourniquet or serving as a sling during a medical emergency. To ensure readiness for the trail, it is recommended that you pre-plan and fully stock your saddlebags in advance.
TIP 3: Check the Weather Beforehand
It is always advisable to check the weather forecast before heading out for a trail ride, as one of the worst situations would be to get stranded in inclement weather while riding your horse in the wilderness. If the forecast predicts thunderstorms or snowstorms, it is better to avoid going out altogether.
The presence of rain can transform a pleasant trail ride into a challenging and intimidating ordeal, as it creates slippery trails and reduces visibility.
However, the weather can abruptly alter, deviating from its forecast; therefore, it is always wise to have a compact rain poncho handy.
TIP 4: Carry a First Aid Kit
It is important to include a first aid kit as one of the items in your saddle bag. This is because, in case of a fall or injury to a horse, it is necessary to provide immediate care to the wounds until you can access proper medical assistance.
In order to treat both horses and humans, it is useful to have certain items readily available. These items include cleansing wipes, gauze, roll bandages, tweezers, scissors, and antiseptic cream. Additionally, for horse-specific needs, it would be beneficial to have vet wrap, fly repellant antiseptic, duct tape, and a snakebite kit.
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TIP 5: Make Sure Your Horse Can Behave in a Group
In order to participate in group trail rides with your friends, it is crucial to determine if your horse is capable of behaving well in a group setting. Certain horses may exhibit behaviors such as kicking out or becoming anxious when around other horses, posing a potential danger to everyone involved in the trail ride.
Before embarking on the trail, it is advisable to ride along with a group of riders in the arena. Doing so will help your horse acclimate to being in the presence of a substantial number of horses. During this experience, you might observe that your horse exhibits either follower or leader tendencies.
Certain horses prefer to remain within the group of horses where they feel at ease, whereas more dominant horses typically prefer to take the lead and guide the group. Typically, a leading horse displays boldness when it comes to overcoming obstacles, but it can also cause trouble if it is compelled to stay behind another horse.
By engaging in group exercises prior to the trail, it is possible to enhance your horse’s ability to remain calm even when positioned towards the rear. Allocate sufficient time for training in the arena to address any peculiarities that may arise during the trail.
TIP 6: Respect The Abilities of Other Riders In Your Group
When considering the sequence of events, it should be acknowledged that participating in a trail ride can pose risks if an individual is coerced by the rest of the group into attempting something beyond their current abilities. It is important to demonstrate respect towards the riders in your group and their capabilities, allowing them to be the ones who establish the pace.
TIP 7: Never Tie Your Reins to a Tree
Basic horse knowledge includes the principle of never tying your horse using the reins, as they are attached to the bit. In the event of the horse panicking and pulling back while being tied, this could potentially cause harm to their mouth.
To ensure preparedness while on the trail, we suggest carrying a halter and lead rope with you at all times. It is astonishing how often you may need to dismount and tether your horse. Having a halter with you will greatly facilitate such situations.
TIP 8: Have Your Horse Wear a Halter Over Their Bridle
Always remember to put the horse’s halter on over their bridle and fasten the lead rope to the saddle when embarking on a trail ride. This should be done for various reasons, including the convenience and safety of tying the horse to trees or other objects.
In addition, in the event that your horse misbehaves while on the trail, you have the option to dismount and engage in groundwork using the halter they are wearing. By doing so, you can redirect your horse’s attention towards you and the instructions you provide. This technique proves beneficial for inexperienced or less-experienced horses that have limited exposure to trail riding.
In addition, the presence of a halter on your horse will simplify the process of catching the horse if you happen to fall and the horse begins to run away. Additionally, it will facilitate activities such as ponying or assisting another horse and rider who require guidance through an obstacle.
TIP 9: Know Your One-Rein Stop
To acquire the skill of performing a one-rein stop, which is regarded as the equivalent of an emergency brake for your horse, follow these step-by-step instructions: Grab hold of a specific rein and proceed to pull the horse’s head around towards your knee.
By implementing this technique, your horse’s ability to bolt, buck, or rear is prevented. Regrettably, certain occurrences during the trail may startle your horse or induce misbehavior. Familiarity with a one-rein stop is crucial for averting potentially hazardous situations and for regaining control over your horse.
TIP 10: Make Sure Your Horse is Physically Fit
If you push your horse too hard on an unprepared trail, they may suffer ligament and tendon injuries, along with muscle soreness or even tying up. The worst-case scenario would be your horse quitting on you miles away from home, leaving you with no means to return.
BONUS: Horseback Trail Riding Tips
These tips for horseback trail riding will assist you in navigating obstacles that are not typically found in an arena. The terrain is rough and constantly changing, with water, bridges, brush, holes, wildlife, dirt bikes, and so on. Without a doubt, it is always an exciting experience.
Horseback Trail Riding Uphill
To make it easier for the horse while riding uphill, especially on a steep or long climb, there are certain steps you should take. Firstly, lean forward. Use the balls of your feet to balance in this new forward position by utilizing the stirrups. In the case of very steep hills, it is necessary to shift your weight well over the horse’s shoulders, causing the stirrups to move towards the back. This is perfectly fine. It is common for many horses to attempt running or lunging while going uphill. When a horse lunges uphill, there is a high risk of being thrown off the back of the saddle. To prevent this, you may want to hold onto the horn to avoid slipping. In addition, use the reins to pull the horse back when it lunges and make it walk instead.
Horseback Trail Riding Downhill
When riding a horse downhill, it is important to use your stirrups. Lean back and adjust your stirrups forward, placing your weight on the balls of your feet. In the case of steep hills, you may need to lean far back with your stirrups pointing towards the horse’s shoulders. Provide enough rein to your horse so that they can maintain their balance and be mindful of where they place their feet. There might be instances where you need to reach your hand forward. If your horse tries to hurry, use the rein to slow them down and ensure a safe descent.
Horseback Trail Riding and Water Crossings
If you engage in trail riding often, it is likely that you will encounter a water crossing. It is important to select a safe location to cross. Ideally, the trail will lead you to the most suitable spot for crossing. Typically, trail horses will either readily cross water or wait until all the other horses have crossed to avoid being left alone. This behavior stems from their strong herd instinct.
Make sure to provide your horse with ample rein, allowing them to lower their head and select the most suitable ground. A seasoned trail horse will carefully observe the placement of its hooves. Your task is to maintain balance and allow them to perform their tasks.
When crossing a wide shallow river, it is important to avoid looking at the water and instead keep your attention on the shore in front of you. It is also crucial to keep your horse’s head up and encourage them to continue moving forward. This is because the motion of the water can create an unsettling sensation, leading to dizziness for both the rider and the horse. I can personally attest to this, as one of our mares became so dizzy that another rider had to assist in guiding her out.
Horseback Trail Riding and Obstacles
An experienced trail horse will pay attention to where they are walking, but that does not mean you get to fall asleep in the saddle. Always watch the ground for hazards like holes, barbed wire or pieces of metal that have been abandoned (like car parts). You just never know what you’ll come across out on the trail. Also, it’s up to you to pay attention for low riding limbs and branches. Your horse will duck their head to avoid a low branch, but could care less if you get swept off the saddle.
The horseback trail rider gains the experience of being prepared for surprises. Whenever an obstacle such as a fallen log or large rocks appears on the trail, allowing your horse some rein will enable him to lower his head and choose the most appropriate path. However, as the trail rider, it is your responsibility to use your own judgment and direct your horse as needed.
