2. Gradually introduce him to traffic where you can control the situation.
3. Before you even think of hitting the trail, you and your horse should have mastery of basic skills in the arena. You should have whoa and go, steering, and control at all gaits.
4. If your horse isn’t used to riding alone, build up his confidence by going out for short jaunts frequently, working up to longer rides as his confidence grows.
5. Don’t tailgate! Maintain one horse length between horses.
6. Before you trot or canter on the trail, check with the other riders in your group.
7. In a mixed-levels group ride, put an experienced rider in the lead and another at the end.
8. If your group is well matched in skill level, take turns riding in the lead, middle and end positions.
9. Negotiate road crossings as a group so that no horse is left behind on the other side of a busy roadway.
10. Horses feel safest in a herd, and some may panic if they feel deserted. It’s best to keep all riders in your group together, although experienced horses and riders may be fine venturing off alone.
11. At water stops, wait until all horses are done drinking before leaving the watering place. Some horses won’t drink if they are distracted by the fear of being left behind.
12. If your horse tries to hurry home, refocus his attention by asking him to ride in serpentines along the trail, or flex to give his shoulder.
13. Rather than pulling straight back on the reins when your horse dives for a bite of grass along the trail, try pulling him left or right while you encourage him to move out.
14. Mind your multi-use manners: Show courtesy to hikers, bikers and others sharing the trail. You are an ambassador for equestrians!
15. If you crave competition, consider participating in a judged trail ride (trail trial), endurance ride or competitive trail ride.
16. Looking for adventure with your friends or family? Some camping facilities, state and national parks offer amenities to accommodate horses, including corrals.
17. Approach slippery, slick or rocky trail conditions slowly. Keep yourself centered in the saddle, so you don’t throw your horse off balance.
18. Clean up after yourself: If you parked your rig at a trailhead, don’t leave piles of manure and other mess behind.
19. Save our trails—join the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource to work for land access and preservation on a local or national level. www.elcr.org
20. Wear a helmet with an extended visor for added sun protection.
21. Be seen: If you ride out at night, reflective tack and clothing is a must. Wear dayglo orange in hunting territory.
22. Keep your tack in good repair. You don’t want a cinch or bridle to break out on the trail.
23. If you only trail ride on the weekends, make sure the ride you choose is within your horse’s current fitness level.
24. When you set out, always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
25. Carry a cell phone on your body, rather than in a saddlebag, in the event that you and your horse part company. Attach an ID tag somewhere on your horse’s gear as well.
26. Pack a basic first-aid kit for horses and humans.
27. Don’t let your horse choose to charge up hills—a change in pace should be decided by you.
28. Reevaluate your horse’s saddle fit on trail. A good arena saddle doesn’t always make a good trail saddle.
29. If you use protective legwear for your horse, make sure it can withstand the rigors of trail riding. You shouldn’t come home with burrs and/or sand in your horse’s boots or wraps.
30. Insect populations can increase on the trails. Protect yourself and your horse from pests, including gnats and ticks.
Further Reading
Mind Your Trail Manners
Trail Riding Problem Solver
i like what was written as tips.here are some more:
1.if u go on a trail where u know there is little or no water accesable, ride out early in the morning so ur horse has plenty of energy.also take it slowly if it is a long ride.
2. if u choose a trail that u have done before, and ur horse is well behaved, let them choose the pace.they know better than u what they can do.
3.when organising a trail ride, make sure the people u invite are comfortable with each other.it’s more fun if u have someone to talk to and ride with.
4.on a day-long trail ride, ask family or other friends to come along in a car/bakkie.that way u have refreshments and snacks whenever u choose to stop.
i often do 4-6 hour trail rides over weekends and we are often 15 to 20 riders together. we also have a 4×4 that follows along with lunch, drinks, etc.we found that having a vehicle is very important on rides, in-case of emergencies. the people who come along on our weekends, who don’t ride, enjoy the scienery from the 4×4.that way it’s an all-round fun weekend, which parents, family and friends can enjoy with the riders.
I think that it’s great that there’s an article of tips for trail-riding so we can remain safe while still enjoying our riding.
Good article. We have a couple more trail rules in our family.
If anyone yells whoa, everyone stops.
Be courteous to farmers! If you have permission to cross their fields make sure to stay at the edge and go single file so you don’t destroy crops.
These are great tips! Thanks!
Nice article
You forgot to mention HUNTERS. I have trail ridden and trained trail riders for over 12 years. IF you see a hunter say Hi and ask them to reply so your horse knows they are NOT a monster. This holds true for any person on the trail.
Good points to consider and review on trail riding. Doesn’t hurt to be more informed than not.
Wow these tips really helped me and my horse thanks horse channel!!!!!!!
Watch out for bees. They can get very nasty. We have been to Mammoth Cave about five times now and have ran into bees three times. Try not to disturb them as much as possible.
Don’t rush through the ride, enjoy the bueaty of nature!
Good advice.
I really like your tips!
Great tips! I hate when people tailgate, and It is so annoying when they don’t teach their horse to lead or go alone
Great basic tips!
These are great tips, especially #24.
These are some really great tips. A lot of people could benefit from tip 5.
NICE! ????
Very good ideas – especially 25 – the horse is not as good at dialing as you are!
Thanks
I will definatly use these when I ride on the trails! I already use some of them, but I needed a refresher! Thank you!
Also, don’t use a headstall/bridle with Chicago screws (or if you do, take extras in saddle bag). Pack some extra tack in trailer for just in case situations. Bring water in a container from your stables as some horses will not drink strange-tasting water (if your trailer does not have a functioning water tank).
Great article! I couldn’t think of a single thing else to ask!
good article
Great tips!!Also good when your on the trail
to keep your chin up and watch where you
are going and pay attention to surrounding.Don’t
stare at your horse and blab it can make the
horse nervous.Be calm and collected and your
horse will too.Forward motion,relaxation and breath.
I like to look at trail for extra obstacles like trees and
boulders to go around so your not always going
straight down a trail.Remember have fun and
your horse will too.
Very good! I like to hum, sing, or whistle a tune. Says to help keep horses relaxed and one of mine loves it.
Another good organization is Back Country Horsemen of America. The organization works hard to perserve your right to ride on public lands and also does considerable volunteer work to help maintain trails.
In addition to cell phone, carry a whistle on YOU. A quick toot will alert other users of your approach.
Excellent tips!
thanks for the great tips! Always useful information on your website (:
i think it is out standing
Thanks for the useful tips! I will surely remember them the next time I take a trail ride!
I like how you suggested that if your horse tries to hurry home, refocus his attention by asking him to ride in serpentines along the trail. I horseback ride at a horse club. Thanks for the trail riding tips.