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NEWS & ARTICLES : On the Trail Again!

Fall is a great time to ride, and trail riding is a highly popular pastime. Successful trail rides are both safe and fun, so “gear up” for it. There are tons of tips that can help make trail riding a pleasure. Here a just a few.

First, make sure you have the right horse. A green horse should be matched with an experienced rider, and an experienced horse should be matched with a green rider. Properly expose your horse to a wide variety of things in a safe area. You’ll come upon scary things sooner or later: bicycles, motorcycles, quads, gunfire, loose dogs, wild/strange animals, desert trash, loose or wild horses, and much more.

If you wish to ride alone, make sure your horse is confident doing so. Take your cell phone (keep it safely secured to your own body); be sure you have cell service in the ride area. File a “flight plan” with someone at home. Make sure they know where you’ll be and when you’ll return, so you know someone will look for you if you don’t return as planned.

When riding in a group, make sure everyone agrees on the “rules”. Riding to the lowest level in the group (horse or human) is important. If you know the folks you wish to ride with love a good gallop, but you also know your horse is too green for that, either ask them not to gallop on this particular ride, or don’t ride with them. Don’t leave anyone stranded, especially if you have to cross a busy street. If you set out as a group, stay as a group. If you meet up with others, at least stay with your original group when you separate later.

Carry emergency items with you. The longer the ride (greater distance/time or remote location) the more you’ll need. Basics include: hoofpick; water; halter and lead rope; minor first aid items; lip balm; bandana (many uses). Our own list is extensive when we ride in the backcountry. It’s really paid off over the years.

Always check your tack, gear and forecast before you set out. Make sure the trail is suitable for your horse’s fitness and experience level. Make your own pre-ride checklists as you gain experience and expand your horizons. A little bit of planning really helps you and your horse enjoy the ride. Happy trails!