(Nine common sense rules to insure a pleasant ride)
When I take a group out on a trail ride, upon our return people at the barn kindly inquire as to the success of the ride? My answer to them is always; "it was uneventful therefore it was quite pleasant."
I don't know about you but my definition of an enjoyable trail ride is one that is relaxing, void of drama and bringing everyone back in good shape without any close calls or near misses. Am I asking for too much? No doubt things out on the trail will happen but you will be far more prepared for what might come and will be able to avoid careless mistakes if you adhere to the 9 rules I've listed below!
1. Never go out alone! It's just not smart! Out on the trail there are just too many variables. You don't have the control you have over things in the arena. Not too long ago my student and me while out on the trail came across a neighbor whose horse had thrown him. He was laying there unable to move because later we found he had broken his back. I can't help but wonder how long he would have laid there if we hadn't found him?
2. Always wear a helmet! I can't believe how often people think just because they're out on a casual trail ride that they don't need a helmet. I had a dear friend go out with her adult daughter on well trained, well seasoned trail horses. They were both proficient riders and thought it unnecessary to wear a helmet. The daughter's horse slipped which sent them both crashing to the ground crushing her head onto some concrete and putting her into a coma for quite some time. She survived after months of agonizing therapy but her experience could have been very different had she worn a helmet.
3. Take a cell phone. In this day and age this advice is a "no brainer" and if you feel you don't have a need bring it along in case someone else does. You could end up being their hero and that's always a nice thing to be.
4. Find your order and keep it. Horses have a pecking order and if you can ride with horses you know well enough it doesn't take long before you know who's happiest leading and who'd rather follow. Don't rock the boat! You can work long and hard trying to change that but why not accept things the way they are? What do you have to prove, after all... this trail ride stuff is supposed to be for enjoyment. Don't turn it into a stressful battle that can seldom be won in one session if ever.
5. Never let your horse run back to the barn or up hills for that matter. Horses are creatures of habit and it's far too easy for them to be programmed to take off especially toward something they want. Think ahead before giving in to this common mistake because someday you won't want to run at top speed as soon as you turn a certain corner and then you'll have NO control. If you must gallop save it all for heading in a direction away from the barn. You'll thank me for this advice someday.
6. Communicate. Always inform others of your intentions. There's nothing worse than someone creating a scene by without warning tearing off into a blistering gallop sending everyone left behind in a thither. You can get someone severely injured by being so thoughtless and it's never fun or funny to see others loose control of their horse.
7. Know your horse. Is your horse spooky? Is he prone to bolt? Does he cross water? Does he insist on leading? Does he get anxious and jig? If you know your horse you are better able to be proactive regarding these and other trail issues. Some things you just can't avoid but if you're prepared you can better deal with challenging situations.
8. Try not to hold too much. Remember horses get anxious if they're held too tightly by the reins. For a horse to relax he needs to put his head down and stretch out his stride. This is hard for him to do if you hold on too tight both with the reins and with your legs. It can sometimes be a catch 22 but there are ways to override his reactive instincts.
9. Watch your space. Be cautious getting too close to the horses around you. All it takes is one mare in season to give your gelding a good swift kick because he got too close, setting off a predictable chain reaction with all the others in the group. Before you know it there'll be hooves and dust flying with strong possibilities of both horses and riders getting hurt all because someone wasn't paying attention and respecting the horse's space.
So these are just a few rules, not all of them but enough to give you the idea that you should be mindful of the things you do with horses if not for your safety and well being at least for that of your horse. Horses get very upset when their rider falls or is upset in any way. If you care anything about your horse and his sensitivity to you then you will consider some of the things listed above.
Happy trail riding and stay safe!
Millie Chalk (White Star Woman)
Professional horse trainer for 25yrs. and author of historical fiction. Part Cherokee Indian I'm passionate regarding the current struggle of all the first nations feeling most akin for several reasons to the Lakota.
If you'd like to learn more about horses check out my new website; http://backyardhorseman.com/
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