Riding through the woods while the birds sing in the background and the sun shimmers through the trees is a fantastic experience. All equestrians should experience this, and trail riding safety tips can help you get out there and enjoy all that the trails in your area have to offer.
Trail riding is a dream of many riders but can feel a little overwhelming if you’ve never done it before. There are trail riding safety tips that can help you and your horse prepare for and then enjoy your time out on the trails. Riding safely can ensure that both you and your horse enjoy the experience. Then, you can build on it and increase the time spent trail riding, places you explore, and miles ridden.
It’s important that you and your horse have the basic fitness and skills you need for trail riding too. More information is incorporated into the safety tips as it’s one of the ways we can be prepared for the ride.
The History of Trail Riding
Trail riding was one of the original equestrian disciplines. Back when horses were our primary means of transportation, it was something that everyone did. In the western part of the United States, trail riding was part of daily ranch management. It often still is as some remote areas can be hard to reach with motorized vehicles.
We aren’t required to trail ride for transportation now, but it’s still a huge source of enjoyment for both us and our horses. There are a lot of different ways to enjoy trail riding too whether on well-manicured rails to trails or greenways or in the backcountry on remote trails. Many organizations throughout the United States, including the American Horse Council and Back Country Horsemen of America, help protect equestrian use of trails, promote access, and provide trail maintenance.
Trail Riding Safety Tips for the Rider
- Be confident. Horses take their cue from us as riders. It’s important for us to be comfortable and confident in the saddle and work with our horses on the ground before we head out on the trail. Groundwork, lessons, and other exercises can help you build confidence if needed.
- Go with a friend. Many riders find it beneficial to head out on the trail with a friend, or on someone else’s trail-savvy horse before taking their own horse out. Both options can help increase your confidence when you head out with your own horse.
- Know the trail. Before you head out for a trail ride, it’s important to know the trail system you are going to. Ride with a map, and let someone know the route you’ll be riding and when you expect to return.
- Wear your cell phone. Riders should also carry their cell phone on their body, in case they are separated from their horse.
- Carry supplies. Basic supplies include a leadline, water bottle, small first aid kits for the horse and rider, and a hoof pick. These can be carried in a saddle bag.
- Wear safety gear. Wear protective gear, including a helmet, long sleeves to protect your skin, and a body protector or air vest. Apply sunscreen and insect repellent to yourself (and fly spray for your horse) before heading out too.
Preparing Your Horse
Preparing your horse is just as important. First, your horse must be always under your control on the trail. This starts with basic manners, groundwork, and good behavior in the ring. Next, your horse is going to see a lot of new sights, sounds, and smells out on the trail. You can help prepare them at home. Introduce your horse to bicycles, things flapping in trees, and crossing logs and water at home first, as it will make your ride easier.
It’s also good if your horse is used to being touched, whether by bushes or other horses. Get used to going around gates and through small areas. One good way to practice is by heading out of the arena after your ride and exploring different areas of the property. A lot of barns have a short trail or perimeter path that you can start riding at the end of your sessions to help your horse acclimate.
If possible, consider riding with an experienced trail friend and their horse. The trail-savvy horse will lend confidence to your horse. Keep your first trail ride within your horse’s fitness level and comfort zone. Make it a positive experience and your horse can build on that.
Trail Riding Safety Tips and You
Once you’ve prepared yourself and your horse, it’s time to head out on the trail. One thing you can do to ensure it’s enjoyable is not over-facing you and your horse. Start small at a local trail and keep it short. Slowly build your confidence and fitness level, and your horse’s, so that you are both still alert and eager at the end of the ride. A tired rider means more work for the horse. A tired horse on the trail can be dangerous to both the horse’s safety and yours.
Trail riding offers the opportunity to explore places that not everyone else gets to enjoy. But there are also more people out on the trail now, and we share them with hikers, bicycles, and others. While horses have the right of way, there are fewer of us than other trail users, and most people don’t know much about horses. Be kind and courteous to everyone you meet, and make sure you only use trails designated for equestrians. Finally, get out there, and enjoy the ride!
Sources: Back Country Horsemen of America, Horse and Rider, Canadian Horse Journal, Extension Foundation, and Stable Management.