Horses 101

June 2004

Are You Ready for Your First Trail Ride?

There are several things for the novice to think about.

Do you know how to ride well enough to ride out the unexpected?

What about a bird flying up in front of your horse, a low branch to dodge or a motorcycle that spooks your horse?  Have you taken enough lessons thereby allowing your body to develop muscle memory so that you are able to ride well even when your horse does the unexpected spook, jump side step or whirl in fear? 

Have you prepared your horse? 

Is your horse in good muscular condition as well as mentally prepared?  An hour in the arena one or two times a week will not build up enough endurance for the horse to be able to ride up and down rough trails for a 2-4 hour ride. You should increase his riding time gradually and preferably on a small trail nearby the arena, until your horse is physically ready for more. Has he been exposed to as many different items and situations as possible so he knows that he can trust you to protect him?  Try bringing tarps, tires, logs, empty containers, and whatever you can expose him to, to desensitize him to the unknown world outside. Finally, have you had your horse shod?  You can get by in the arena without shoes, but you can’t get very far on most trails without your horses’ feet protected.

Have you loaded and trailered your horse?

Does your horse load and unload easily?  The day of the “big” ride is not the time to start teaching him how to load without a fight. You need to start practicing several months in advance so the whole procedure is commonplace for both of you.

Is your saddlebag ready? 

Do you have ample water to drink for the length of your ride and for emergencies? Clean water is one of the best first aids for most human and horse injuries. Do you have warm protective gear with you? Hypothermia is one of the main reasons for serious injury and loss of life in the back country. It is also beneficial to have energy bars, matches, and a basic first aid kit for humans and horses.

Do you know the trails? 

It is so easy to get disoriented in our beautiful Northwest woods. Most of the time your horse will find his way back to the trailer. Try riding back to the trailer sometime and see if he does. Let him make the direction choices at intersections. It’s good to know what your horse can do before the need arises. If you are riding in a totally unfamiliar place, carry some strips of fabric, 12” long, 2” wide. Clip them on trees (with clothes pins) as you go out, using 3 strips at turns. You can follow these markers back taking them off the trees as you go.

So get prepared, then go and enjoy summer trail riding that special horse in our beautiful Northwest countryside and mountains.

Darleen Finnigan, Certified Horsemanship Association, and American Riding Instructor’s Association, specializing in teaching beginner adults, children and preparation for horse ownership for over 11 years at Saddle Soar Ranch, Inc. Edgewood, WA. Also teaching gaited horse riding. 253 927-6899, or www. Saddlesoarranch.com