Robert Eversole

Robert Eversole, ”the trail meister,” owns www.TrailMeister.com, the largest database of horse riding and camping areas in the U.S. with free trail and trailhead information, trail maps, and much more to help horse enthusiasts experience the joys of trail riding. Robert is a registered riding instructor with PATH International, a mounted search and rescue team member, and a U.S. Marine who has served on the board of the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington (BCHW). He is enjoying his new career helping fellow trail riders stay found and safe on the trail. When not on the trail, The Trail Meister resides near Spokane, WA and teaches land navigation to a wide variety of outdoor groups across the nation. For North America’s largest horse trail and camping directory, trail tips, and more, visit www.TrailMeister.com.

Trail Savvy: The Shared Responsibility of Everyone on Board

May 13, 2025 by Robert Eversole

Photo Courtesy Robert Eversole

Trail Access for Equestrians Depends on the Stewardship of Horse People Flying from clinic to clinic, I spend more time in the air than I’d like to admit. This past weekend, as I settled into my seat and watched the pre-flight safety briefing, a particular phrase caught my attention: “The shared …

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Trail Savvy: More Than Miles

April 25, 2025 by Robert Eversole

Photo by Robert Eversole

An Education in Packing and Precision Ed Haefliger called me in 2009, shortly after I started writing a column on trail riding and camping with horses. I was still finding my footing as a writer and, if I’m honest, I felt a mix of excitement and imposter syndrome—I didn’t even …

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Trail Savvy: Sawdust and Saddles

March 10, 2025 by Robert Eversole

Photo by Robert Eversole

Lessons from Hardwoods and Horses Few things ground me like the smell of freshly planed wood or a sun-warmed saddle. Both promise hard work and quiet satisfaction. Each time I smooth a piece of Osage orange or saddle up Ruger for a ride into the high country, I’m reminded about …

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Trail Savvy: Helmets, Head Injuries, and Hard Truths

February 26, 2025 by Robert Eversole

Photo by Robert Eversole

Helmet Use Reduces Likelihood of Severe Injury I respect that everyone has their own comfort level and makes their own choices. In many ways, safety is like climbing a ladder—we all choose the rung we’re most comfortable with. For some, that might mean wearing a helmet every time they ride. …

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Trail Savvy: Tackling Backcountry Packing

January 23, 2025 by Robert Eversole

Photo by Robert Eversole

The Logical Next Step from Trail Riding Want to escape civilization but find the idea of venturing into the wilderness with a pack mule too complex? Do tales of horses, high lines, rocky trails, and making a diamond hitch seem anything but your best friend? Are stories of spectacular wrecks …

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Trail Savvy: I Don’t Need All That Fancy Stuff

December 6, 2024 by Robert Eversole

Training at home leads to safety and control on the trail. Photo Courtesy Robert Eversole.

Trail Horses Need Training for Control and Safety I recently read one of Ty Evans’ reflections on training and the standards we should aim for with our animals. A sentiment he often hears is, “I don’t need any of that fancy stuff; I just want to go down the trail.” …

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Trail Savvy: You’re Rushing!

November 26, 2024 by Robert Eversole

Photo Courtesy Robert Eversole

Slow Down and Breathe for Effective Training Mr. Thomas, my high school band director, was notorious for his temper. He’d hurl his baton at students when they didn’t follow his instructions. I was terrified of him. Despite our rocky relationship, he instilled a few lessons in me that have stuck …

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Trail Savvy: Just Say Hello!

October 8, 2024 by Robert Eversole

Adobe stock photo FILE #: 314018742

Greetings on the Trail Make the World a Friendlier Place There’s a French saying: simple comme bonjour, which means “as simple as hello.” It’s a perfect reminder of how much a friendly greeting does, especially when you’re on the trail. Whether we’re riding horses, hiking, or biking, tossing out a …

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Trail Savvy: Navigating Risks on the Trail

September 25, 2024September 11, 2024 by Robert Eversole

Photo Courtesy Robert Eversole

A Guide for Equine Adventurers A few years ago, along the Canadian border in the Pasayten Wilderness, we noticed a thick smoke plume rising in the distance. Haze began to fill the basin where we camped. The plume was ominously between us and the direction of our route back to …

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Trail Savvy: Trail Maps and Why You Need Them

August 15, 2024August 15, 2024 by Robert Eversole

All images courtesy Robert Eversole

Tips for Understanding Topo Maps Taking the time to look at a map before leaving the barn can help you plan the ride ahead. Understanding the basic parts of a map will help you “stay found” and know what’s ahead and around as you navigate safely from trailhead to viewpoint …

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Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

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