Trail riding is one of the most enjoyable activities a horse and rider can participant in, but hitting the trails can also be very dangerous. Keeping a few simple safety rules in mind can ensure that all of the riders and horses on the trail can have a safe, fun ride.
Know the Horses, Riders, and Terrain.
Having the two most experienced riders serve as trail boss (first rider) and drag rider (last rider) ensures that an experienced rider is guiding the trail and an experienced rider is keeping an eye on the less experienced riders in the middle of the ride. To assist the less experienced riders, pair an experienced riders with each novice rider and ensure that novice riders have well-trained horses to ride. Never bring green horses on a ride with inexperienced riders.
Research the terrain in the area you plan to ride, keeping in mind the skill and experience levels of both the horses and riders that will accompanying you. If you have a varied level of experience, you may want to consider a location that offers both more moderate and more challenging trails to allow riders of varying skill to branch off during the ride.
Preparing Your Tack and Supplies
Before heading out to the trails, check all of your equipment: saddle, girth, saddle bags, bridle, breast collar, etc. Ensure that all of your gear is well-maintained and safe for you equine adventure. If you will be gone during meal time for you or your horse, pack food for you and/or your horse. Check the weather before heading out. You may need rain gear.
Always pack at least one first aid kit. For riders, Include bandages of varying sizes, antibiotic cream, a bee sting kit, an ice pack, and a flashlight or glow stick. For the horses, pack a hoof pick, an iodine solution, an antibacterial solution (Vetrycin, Furazone, etc.), gauze, and vet wrap. Be prepared to treat minor injuries. It is also a good idea to ensure that at least one rider has a cell phone and a GPS.
Communicate with Fellow Riders
Many organized group rides require riders to attached colored ribbons to their horses' tails to indicate possible problems on the trail. A red tail ribbon is a universal equestrian symbol for “My horse kicks,” and is a must on the trail. You can also indicate stallions with yellow ribbon, and green horses with a green ribbon.
On the trail, rider communication is crucial. Riders need to communicate to riders in front of them if they intend to pass or change speeds. As prey animals, horses often respond to a passing horse or horse speeding up, instinctively increasing their speed. With good communication, riders can prepare to halt or slow their horses as another horse passes or speeds up.
By knowing the riders and horses that will join you and the terrain you will be riding, you can better prepare yourself, your horse, and your tack. You will have a good idea of where you want to be in the group and what supplies to bring with you. Communication among the riders on the trail goes a long way in prevent kicking, spooking, and runaway horses and keeping your ride safe and enjoyable.
Tanya Garrett - For the first 10 years of her career, Tanya created both print and web content and graphics for small to mid-sized companies and assisted ...
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