The days are warm, evenings are soothing, and nature is at its best. Indeed, summer is the best time for you to get off the property and spend some quality time amidst nature with your favourite four-hooved companion.
So, what are you waiting for? Google' best horse riding trails near me' and ride to explore the glorious new landscape with your horse. But, before doing so, you need to be aware of the essential safety measures to follow while on your horse riding trail.
Horse trails can become a nightmare when not carried out with appropriate safety. To keep yourself, your horse and your group safe, keep the below-mentioned tips in mind before you embark on nature expeditions with your equine.
How To Ensure Maximum Safety On A Horse Riding Trail?
1. Start Easy
For most equestrians, it is tempting to venture on challenging trails to get that adrenaline rush. But, you must ensure that your horses are ready for that, too, so you should start with easy horseback riding trails.
Begin by taking a few low-key trips around the stable with a friend. Take up short trails with different terrains that involve crossing water, stepping over logs, and going up and down hills. This will help you figure out the glitches in a controlled manner before you begin riding with groups.
2. Always Warm-Up First
If you have been off the saddle for a while, don't head straight for a long trail. Albeit horses have impeccable abilities to learn & remember, their memory can get rusty when they haven't done something for a while.
Horseback riding trails often bring forth circumstances that test your control and mount. Therefore, you must get in tune with your horse's behaviour and responses before heading out on a group horse riding trail. Warm-up tracks can help you do that.
3. Never Ride Alone
Horse trails might be a great way to escape the hustle of everyday life and spend your much-needed 'me-time' in nature. However, one must never do this activity alone.
Forests can be full of dangers for both riders and their horses. Unexpected animal encounters can scare your horse, and some riders get lost in the woods for several days without their horses.
Riding with a friend can save you from such unforeseen catastrophes, or maybe you can save them from a terrible accident.
4. Make Sure Your Horse Is Fit
Horseback riding trails are challenging, and both horses and riders need strength, stamina, and endurance. Your horse should be able to cross obstacles, pass rivers, and climb up. If it's not fit, it might give up halfway, leading to severe problems.
You can measure your horse's fitness level by performing exercises around the barn. Make them walk at mild inclines and try jumping small obstacles. This will give you an idea about their strengths and weaknesses and help you determine whether or not they are fit for challenging trails.
5. Teach Appropriate Group Behaviour To Your Horse
If you plan to go on group trail rides with your friends, your horse must be well-trained to travel in groups. Nobody likes riding with a horse that kicks their horse or causes havoc for other riders.
Take short trails with other riders around the arena; it will allow your horse to get used to being in a group. If you find their behaviour erratic around other horses, you must postpone horseback riding group trails for a while and focus on training your horse.
6. Be Proactive
A horse riding trail is not an activity you can plan spontaneously; you need meticulous planning if you need a seamless trip. Therefore, we recommend being proactive and checking the track in advance.
You should know about the possible obstacles that may come along, the route's terrain and the weather forecast. After all, the last thing you want on your trail is an unexpected rain or storm to ruin your day. Choose the weather and routes wisely; it is imperative for a safe trip!
7. Check The Tack
Always double-check your tack before starting the trail. Make sure that it is durable enough for a long ride and that each part of the tack is well-placed.
Whenever you stop for water or food, check the tack, reign and the girth before mounting again. If they appear loose, tighten them before you continue to ride.
8. Pack Wisely
You should be fully equipped to tackle unforeseen situations when you are miles away from civilisation. Hence, packing your bags wisely becomes imperative. Carry extra equipment for your horse, enough food and water for both of you, a first aid kit, a jacket, insect sprays, a knife and some extra clothes.
9. Master The 'One Reign Stop.'
The 'one-reign' stop is the ultimate technique to break your horse in emergencies. It can be done by grabbing one reign and pulling your horse's head to your knee.
This can be used to calm your horse when startled by something, preventing them from bolting, bucking or moving backwards.
10. Always Have A Cell Phone With You
Not that anyone leaves their homes without a phone nowadays, but it is essential to ensure you always have a phone while on a horse trail. When riding in areas with a signal, having a cell phone allows you to quickly call for help in emergencies and call other group members when you get separated.
However, when you go on horse riding trails in remote locations with no signal, it is vital to stay with your group and not stray from the track.
Signing Off
With these ten tips, you can ensure a safe riding experience for yourself, your horse and your riding companions. Remember to keep alert, but let yourself relax and unwind. Don't hold reigns too tightly and be comfortable with your horse; trust us, it will be a rewarding experience.
Top Horse Trails has the largest directory of horse trails and horse camps for all our fellow equestrians. So, next time you wonder what the best horse riding trails near me are? You know where to look for.