This throwback article from 2014 still resonates today. Here are the top ten skills that experts believe are essential for your trail horse to possess.
Spending a few hours in the saddle can offer a much-needed break from your hectic life, whether it’s a leisurely ride through nature or exploring urban trail systems.
The Ride America program by the American Paint Horse Association highlights the popularity of recreational riding. Thousands of riders have joined since its establishment in 1995, earning exciting prizes for their hours spent riding or driving their Paint Horses.
Our Experts
Trail riding is a budget-friendly equestrian activity, but your horse must possess specific skills outlined by experts to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Alice Singleton is a dedicated member of the association with a passion for Ride America. She has spent numerous hours riding various Paint Horses.
• Bonnie Davis, a seasoned rider and trail-riding advocate, shares her expertise on horse camping and environmental regulations.
• Judi Daly from Parma, Ohio, emphasizes that good trail horses are trained, not born. Her experience with trail riding is evident in her book, Trail Training for the Horse and Rider.
The Top-10 Skills
All experts agree on the importance of consistent discipline and conditioning for your trail horse. Review this list to enhance your horse’s skills and enjoy a more relaxing trail ride.
1. Solid basic training.
A well-trained trail horse should respond to commands like walk, trot, canter, and stop, as well as leg cues. Mastery of these basics is crucial for a safe riding experience.
2. Stands quietly.
A good trail horse remains calm when not in motion, whether for mounting, adjusting tack, or waiting for other horses. Daly emphasizes the importance of a horse that can stand still, even in the face of potential distractions.
3. Easy to trailer.
Ensure your horse is comfortable loading into trailers to avoid disruptions to your planned outings. Familiarize your horse with different trailer types if you share transportation with others.
4. Willingness to negotiate obstacles.
Trail horses should be capable of navigating various obstacles, from urban challenges like traffic cones to natural hurdles like fallen logs and water crossings. Davis suggests practicing in mud puddles to hone these skills.
5. Steady reverse.
Backing up is a crucial skill for trail horses, especially in tight spaces where turning around is not an option. Your horse should be able to reverse calmly and steadily when needed.
6. Sidepassing.
Sidepassing is useful for maneuvering in narrow spaces or allowing other riders to pass. This skill is valuable for trail etiquette and practical trail riding situations.
7. Independent action.
A reliable trail horse focuses on the rider’s cues and can venture out alone if needed. Davis emphasizes the importance of horses that pay attention to the trail and make safe choices.
8. Good group manners.
Trail riding is more enjoyable when your horse exhibits good manners in a group setting. Avoid behaviors like kicking or crowding, as they can disrupt the riding experience for everyone.
9. Startle-free.
Trail horses should remain calm and composed when faced with unexpected stimuli or noises. Exposure to various stimuli during training can help your horse become more startle-proof on the trail.
In addition, a good trail horse should be able to handle distractions like dropping gloves, losing a hat, or breaking a saddle strap without overreacting.
“My horse, Mingo, is very calm,” Daly explains. “Even though he’s serene, I spent a lot of time acclimating him to traffic. It’s not just about being calm; you need to expose your horse to potential trail hazards.”
10. Easy drinker.
Horses that are particular about where they drink can be problematic on the trail. Access to a proper watering trough may not always be available. A good trail horse will drink from any water source, be it a lake, creek, or clean puddle. If using a tie-down, make sure to unsnap it so the horse can lower its head to drink.
“My horses will drink from anywhere, but sometimes on mountain trails, reaching the water can be challenging,” Davis shares. “I carry a collapsible canvas water pail on my saddle. I attach my lariat to the handles, dip the pail in the stream, lift it up, and bring it to the horses.”
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