horse trail riding

Trail Riding

We would like to provide some advice for both on the trail and at camp. We have been camping with horses for 13 years (and counting) with minimal injuries, to us or our mounts. By sharing our experiences with you, we hope to minimize the "wear and tear " to both horse and rider. Hopefully most of the suggestions will seem like common sense, but we realize that not everyone starts out with the same foundation of knowledge. We also understand that there are different or perhaps better ways to accomplish the same end, depending, upon you and your animals' tolerance, temperament, experiences, and camping locations. What follows isn't meant to be all inclusive, merely a starting point.

Before The Trail

Noggin' covers for kids are a must for trail riding and don't forget those wooden bridges are slippery when wet, slow down when crossing.

We strongly recommend physical conditioning of both the horse and rider, before undertaking this much serious riding. A trek of this nature is definitely something to work up to. Daily conditioning is, for many of us, often impractical to fit into busy schedules. But, trying to force unconditioned bodies, be they human or animal, is dangerous. Saddle time is important and should be done as frequently as possible; but, be realistic with your training. Start with short comfortable distances (4-5 miles), slowly building to longer distances (10-15 miles or farther) as you both build more endurance and stamina. The goal is not to cover the distance as FAST as possible, but to do so, in a reasonable amount of time with the least stress to your mount and your body. The most efficient training gait (and traveling speed) is your animals' medium speed--trot, amble, fox-trot, running-walk, etc.. This gait should be alternated with walking (example--walk a mile, trot a mile). The least emphasis, is placed on the canter or gallop. Ride with the equipment you plan to use on the trail. It's better to work out tack problems during conditioning, rather than on the trail, miles from a tack store.

It is, also, important to accustom your mount to being lead while you walk, preferably in the shoes you plan to ride in. You may wonder why this is important. This tactic allows you a chance to stretch your legs; unkink your knees; and most important--rest your mounts' back, enabling them to carry you longer and farther with less chance of "soring" or injuring their back, which would render them unridable and your ride over before it has had a chance to really begin. We typically ride on the trail, about 5 miles (alternating gaits), lead 1 mile, and so on.

Ranger says, "these fly masks work great for horses like me that hate bugs near our ears".

If possible, acquaint your horse with the smell and sight of you in a rain slicker or poncho; and to being ridden in inclement weather. Attempt to expose your mount to as many sights, sounds and experiences as can safely be accomplished. In the course of one trail your animal may be confronted with: motorcycles, tractor-trailer trucks, road graders, wood chippers, chain saws, oil wells, oil refineries, metal gates, hikers with backpacks, bikes, fisherman, canoes, horns, sirens, piles of junk and trash, half mile long narrow bridges, balloons, flags, barking dogs--the list is endless. Safety lies in knowing how YOUR animal will react and WHAT it takes to remain in control of the situation. Ride in a group when possible. Pay attention to how your mount reacts to being crowded, bumped or passed by a strange horse. Does he attempt to buck, kick, bite, bolt? These are all bad trail "manners" and should be corrected or eliminated as soon as possible. If time and space allow, rig a picket line to familiarize your horse to standing, eating, resting and drinking in this environment. Most horses trained to be tied (stall, trailer, etc.) adapt well to the picket line and quickly learn that that is the place to be. We have seen horses that have lost their riders, gallop 5 miles back to camp and wait patiently at their picket spot.

On The Trail

Items we recommend to take along on the trail are as follows. Some items will not be necessary for each group member, but you never know when you may be separated...! Pommel bags are the most convenient, but usually smaller in size, thus limiting what items can be carried. Cantle bags are larger and more out of the way, but less convenient to access without dismounting. Though, our ever-munching kids have proven that it can be done!

Rain gear--you can get pretty cold and miserable when that afternoon storm unexpectedly dumps on you or you find yourself faced with a steady, all day rain. The least expensive (good for sudden down pours) is the light-weight pull-on poncho's that can be purchased at most discount or sporting goods stores. These will not withstand much "punishment"--tearing easily and quickly in brushy or overgrown areas. They are also, often too short in length when mounted, leaving your legs exposed to the rain. Rain-soaked legs rapidly lead to over-flowing boots and if you weren't cold or uncomfortable before hand, you will be then! Also, available in some areas, are Army Surplus Stores, where a higher grade of vinyl poncho can be purchased. We have yet, to find a product or style that keeps one totally dry and, thus, warm. The closest we've seen, to this date, has been the "Oilskin" raincoats. We will be trying some on the trail this year. Their drawback is bulk and weight, making them cumbersome as an item to carry on a daily basis. If your poncho or raincoat is not equipped with a hood, a hat is needed; one that is waterproof or water repellent is best. Light vinyl rain covers are available for helmets and cowboy hats.
Dress in layers--we have experienced a 60^o F temperature shift over the course of a week, when riding in June. A 30^o F swing during a single day can happen! You will find it much easier to remove a layer, than not have it and wish you DID! Dress practically, meaning comfortable older articles that you don't mind possibly becoming filthy, wet, stained or torn. There isn't anyone along the way who would be impressed by the latest fashions anyway.
Helmets--kids especially should wear a noggin' cover. Most adults probably have hard enough heads already AND should be "responsible" enough to decide if they prefer to ride with or without a helmet. A hat with a stampede cord (you know--that little string you can tighten up to keep your hat on your head) is a good idea if a helmet isn't worn. There are a lot of branches that will scrape you along the trail and getting on and off to pick up your hat quickly becomes old. We have met a few inventive and resourceful souls, who have trained their horses to pick their hats up for them! A head covering of some type is also valuable in preventing heatstroke or heat exhaustion. That hat may be the only available shade for miles!
Water--pack at least 2 pints/rider, more if the weather will be hot. This is one item where more is better. If the bag you store these in does not fasten securely (many pommel bags) allowing the possibility for these heavy items to wiggle out, we recommend tying a string around the bottle neck and a saddle ring (make the string long enough that you can drink without untying). You really don't want to ride without water for 4-6 hours. Some riders prefer soda-pop. We do not, it often makes you more thirsty, it's not going to remain cold, and you have to deal with the empty containers. (Don't litter!)
Collapsible bucket or (our choice) a 2 gallon plastic storage/freezer bag--when you are unsure of a watering spots' footing, you can still dip your horse a drink. A large plastic bag can also double for other uses, e.g. camera waterproof case, lunch sack, trash bag (please don't litter the trail!), etc.
Compass--we know people that have ridden 12 miles in the wrong direction. Please, learn how to read the compass, or you may STILL find yourself headed in the wrong direction! Likewise, DON'T assume you can stay on course by simply following the tracks of other horses. Especially, around the camps where there are many "circle riding trails". Besides, the other people may be lost, too!
Leather shoe laces or light nylon cord--for emergency tack repairs.
Money--just in case of emergencies--or you find that little store that sells ice cream or refreshments along the trail and doesn't mind some occasional manure in the parking lot. Never tie your horse to vehicles, signs or buildings; or allow your animal to damage other peoples' belongings or property.
Bug repellent--we douse the horses with a general spray repellent with roll-on repellent around those sensitive areas (eyes, ears). We also carry people insect repellent lotion for our sensitive areas and a spare roll-on for any spots we may have missed on our horses. Some riders use bug masks (nets) for both horse and rider.
Multi-purpose knife--we carry a sharp, Swiss Army type knife or multipurpose tool (includes pliers and more blades than we've ever used) just in case. You never know when you will have to pry a rock from a hoof, punch an extra hole in that leather strap, or cut up an apple to share with your horse!
Matches (in a waterproof container, e.g. old film container) or lighter--if you get totally lost and it gets dark, stay put until daylight. If this happens you will appreciate the ability to build a small fire to keep warm. Please be careful with fires in the forest! Remove any dry tree leaves or needles in the area the fire is placed--if possible, ring the fire with medium sized stones or dig (kick, gouge, etc.) a fire pit to help contain and prevent the spread of your flames. Bear in mind, that green wood does not burn well and is almost impossible to light. Always, be careful with clothing when around a fire. We have melted the rubber soles on boots before noticing the feet were getting too warm!! We have also caught dangling shirt sleeves, the result of unbuttoned cuffs, on fire while attempting to warm up some cold hands!!
Food--we put this low on our list, because we eat a large meal before starting; but it is a good idea to carry some high calorie food--just in case you are on the trail longer than expected--or your perpetually hungry children are with you! We often carry granola bars, peanut butter or cheese crackers, apples, sunflower seeds, pretzels, red licorice, Rice Krispie bars, cookies, hard candies or baggies of sweetened breakfast cereals. Chocolate can become extremely messy and bananas do not travel well! Other riders prefer sandwiches, or finger foods--carrots or celery sticks, sausage sticks, crackers, etc. Please remember not to litter--if you packed it in, YOU pack it back out!
Sunscreen, especially if you are fair skinned and burn easily. Sunscreen/bug repellents are now available.
Facial tissues or soft paper towels in a plastic bag--for those unexpected nature calls that just won't wait for "4 more miles!" Please, cover what you leave behind, especially if of a solid nature. Others don't want to see or step in yours, as you would not appreciate theirs! Many riders carry a small trowel for this purpose.
Red bandana--this multipurpose item can act as a bandage, sweatband, washrag or when tied in a tail--as warning to others your horse may kick, etc.
Electrolytes--carry about a film containers worth along as an emergency measure for each horse, especially if it is really hot and your mount is working hard. A horse that has ceased to sweat on hot days, may be headed toward heat exhaustion or "tying-up" Allow your horse every chance possible to drink--they usually will! We, generally, add a ration of electrolytes to our animals grain, with a decreased ration on rest days.
Horse shoes, we highly recommend them because of the rocky trails and some road riding. Have them freshly set about a week before starting. Remember that steel shoes cause a reduction in traction on pavement, slow down when crossing roads. You may have your farrier apply globs of Borium to your shoes to improve traction. We do not. Especially, do not apply borium to the shoes of "gaited" horses. They typically gait by sliding their feet.