| Do you want trail riding tips? | | | | Trail Riding Tip No. 2 - Know What To Bring |
| Horse trail riding is full of fun and adventure. However, | | | | Trail riding is almost like camping. Here are some things |
| it can go bad quickly when you or your horse suffer | | | | that you should bring with you: |
| injuries and other problems on the trail that could have | | | | - Current Coggins / health / brand inspection - Pocket |
| been avoided with proper horse training. Trail riding with | | | | knife - Insect repellent - Jacket - Water - Hat - Lip |
| your horse can be pleasurable for you and your | | | | balm - First aid kit for horses and riders - Gloves - Cell |
| equine, but it requires preparation and alertness. You | | | | Phone in case of emergency - Form of identification - |
| must be extremely aware of every detail so your trail | | | | Hoof pick - Fly Spray - Compass - String or leather for |
| ride will go as smoothly as possible. Max the potential | | | | tack repair - Sunscreen - Sunglasses - Snacks - Rain |
| of fun and adventure by following these three | | | | gear |
| important guidelines in horse trail riding. | | | | The things listed are self-explanatory. You should be |
| Trail Riding Tip No. 1 - Prepare Properly | | | | able to know their purposes, or be riding with an |
| Prepping for the trail ride is perhaps the most important | | | | experienced person who knows how to use each |
| procedure. Good fortune comes to those who are | | | | piece of equipment. |
| prepared. Prior preparation prevents poor | | | | Trail Riding Tip No. 3 - Follow the Rules On the Trail |
| performance. | | | | Last but not least you should know what to do and |
| - Preparing the horse includes cleaning the horse's feet | | | | not to do when on the trail. |
| with the ever-useful hoof pick. After cleaning and | | | | - Even the most trained of horses can get spooked if |
| maintaining the feet, make sure that the shoes are tight | | | | startled. Therefore, make sure that you are aware of |
| and comfortable. - Groom the horse thoroughly | | | | your surroundings. Less surprises, the better. - A |
| particularly on the areas where the tack will touch him. | | | | kicking horse should be tied with a red ribbon in the tail. |
| This is to prevent discomfort on the part of the animal. | | | | - Maintain space between you and the next horse. - |
| - The saddle pad should be clean and pulled forward | | | | Make sure that the horse you are riding is suitable for |
| and up over the withers to create air space over | | | | you in terms of riding skill level and the degree of bond |
| withers and back. The saddle pad should perfectly fit | | | | or connection. - Stay on the trail and never separate |
| the horse. - Adjust the bridle properly. Make sure that | | | | with the group. If you want to leave, make sure to |
| there are no loose straps or pinching. The leathers | | | | inform the group. - When making a rest stop, loosen |
| should be always oiled and in good condition. The | | | | the horse's cinch and lift up back of saddle and pad so |
| halter should be fitting as well. - If using a halter under | | | | air can get to his back and cool it. - Always pay |
| the bridle, the lead rope should be coiled and fastened | | | | attention to your animal and your surroundings. - Make |
| onto the saddle so the horse has room to move it's | | | | way for fellow users of the trail. Be respectful of |
| head. - Hydrate the horse before starting on the trail. - | | | | space and clean up after yourself and your animal. - |
| You should dress accordingly. It is best to dress in | | | | Bring a highline or picket for your animals so as not to |
| layers, or to bring appropriate gear for any weather. | | | | damage trees. |
| Wear a hat or at least, bring one and apply sunscreen. | | | | |