Tips for Terrific Trail Rides photo: Cecilia Kayano
by Vikki Chavez
As the heat of summer fades into the cool days of fall, it is a perfect time to go trail riding! Whether you are an avid trail scout or head up the road on the weekend, here are some ideas to help you and your horse have fun and stay safe. on it or not. Wearing a helmet is safer than not wearing one. A visor attachment can block sun and rain. A sheepskin seat cover and riding fly mask add stylish comfort for you and your horse. Shatterproof impact sport sunglasses and a cooling neck scarf are two of my trail favorites.
Pack Well
Access Your Horse
A horse needs to be trained well enough to take down the trail, for your safety and that of the other riders with you. Lunge or ride your horse before heading out. This lets you see where they are at, and gets their mind focused on you. If you have a fresh horse, cold-backed horse or a horse otherwise not behaving like their normal self, get them working well at home before you go. Any goofiness will just get worse when you add the pressure of the trail, so work in the arena until your horse is going calmly both ways at the walk, trot, canter, halt, back and all the transitions in between.
Gear Up Your bridle and saddle should be conditioned and checked over before riding. Depending on the terrain, a breast collar, crupper and/or back cinch can prevent slipping and discomfort for your horse. A halter and lead under the bridle make for safe leading, tying or ponying, which can occur whether you plan
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| September / October 2014 | www.horsearoundnm.com
A hoof pick, compass, slicker, vet wrap, folding knife, water bottle, travel sized sunscreen, Neosporin, cortisone cream and bug spray can come in handy. Be sure to include a water proof ID tag with your name, horse’s name, stable address and contact numbers. Saddle bags come in an endless array of shapes and sizes, and even the occasional trail rider can keep a small lightweight cantle or horn bag packed for that weekend ride up the road.
Protect the legs
Hoof boots or bell boots and a good fitting pair of sport boots can save the day should your horse step into a broken bottle, catch a strand of wire, hit a sharp rock, or encounter