TRAIL PRE-CHECK AND PACKING
Alberta is blessed with hundreds of equestrian trails, offering everything from cactus-strewn deserts and riverside hoodoos, to mountain top vistas. We are all chomping at the bit to hit the trail with our horses so now is a great time to chat about how we can ensure we are all happy on the trails.
HORSE AND RIDER FITNESS Who doesn’t love long day trips and new trails? Everyone does however, the first few rides of the season should reflect the fitness levels of both you and your horse. A horse and rider team that rides three to five times a week will have a much higher fitness level than a team that rides once a week (or not at all over the winter) and these are things you should consider when you start planning your rides. One to two-hour “there and back” trails you have done before are perfect for conditioning both you and your horse. The familiar terrain will allow you to assess your team’s fitness levels and create a conditioning plan, while also giving you both a boost of confidence and strong start to the trail season. Ideally the trail will have mild terrain that will allow for plenty of walking, trotting and if your horse’s fitness allows for it – long trotting. If your fitness allows for it do some posting-trot. Plan to take breaks along the trail. When your horse’s breathing (or yours) gets heavy or rapid, rest until your mount is breathing normally again. Recovery time will shorten as fitness levels improve. Loping and large steep hills are fun; but should be avoided on your first few trails. Spring trail conditions can
be treacherous as ice can be hidden underneath ground-cover. It’s also important to remember that a horse’s muscles can easily be strained when asked to travel at speed and/or over uneven ground before they are physically fit to do so. While the strain may not manifest in an immediate lameness, it may show up in other ways such as undesirable behaviours or irritability. You want to work your horse but not overwork your horse. A good mantra to remember when conditioning both of you for the trails is, “Stress, not distress.” Stretch! Always remember to stretch yourself and your horse, before and after your ride! A vigorous grooming with a rubber curry après ride with some carrot stretches may make your horse feel appreciated and more comfortable. Lastly, consider the condition of your horse’s feet when choosing your trails. Have your hoof care specialist out and ask their opinion. Some horses have soft feet in the spring because of mud and moisture; they may need extra protection like shoes or boots. There are many topical agents that can help harden feet as well. Until your horse’s feet are a little broken into the new terrain and workload, it is kind of you take less rocky
Before you hit the trail, it is always a good idea to clean your tack and check for needed repairs. A few things to check are your latigos, billets, keepers – if you use back cinches and breast collars (always recommended on the trail) – and saddle bag ties. Retighten all of your conchos, Chicago screws, lacings and stirrup bolts. Check the flocking of your saddle to see if it is clean and wearing evenly.If it isn’t, find out why – saddle fit is important. Check your saddle pad and cinch for the same thing. Are they still doing their job well or is it time to replace them? One last check to make is to run your hands over your saddle and bridle to ensure there are no sharp edges and nothing is sticking out. Your horse’s comfort is important for everyone’s safety and enjoyment. The last thing you want to be on the trail is unprepared. Check the weather and dress in layers. Always have a sharp knife, means to start a fire and extra food on your person, in the event you get separated from your horse. It’s also wise to have a small reflective emergency blanket. It will help keep you warm and make you easy to spot in an emergency. Some riders pack their halters and leads in their saddle bags, others ride their horses with their halter underneath the bridle and the lead wrapped around the horn, with enough length that the horse can reach water but not trip or catch a leg. Having a web halter underneath a bridle is perfectly comfortable for your horse, as long as the bridle is not too tight and nothing interferes with the chin strap or bit. It is important to have a means of tying your horse while on the trail. Never tie a horse with the reins. Tie your horse to a solid object or live tree and if you don’t have a way to tie your horse, hang onto it. Hobbles are an option, if your horse is trained for them. No matter how well your horse ground ties at home, do not ground tie on the trail. MAY/JUNE 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 25
