For optimal trail-riding enjoyment, make sure you and your horse are prepared to handle the unexpected out on the trail before you leave your arena at home. Some tips to help:
Trail hazards – Don’t ride over footing/areas where you cannot see the bottom and or depth (e.g., river, bogs, underbrush). Make sure you can dismount your horse from both sides, important when you’re on a steep hill.
Buddy Rule – ride with a friend or in a group. If you must go out by yourself, make sure you tell someone where you are going and how long you think you’ll be gone.
Trail Etiquette – experienced riders/horses should lead and bring up the rear of a group. Adjust the pace to the least experienced rider/horse, communicate when changing the pace. If you feel uncomfortable, get off your horse and lead him through/over an obstacle.
Inform Others with Color Codes – tie a ribbon of specific color into your horse’s tail to inform those in your group and others out on the trails. Red = kicker; Yellow = stallion; Green = young/inexperienced horse and/or rider; White = vision impairment of horse and/or rider.
Encountering Wildlife – Stay on your horse and try to go around, or allow the wildlife to pass you. Members of the deer family will most likely run away from you and your horse. Be cautious around temperamental animals like moose and bear; stay on your horse and do your best to make a wide berth around them. Predators like mountain lions are the most dangerous. Do not get off your horse. Make a lot of loud noise and try to scare the animal off. If you and your horse run, its predator instinct will be triggered and it may give chase.
Emergencies – Stay calm! Take deep breaths. Designate one rider to go for help. Clear the area, keep a level head and assess what needs to be done until help arrives.
Trail-Riding Gear Checklist
For Your Horse:
- a properly fitting saddle with optional breast collar, rear cinch or crupper
- bridle/headgear
- halter and lead rope
- saddle bags
- hoof boot(s)
For You:
- helmet
- cell phone
- first aid kit (horse and human)
- pocket knife or multiple-purpose tool
- rain gear
- water and food
- compass/map/GPS
Day Trip – Close to Home
Day Trip – Away from Home
Helmet
Helmet
First Aid Kit – Human and Horse
First Aid Kit – Human and Horse
Water
Water
Food
Food
Cell Phone
Cell Phone
All purpose knife (Leatherman/Swiss Army Knife)
All purpose knife (Leatherman/Swiss Army Knife)
Wind/Waterproof jacket
Wind/Waterproof jacket
Layered clothing
Layered clothing
Whistle
Compass
Horse Boot
Emergency/Space Blanket
Matches/Flint
Glow sticks
Kleenex tissues
Whistle
Horse Boot
Leather Straps/Strings
Flashlight
Duct Tape
Additional items to consider:
extra batteries for flashlight
large plastic trash bag (extra rain poncho, makeshift lean-to, etc.)
packaged drink
additional food supply that won’t melt
sun block
lip balm
waterproof insect repellent
petroleum jelly or similar balm for chafing and abrasions
freezer bag
tampons and/or sanitary napkins (make great bandages for wounds)
pepper spray for self-defense
prescription medications
good map of area
hoof pick
leather punch/tack repair kit
reflective tape
extra rope and/or baling twine
sponge – other items in which to cool your horse (water/alcohol or witch hazel mixes)
Note: keep the most important items on your person in a small pack in case you and your horse get separated.