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Irati Senar Altuna
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Is Your Horse Ready for a Group Trail Ride?
The first logical requirement for group trail rides is having a reliable horse. If you haven`t invested in a dependable trail horse yet you may want to borrow a nice and reliable horse who is a seasoned veteran of group rides. This would also give you an opportunity to find an equestrian group or groups that you would feel comfortable with to plan future rides and even trips.
What type of horse does it take?
If you are buying a horse, choose wisely, it is not just a monetary investment but an emotional one too which also carries physical ramifications in terms of your safety. If you already have a horse that you plan to ride on group rides, do an honest assessment of his skills; he may not be the perfect horse to enjoy group horse trail riding with.
The best trail horse candidates are confident individuals that have willing and generous natures. A horse with a confident nature can usually be trained or coached to do almost anything. Self-confidence will be a necessary trait for a horse ridden in group rides.
Not all horses are equal and some simply are not trail horse candidates. Some are just too nervous or timid and others are unsocial. Most trail problems stem from lack of confidence, which can manifest in behaviors such as jigging, shying, rearing and balking. Usually these problems can be corrected in a horse that has a confident nature; however, they are often very difficult to remedy in a horse that is by nature extremely nervous or insecure. Some timid and nervous horses can be taught a certain amount of confidence but there are individual horses that no (reasonable) amount of de-spooking or de-sensitizing will transform into safe or confident trail horses.
Basic Skills Needed:
Speed control, your horse should be obedient to pick up any speed that you ask and remain in it until asked to make a transition. Directional control, he should go where you ask him to go, willingly and without resistance and this includes forward or backing motion.
Body control! This means his entire body; front end, middle section and hindquarters. In other words is he maneuverable; will he let you guide his body especially in tight spots and on a variety of terrain?
Remember the trail should be a fun enjoyable experience for your horse but don`t forget it`s also a great place to teach your horse new skills. Try to find new things to keep your horse`s interest and to build a great relationship.
Horse Videos
StableexpressIrati Senar Altuna
Posted by Stable Express
Is Your Horse Ready for a Group Trail Ride?
The first logical requirement for group trail rides is having a reliable horse. If you haven`t invested in a dependable trail horse yet you may want to borrow a nice and reliable horse who is a seasoned veteran of group rides. This would also give you an opportunity to find an equestrian group or groups that you would feel comfortable with to plan future rides and even trips.
What type of horse does it take?
If you are buying a horse, choose wisely, it is not just a monetary investment but an emotional one too which also carries physical ramifications in terms of your safety. If you already have a horse that you plan to ride on group rides, do an honest assessment of his skills; he may not be the perfect horse to enjoy group horse trail riding with.
The best trail horse candidates are confident individuals that have willing and generous natures. A horse with a confident nature can usually be trained or coached to do almost anything. Self-confidence will be a necessary trait for a horse ridden in group rides.
Not all horses are equal and some simply are not trail horse candidates. Some are just too nervous or timid and others are unsocial. Most trail problems stem from lack of confidence, which can manifest in behaviors such as jigging, shying, rearing and balking. Usually these problems can be corrected in a horse that has a confident nature; however, they are often very difficult to remedy in a horse that is by nature extremely nervous or insecure. Some timid and nervous horses can be taught a certain amount of confidence but there are individual horses that no (reasonable) amount of de-spooking or de-sensitizing will transform into safe or confident trail horses.
Basic Skills Needed:
Speed control, your horse should be obedient to pick up any speed that you ask and remain in it until asked to make a transition. Directional control, he should go where you ask him to go, willingly and without resistance and this includes forward or backing motion.
Body control! This means his entire body; front end, middle section and hindquarters. In other words is he maneuverable; will he let you guide his body especially in tight spots and on a variety of terrain?
Remember the trail should be a fun enjoyable experience for your horse but don`t forget it`s also a great place to teach your horse new skills. Try to find new things to keep your horse`s interest and to build a great relationship.
