Tips And Tricks For Trail Riders

  The Newtown Bridle Lands Association offers the following tips and tricks for trail riders:

On Point By Nature — The lead horse in a group watches for danger in front, while the horses bringing up the rear watch and listen for danger from behind. Before heading out, discuss and consider positioning the most experienced trail horses in the front and rear of your troop.

No Horse Left Behind — When negotiating road crossings make sure your whole group is ready to go so nobody is left scrambling or waiting on the other side of the roadway. Similarly, at water stops, wait until all horses are done drinking before leaving the watering hole. Some horses won’t drink if they are distracted by the anxiety of being left behind.

The Tip We All Know But Rarely Use — Tell someone approximately how long you will be riding and if possible, what likely route you are taking. Perhaps better yet, leave it in writing whether by cellular phone text or a quick note left at home or at the barn. This offers a more permanent record of your whereabouts than a well-meaning person potentially forgetting details.

Rear View — If you are riding in an unfamiliar area without a map, stop and take in the view behind you every once in a while, noting what the scenery should like when you are returning home. It is amazing how different even immediate surroundings look from the opposite angle.

Be Kind To Your Behind — When body parts become even subtlety sore, equitation and riding habits are often quickly hindered. Try a cushioned saddle cover or padded undershorts. We feel the foam and sheepskin varieties are superior to gel, which can add unnecessary weight. Remember, it is all about your horse. Aiding your own comfort in this manner will ultimately help your horse’s comfort level, too.

Leg & Joint Relief — On those longer rides, lengthen and/or shorten your stirrups a notch as your joints complain. Lengthening especially reduces stress on your knees as well as providing some muscle and fatigue relief. If you have English style stirrup leathers, Wintec Webbers allow you to do this very quickly and easily.

Just Do It — Even traditional Western trail riders are turning to riding breeches and tights. If you have not discovered this comfort and freedom yet, well, we’re sorry! And guys, even though women are usually seen modeling these britches, they function every bit as well for you. As an alternative, jeans made specifically for riding really can make the difference.

Just Say No — Tiedowns and trail riding really do not mix. A tiedown can prevent your horse from using the full range of motion of his neck for balance, meaning he may not be able to save himself during a fall. Even more so, there is a terrible risk for drowning at larger water crossings. Remove the snaps and hardware for spare parts and toss this piece of tack. In the right hands, a Running Martingale Attachment is a safer, kinder alternative, allowing for freedom of movement when its needed.

Nature’s Green Gatorade — Did you know grass contains electrolytes? There is water, vitamins and minerals in those fresh, hydrating blades. Allowing your horse to snack at places you choose along the trail is a healthy habit and a range of halter bridles, sidepulls and bitless bridles make that easier for you and your horse.

Inspection Tip — We all know it ss good to inspect and maintain our tack, keeping a sharp eye where hardware meets with strapping. However, some items are easy to forget about, especially when you have a sheepskin cover over your saddle with the combination of stirrup leathers. Make a point to check those leathers for weakness and cracking, seasonally. Inspect and maintain your tack as if your life depended on it — it does!

Best Inventions — Zip ties and duct tape! Either choice can mend broken tack in a pinch and take up very little space in your saddlebags or trail rider’s kit. The duct tape can also be wrapped around a hoof should you lose a shoe or boot and don’t have a spare.

On-Your-Person Gear — Cellphone, whistle, compass, medical info ID with your emergency contact phone number, and a leatherman (not just a pocketknife), to name a few. Choose a leatherman-type tool that includes wire cutters should you need to free your horse from entanglement. By keeping the tool on you, you will not find yourself struggling to reach for your tool after you’ve bailed off of your stressed horse. You can carry these items conveniently in an ankle safe, an item no solo rider should be without.

Pay It Back — Carry a small trash bag and when you find litter, pick it up and pack it out! You will want to desensitize your horse in a confined area long before hitting the trails. When ready, use something like a multiuse handy snap-on strap to knot one side of the bag onto and quickly reattach to your saddle after you pick up the garbage. If you need a mounting partner, try the EZ Mount Stirrup Extender. You will burn extra calories dismounting and mounting repeatedly, and best of all, nature will thank you for your good deed.

Preparedness = Higher Probability of Safety — When planning a ride, whether familiar or unfamiliar, ask yourself, What are the unique challenges of this destination (trail congestion, roadway traffic, mud, wild animals, remote location, insects)? What problems might these issues cause and how can I best prepare for them?

The King of All Tips for Happy Trails — If you have not seen the YouTube video featuring Courtney King Dye, a 2008 Olympic Dressage rider, we urge you to take less than five minutes and consider her words of experience and courage. Then we hope you consider sharing it with all of your riding buddies.