It’s Spooky Season! 5 Tips to Help With Trail Ride Boos
By Abriana Johnson
Fall is here. Show season (or what we could salvage of it) is wrapping, the sun is going down much earlier and horse people are gearing up for fall and winter weather routine changes. Now is the perfect time to let your horse wind down and hit the trails.
GASP! Work your horse outside of the arena? YES! There are many benefits to incorporating trail riding into your training program or leisurely activities. You can:
- Build confidence in you and your horse
- Increase your horse’s coordination as they navigate unfamiliar terrain
- Build stamina working on hills and around/over obstacles
Here are a few tips to help you have a more successful trail ride this season.
RELAX
Going from the arena to the trails can be a life-altering experience. You do not have the security of the fence, you are not in a controlled environment, and you may be riding a fire-breathing dragon that prefers that security over wilderness. One thing that is the same is that your horse can feel your energy and any apprehension may indicate to them that there is danger. Before you hit the trail relax, breathe, and exude confidence for your horse.
Grab A friend
Trails are better with friends. Grab a partner and get it done. Your horse will likely feel better with a buddy to face their “BOOs” with. It is also important for safety to make sure someone is with you or someone knows your location in case a horse eating leaf lands you on the ground.
Explore
Allow your horse to experience the trail. This is not an equitation situation. They will want to look around and take in the entire scene. If you come across a log, allow them the opportunity to experience it, sniff it, eye it, then encourage them to go over it. Don’t rush the process, but make it a safe and educational experience for all involved. If you need another reason, maybe the next time you are in the arena your horse won’t react to the rogue napkin flying across.
Get Comfy
Comfort for your and your horse are paramount to make sure your trail ride is an enjoyable experience! Make sure you are familiar with the general terrain you will encounter. Is it rocky? Is there a lot of sand or water? Take into consideration if your horse is shod or barefoot. Will they need boots? Check ahead of time so there aren’t any painful surprises. Also, how long will you be on the trail? If you are planning a long ride (over an hour), wear comfortable clothing and pack your saddlebags or a light backpack with snacks/water for you and your horse.
Don’t forget your ribbons
I’m not talking rosettes. If you are trail riding with a large group of people, it is important to provide a visual representation of your horse’s traits or level of experience. There are a few variations in meaning per color, but generally, the appropriate ribbon should be tied to the base of your horse’s tail:
- Red: CAUTION for anything really, but primarily for a horse that will kick if you get too close
- Green: Green horse or green rider
- Pink: Mare (in or out of season)
- Blue/Yellow: Stallion (never seen this in practice, I would normally group this into the red category, but just be cautious!)
I hope these tips help you have a more successful trail ride. There are many BOOs you could encounter on the trail, but just like arena work, practice is key to improvement. One more thing to add, there are many methods of protection for trail/endurance riders from sprays to firearms. Please do your research on the best way for you to protect yourself and your horse.
Happy Fall. Hit the trails!