How long can an average horse walk for?

Question

im planning on taking my horse on my own little trail ride today to meet up with my friend. he has never been this way before and its really not too long, ive seen other horses do it. but im worried because i dont want him to get too tired half way. he's pretty in shape but lately i havent been able to ride that much. is it safe for me to go ? will it make a difference if i go bareback to avoid the hot florida sun ? help !

Answer 1

good question

Answer 2

I don't think you have to worry too much if your horse is in shape and it isn't over 90F.  Try to stay in the shade and make sure you give your horse a water break every so often.  Going bareback won't make much of a difference, do whatever you're most comfortable with.

Answer 3

the last time i took a horse on a trail ride it was a very humid day and we went for 4 hours........she didnt seem overly tired at all and didnt want to stop.........she also had never been out that long before and wasn't used to being on trails.......i was training her for a friend and she did quite well from my persepctive seeing as she wasn't in the best shape ever and she was hardly sweating when we returned and we did more than just walking and trotting! i think you should be fine just keep him slow and under control! i rode her with an english saddle but if you like bareback and your good at it i would go for it.....it probably wont make a big difference with or without saddle!

Answer 4

i agree with "buffy" walking isn't that hard for horses so i wouldn't get too worried but i agree with everything she said.

Answer 5

Have you any idea how long a ride this is?

If it's hot and humid, I woiuldn't worry about his physical condition as much as I would his ability to stay hydrated.

I have ridden unconditioned horses a good 20 miles in a day without adverse reactions other than him being tired that evening.  but it was not in 90 degree weather and he was able to rest and drink along the way.

If it's just a 5-10 mile ride, it's no big deal for him.  However, check for dehydration along the way - pinch the skin of his neck between your thumb and forefinger - not to hurt him but to gather a piece of skin between your fingers.  When you let go, if the skin bounces back quickly, he's properly hydrated.  If it doesn't, or takes a while to go back into smooth shape, he's having hydration problems.

It's just like us humans - drinking Gatorade after a hard days' work outside replenishes us and makes us feel better than just a glass of water.

If you do not normally give your horse electrolytes in his water, perhaps you should get some in case he gets dehydrated.  They typically won't stop in the middle of a trail - unless you've ridden them way too hard too fast.

But a nice walk, with rests and drinks along the way shouldn't hurt him.

Also, when going without a saddle, you must consider how your body sitting on his back may affect him.  He may be more uncomfortable with a bony butt sitting on his back muscles than with a heavy saddle on.  I have heard quite a few people lately complain of hurting their horse riding in a treeless saddle because they don't understand how your rear sitting right on their back muscles affects them.

Perhaps a lighter saddle - like if you're perfectly comfortable riding bareback, you should be OK in an english saddle that's much lighter yet protects his back.  Have you got one of those to use or borrow?

Wish I could go get on a horse today!  It's very hot here in Michigan today too - and quite muggy with possible rain showers all weekend.

Have fun for me too!

Answer 6

You haven't mentioned how long of a ride this is....

But Buffy has seemed to cover all bases for you!!

Happy trails to you.....

*****************EDIT****************

If your off to be an explorer...and go on unchartered territories, be careful...you never know what you might encounter.  Is your horse accustomed to being by vehicular traffic..is there enough of a shoulder for you to be safe?  Just use your common sense and your horse sense as there is two of you to think about.  Take a halter and lead rope too...and your boy scout goodies!!  And forget about bareback...you'll get unsaddle sore (worse than in a saddle) and won't have anyplace to put your "gear".

Answer 7

You know your horse better than anyone.  If he's just walking, I can't imagine it would be that hard on him.  It also depends on the heat.  The worst that can happen is that you go on the trail, he gets tired and you have to turn around.

Answer 8

If your horse is not too young or old, sound and sensible, you should have no problem.  Riding bareback won't help much in heat and humidity.  Just be sure to offer all horses on this ride plenty of opportunity to drink.  Don't let them get dehydrated or you either.  Take it easy and watch your horse's behavior.  If he seems stressed or is panting hard from the heat, slow down and give him a break.  Bring him home at a slow walk and you should be okay.