This is going to be long but forgive me cause I really need you guys!?

Question

I have a seven year old mare that has a heart of gold but not many miles on her. Like most of us when I was a teenager I was fearless and rode my mare like she was part of my body. I rode off and on until about 30 now I'm 48. I've had this mare for 2 years now and every step of the way its been a struggle. First she was so herd sour. Now I have her at my place and we have bonded beyond my dreams (I love the way she loves me) I've struggled with her weight vet's and everything and only ride with a soft saddle so not a lot of feeling secure for a weeble like me Now I'm ready to ride but everywhere I read DON'T RIDE A GREEN HORSE OUT ON THE TRAIL ALONE like its a death sentence. Well there is no one to ride with. They have just put the fear into me and I'm so mad at horse illustrated I wish I'd never subscribed. I want my horse to look forward to the rides too. They'll be really short and easy. We do walk together but she's a slow poke and seems to find it rather boring. pls find a way!

Answer 1

I am not saying you have to do this, or this is the only way to go, but i have been raised never wearing helmets, and riding trails bymyself on green horses since i was 7. Where we it is a farming and ranching community, no one cares. so this is new to me. but i also understand, ive had some scary experiences, and somethimes wish that my parents had made me go with one of our lesson students or something...but that didnt happen...When i get a new horse in at the ranch...i desensitize them before trail rides...make her walk over grain sacks, tarps, ground poles with flowers at the ends, hear car horns, make a puddle in your arena and make her walk through it, and put up an archery target or decoy that looks like a deer or other animal, get her used to dogs and other possibly hazzardous things that might be in your area. then after you do that i would walk her in hand, but saddle and have a halter on underneath her saddle, and just walk her on a short ride, then take her on the same trail the next time when you ride her....but please always always let someone know where you are going. so i hope this helps good luck

Answer 2

You're 48, so at least you don't have to ask mom for permission. ;o) (I'm 44, so that's one of the advantages of getting older...)

Riding alone has more risk than riding with a friend, obviously...and trail riding is "monkey see, monkey do" for the most part, which is why there are legions of novices riding mild mannered green horses in groups who now consider themselves trainers since they haven't been significantly unloaded...but that is another post.

So, the magazine is giving good advice.  You have to consider how many of their readership gets the bulk of their horse knowledge from print rather than experience.  

That being said, my neighbor trains on the road and in the woods, taking some wild and woolies out by himself every day.  The more experience you have, the better.

There are precautions you will need to take:

1.  Make sure somebody knows where your going.  Give an estimated return time and a "please come look for my bruised self if I haven't returned by x" time, and honor it faithfully.  You don't want to become in essence the girl who cried "wolf" by losing track of time, no matter how much fun it is and how easy it is to do when you're puttering along the trail enjoying yourself.

2.  Ride the greenie down a bit before leaving, in a ring, preferably.  Lunging is another good idea...you want her mind to be on work, and it's the little routines that help get her mind where you need it to be.

3.  STRONGLY consider wearing a helmet and body protection, if you do not usually do so, when you ride alone.  We're talking about minimizing risk, not eliminating it.

4.  Carry a cel phone, and limit your riding to areas in range at first, unless like me you live in the midst of nowhere with extremely patchy, limited reception.

5.  Carry a first aid kit for you and the horse, just as if you were going out on an all day or several day trek.

6.  Start small, like you said you intend.

Is it the best scenario?  No.  Riding alone has its risks, and they are greater than riding with a friend.  But it isn't unheard of or impossible.

Answer 3

hey, rules are meant to be broken, and some rules do not always apply to every situation. if your horse has a deep bond and trusts you like all heck, then what the heck and ride your horse! you don't have to obey and listen to all those rules.. they don't know your horse and it's just a rule of thumb, for safety issues, but it is not required by law or anything. just like a rule of thumb is to always ride with a helmet, but so many don't! if you want to ride your horse, then ride her!

Answer 4

I don't know. seems like your horse is sort of shy.  Do a lot of things with it and it might get more used to you.  Sorry if this wasn't the answer you were looking for i really dont know much about horses.

Answer 5

Riding out alone is always a risk regardless how much experience you or the horse has.

if you can't get someone to accompany you for the first couple of times ( even on foot or on a bike would be better than nothing) just take short rides. Always carry your phone (and make sure it is charged and has credit) and make sure that someone knows where you are going.

Answer 6

you got to get your girl to loose weight for many reasons. also you should consider working to make her a stable trail companion over time. within a few weeks to two months you could feel pretty confident. a natural horsemanship program gives you something you can follow and get amazing results you can apply to trail riding. give it some research. good luck with your sweetheart!

Answer 7

It is a lot safer to ride on the trail with someone even if the horse is not green. Anything can happen at anytime. If t is not possible then make sure you can handle your horse at anytime and that includes you  includes runnin off and spooking. I would make sure your horse is ok in the pasture to! If you could I would  go to a local barn and ask someone to come and ride. If you have any horse freinds grab a horse from another barn and go on on a trail with them. Good Luck

Answer 8

Your best bet then would be to offer a good rate for board (Feed costs only) or some such thing and get someone who rides trail to board with you.  You can put adds up in feed/tack stores and see if somebody will take you up on your offer.

Answer 9

Wait, WHAT?  You're mad at Horse Illustrated because they advise you NOT to ride a green horse on the trail alone...?

Well geez, that is excellent advice.  You should take it.  In fact,  I'd go a step further and say don't ride a green horse ANYWHERE alone - and I speak from experience, as I am currently recovering from injuries from doing just that.  Good thing I wasn't knocked out, because it would have taken an hour or two for someone to wander into the arena and see me laying there.  (And THAT was in a nice, well-lit, warm, cushy arena with rubber crumb footing, no less.)

You can find someone to ride with if you look hard enough - they aren't just going to get dropped off at your doorstep by the Trail Rider Finding fairy!  Put an ad on Craisglist, ask around at the feed store or at horse shows to see if there are groups of adults that go out trail riding together.  Practically every community has several of those.  Put an ad in the paper if you have to - if the person ends up beign weird or annoying, you don't have to keep riding with them.

Not that I don't doubt you and your horse's bond, but you simply cannot assume that just because you and your horse are close, doesn't mean your horse isn't going to act like a horse and occasionally spook, bolt, rear, etc.  Heck, something stupid might happen that isn't even the horse's doing that could cause you injuries.  As much fun as it is, trail riding alone is never a terribly safe idea.

Sandra R's advice was excellent and certainly not deserving of any thumbs down - in my humble opinion.

Answer 10

1st try walking her without u on her and galloping intill the wait is gone then ride 4 fun and keep running em

Answer 11

ok, well, what I would do, is if you don't know how she would react to the trails,  (if thats what you are worried about, I might be on the totally wrong track lol) I would saddle her up with what you normally ride her in nowadays, and just walk with her, not on her, and lead her a little while on the trails. Let her get used to the sounds and senses, and then, with you barn in sight, try to get on her. If she starts to freak out, get off. Its a slow process, but I think it would be the easiest for the horse.

hope I helped a little! If that was our question! lol

:)

Answer 12

I ride alone quite often and now adays with cell phones it isn't as bad as when I was young, I think you know your horse better than anyone and if you feel secure to try it make sure you take precautions such as first aid kit, cell phone and always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. If she gets bored as mine do too I spice it up with sidepasses and circles and varying the speed you travel, ask for bends in the neck and just have fun with her.  I would first lead her thru the trails you plan on riding and remember you can always get off if things get difficult....Much safer and make it a training experience with her.

Answer 13

The article was right and wrong. It is a pretty bad idea to ride a colt on a trail completely by yourself (believe me, I know this from experiences). They are very unpredictable and if you're not "on your game" exactly yet then it could be dangerous for you. Although, if you're a super-experienced rider and you ride all the time I don't see a problem with it. Just have a cell phone! Wish I would have...

If I were you, I would try to go to some public events like barrel races, shows etc. so your horse gets to see some new things. It will be interesting for both of you and you won't be in danger since there would be plenty of people around you to help you out if you got in a jam. I don't know if that's a possibility for you but you might find a new fun way to enjoy your horse (in safety) AND get hours in on her!

Hope that helps! Good luck!

Answer 14

Here are some suggestions if you are going to ride alone.

1.  Let someone know where you are going and what time you will be back.  Ask that person to call you at the specified time.  hat way, if you have been injured out on the trail, someone will know to send help.  Start with a short ride, say 1 hour and work your way up from there.

2.  Take your cell phone and make sure it is in a secure location and strapped to your body and not in a saddle bag.  A f***y pack would be perfect.

3.  Take a flare so you can send it up if you get in trouble.  Keep it in your f***y pack.

4.  Take along a lead rope and halter just in case your horse gets really spooky on the trails and you need to walk her back.

5.  You could also get a tracking collar like the ones they use for training cird dogs and attach it to your horse or saddle and put the handheld in your f***y bag.  If your horse throws you and runs away, you can track her down.

6.  Tape a note inside your vehicle window with the time you should be back to the truck.  Leave instructions on who to call, which trail you went down, etc so that anyone who comes by can send help if needed.

7.  When you are on the trails, pay attention to the level of your horses anxiety and don't push her any further than she wants to go the first few times out.  And always stay on the marked trails.

8.  Check the reception on your cell phone and try to start trail riding in places where you can get a signal.  That way you can call for help if you need it.

9.  Begin your trail riding in place that don't have really steep or treacherous terrain until your horse grows accustomed to trail riding.  This will help eliminate potential falls and accidents.

10.  Use your brain and pay attention to any weird feelings you might get while yu are out riding.  If you get nervous, head back.  If you are unsure about a crossing, turn around and go back.

11.  Desensitize your horse to things you might meet out on the trail.  Using tarps on the ground and teaching your horse to walk over them will help.  You can also use a  tree branch and run it alongside your horse.  Put a garden hose out and run it across your horses feet as she stands tied.  Tie enpty laundry detergent bottles from the ceiling in one of your stalls (hang them at different heights) and put your mare in that stall for a while.  This also helps desensitize.  Tie your mare up as if you are getting ready to groom her and wave a towel up and down near her....the goal is to be able to throw the towel over the mare's head without her freaking out.

I hope this helps!  I have been riding alone and so has my husband.  We have even been out riding green horses alone without any trouble.  The key is to be aware, think, be prepared and predict.  Have fun!

Answer 15

I don't know where you live, but I'm in the USA and have a  liabilityrider on my homeowner's insurance.  In addition, draft a waiver with an attorney in your area.  An adult can sign a waiver that is legally binding in my area (but an adult cannot waive the rights of a child).  I empathize with you completely...and I think finding a kindred spirit to accompany you is a great idea.

Answer 16

ok, I see your problem. Here is what I do.  My parents never let me ride alone on trails.  I have a hard time finding people too.  But at our barn we have a big writing board with markers.  Whenever I want to go on a trail ride I just ride on it "trail ride this such and such a date, please sign up if you want to go". Then if you have people sign up you will know that you will have people.  Try it.  It might work.

Answer 17

Hi Donna R, glad to hear you have bonded so well with your mare and doing really well.  Is she riding OK at home with you?  Make sure you have that bond on her back as much as on the ground before you go out on the trail.  

Get someone to walk out with you the first ocuple of times and just make it a half hour ride (this mean not only with the walker not get too tired but also you and your mare mentally).  You don't have to get the walker to lead you or be right beside you but they are just there with a rope incase you need a helping hand.  If she is fine with this then move onto doing it without the walker  Make sure you tell someone where you are going, how long you will be and do not deviate from the route you said.  Take a lead rope so if there is a real issue and you have to, you can get off and lead the horse home.  Try to avoid doing that but if need be then it is better to be saef than sorry.  As your confidence grows you then try going further afield.  

Good luck and I'm sure you'll start to enjoy it once you both get used to it.

Answer 18

Hi there - I'm a middle aged mom who does all my own training, fitting and showing horses.  I have no one at home to help me - my kids are now away from home and my husband isn't a horse man, and works 14 hour days in his own business.  If I want to ride, I MUST ride alone, there is no other options for me.  So I take precautions, and then I push away the fears that I will get hurt and no one will be around to help me.  In my case, this is a risk I'm willing to take, if I'm smart and careful.

First, although I do train all my own horses, I am very cautious what sort of horse I get.  I pick my horses to be quiet, in general, and non-reactive.  Of course, the young ones still buck and spook on me now and then, but in my position I cannot own a really difficult horse.  So I think you need to ask yourself - is this the right horse for you?  Having your horse love you is essential, but love does not change her general personality.  Your note is short so I'm uncertain what her vices are - but I would ask you - does she routinely buck?  Routinely spook?  Routinely spin and bolt?  Is she really reactive?  On a scale from 1-10, how easily is she spooked, and when she is scared, what does she do?

Those answers would help me decide whether this is a horse I could keep at my place and ride alone.

Next, you mentioned "I've struggled with her weight vets and everything and only ride with a soft saddle".  I don't understand.  Is she overweight or underweight?  What is with the soft saddle?  I personally would not ride a green horse alone without a good secure saddle.  There are tons of different sort of saddles out there - I truely believe that you cannot afford to ride alone in a bareback pad type thing.  You need something that fits you well, and give you security to stay in the seat if something happens.  There is a saddle for every horse out there - go to a saddle fitter if necessary and spend money if you have to - because without a safe and good saddle you are not doing what you need to enjoy your horse.

Next, I have all my ring work in place so I know my horse really well before going on the trails.  It sounds like you've done that, and it sounds like you've done the next part, which is to lead her on the trails.  But I would ask you - do you have a one rein emergency stop?  Do you have the skills to step off if things get bad enough and lunge her from the ground before getting back on?

In my opinion, the rule "don'r ride a green horse on the trail alone" is probably good advice, but I am unable to follow it.  But there is a world of difference about what some people call a trail, too.  I am not riding off in the distant mountains.  I am riding out on the farm, there are no dangerous preditors here, and I am not going mile after mile away from home.  At first most of my trail riding is within three miles of home.  In most cases I could walk to safety if necessary.  And in most cases I could call for help if I was bounced off and people were hunting for me late at night.  And at first you might want to stick to trails that are close to people or the road, where you would be more visible if injured.

Other things you can do to keep yourself safe are; ALWAYS ride with a helmet and safe riding boots.  Maybe consider a protective vest.  Take a cell phone with you and carry it on yourself, not your horse.  Take a pair of wire cutters with you.  And if you are worried, leave a detailed note at your barn or tack shed saying where you are riding for the day.  Then if your horse ever comes back alone, someone would have an idea where to go looking.  Also, is there any chance you could have someone come and ride the trails with you a few times before you go alone?  That would help your horse be more familiar with the routine.

Good luck.  I don't want to tell you to do something dangerous, and this is a personal choice for everyone, depending on your experience, personality, your horse's training and personality.  I hope you think carefully, and then once you've made your decision, enjoy yourself.  If you are worried sick every step of the way it won't be any fun!

Answer 19

People offer advice based on past experience.  You have read this same bit of advice over and over again.  What have you done to see if there actually are other's looking for a trail mate?  

You are an adult and will do what you wish.  No one will have a magic answer for you here.  You will either listen to all the other people or take a chance and go it alone.

I will say one thing, if you go out with a lot of fear, the horse will pick that up and live up to that fear.  Either way, have confidence in your decision.

Answer 20

If, after riding this mare for two years, you don't feel safe riding her on the trails alone, there is a problem...put your cell phone in your pocket, and for the first few times, just leave the halter on under the headstall, with a lead rope snapped on it, going back and looped on your saddle horn, just in case you have any problems, which you probably won't....I personally think that you will have fewer problems doing this than creating another problem which is her not being able to leave the barn or ride a trail without a buddy horse.

Answer 21

The only person who can truly answer this is YOU!

You know your riding ability. You know your horse. You know whether you can ride out safely.

Yes, your horse is green, but that means nothing.

If you do ride the trails alone expect the unexpected. There are going to be alot of things that your mare has seen before, give her the time to explore it all, this is a sure fire way to get her used to the trails.

I wish you all the very best of luck!!!

Answer 22

my horses are show horses so they don't have a whole lot of experience on the trails. well my sister and i wanted to start trail riding more but our horses were absolutely nuts. so after one disasterous trail ride we grabbed all three of them and hand walked them out on the trail. they were angels for the next trail ride. i think what really helped for them was that we were on the ground with them and they felt more secure like they werent alone. it can be scary for them the first time when they feel like they're alone so head out with her in hand and get her accustomed to the trails before you take her out undersaddle.