Trail riding question...

Question

My sister and I have rode horses all of our lives. We mostly just pleasure ride but have done jr. rodeo, cattle penning, and gymkana. We have a friend that trail rides and it sounds like a lot of fun. We are probably going to take our horses out to this recreational area that is designed for horses and leads to a lake. It sounds beautiful. Our friend loves it. Is there any good advice we should know about trail riding before we go? Any special tack or anything we should take along?Thanks!

Answer 1

Use the tack you and your horse are used to and comfortable with.  The only change I would consider is dependent upon what type of reins you use.  You want to be able to control the horse with one hand while holding a drink or other item.

Carry saddle bags with drinks and snacks.  If you plan a longer ride, pack a lunch.  Remember -- plastic and paper containers are more safe than glass and metal containers.  I freeze water in bottles to keep items in my saddle bags cool.  They don't get everything wet like ice and you can drink them after they melt.  I've also used frozen tea and sports drinks.  Grapes are a great snack for fluid content, protein, and natural sugars.  If you pack sandwiches, put them in sturdy platic containers instead of plastic bags.  And if you put tomatos in your sandwiches, take the seeds out -- just use the firm meat of the tomato or you will have a soggy mess.  

Always wear long jeans and solid boots with a heel.  I also recomment a hat with a brim and long sleeves.  The long sleeves will keep the sun from beating directly on your arms, so you will actually be cooler.  If you will be riding through an area with alot of brush, you might want to wear leather chaps.

Pack a cantle bag with toilet paper, a first aid kit, whistle, and parachute cord, and a small pocket knife.  Depending on where you're riding, you might also pack hand sanitizer, a snake bite kit, an unbreakable mirror, sunscreen, insect repellent, and one of thsoe silver emergency blankets.  If there are poisonous snakes in your area, pack two sections of firm, rubber waterhose 10"-12" long (with no tips).  This is in case your horse gets bit on the nose by a snake.  Snake venom will not normally kill a horse, but if it is bit on the nose, the swelling will close off its nostrils and suffocate it.  If a horse is bit on the nose, lubricate the hose sections with petroleum jelly, saliva, or anything.  Slide the sections into the nostrils.  This will hold the nostrils open and allow the horse to breath.  Take a cell phone or two-way radio.  

Take plastic bags, such as Ziplocs, for keeping stuff dry if it starts to rain or if you sweat alot, especially if you carry a cell phone in your pocket.

And don't forget your camera!

If you plan to take your horses into the lakes, check local rules.  Some resevoirs do not allow it.

If you shod your horses, be sure to check all the shoes.  You don't want to loose one on the ride!  If you do, you'll need to pull the opposite one off to keep your horse balanced!

You can find alot of trail rides at www.TexasTrailRiding.com.  That website also lists rides in other states.

If you have any questions, feel free to E-mail me at [e-mail] or [e-mail].  Those are the addresses for two trail riding clubs.