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Welcome to On The Trail, our online information repository for tips and handy
information resources for the woman trail rider. Check this page frequently for
updates on things you would like to know about your horse, you and trail riding.
We welcome your tips and questions. Contact webmaster@trailmastersaddles.com
Our first installment is on Safety. Just like any other outdoor sport, trail riding
requires careful attention to being prepared for “anything can happen”. Preparation
is defined in three categories:
- Your safety
- Your horse’s safety
- Safety of the riding group
Your Safety
Your Safety means being responsible for yourself. Ways to ensure your personal safety
include carrying a first aid kit and map of the area in which you plan to ride.
Do not rely on others for these items. In addition, always carry enough food and
water to accommodate a ride that goes longer than you anticipate.
Be sure to carry rain gear and wear moisture wicking clothing in case the weather
becomes cold and wet.
Don’t ever ride alone!!! If you must ride alone be sure to notify someone where
you are going and when you plan to be back.
If you are going on an organized ride discuss the type of ride that the Trail Boss
is planning. Are you and your horse in proper condition for the type of ride planned?
Is the terrain flat, rolling, hilly, rocky? Does the condition of the trail require
that your horse is shod?
Be sure to let fellow riders or the Trail Boss know if you have any food or medicine
allergies or special conditions in case of an accident.
Horse’s Safety
You and your horse are a team. You have a responsibility to your horse that ensures
his safety along with your own.
Be sure to carry basic equine emergency supplies in case your horse is injured on
the trail. Tack shops carry convenient kits that you can carry in your saddle bags.
Make sure your horse is in proper physical condition to travel the trail comfortably.
Just like human beings, horses need proper conditioning for athletic events such
as trail riding. Altitude can an additional hazard if the horse is not conditioned
and is taken several thousand feet above its normal altitude for a trail ride.
Be sure your horse’s hooves are healthy and shod if the trail is rocky.
Check local maps or with the Trail Boss on horse water availability on the trail.
Always have extra water in your trailer in case there is no water on the trail.
It is a good idea to have a tube of equine electrolytes in your saddle bags if your
horse becomes over tired during the ride.
A halter or a lead rope is always a good piece of gear for trail riding.
An “E Z Boot” that fits your horse’s hooves is a handy piece of gear to have in
your saddle bags in case your horse throws a shoe.
Always have a supply of tools including Chicago Screws and a Leatherman™
Safety of the Riding Group
As the saying goes the strength of a chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link.
This is very true of the group of people that you ride with.
Trail Etiquette Tips:
- Always stay a horse length behind the horse in front of you. Do not permit your
horse to crowd the horse in front of you.
- Ride single file unless the circumstances permit riding abreast.
- Do not get out of line and charge up or down the line of horses. This can spook
the other horses and easily cause an accident.
- Do not let any riders get out of sight. Stop if necessary.
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