Goin' on my first trail ride

Well, I'll be leaving soon to go on my first trail ride. I'm a bit apprehensive because we wont be leaving the barn until 5, and we'll be trailing through some wooded area's. There will be about 5 of us going, and of course I'll be riding Fritz.

We have perfect weather for it today. Not too hot, a light breeze and plenty of sun! I just hope it isn't too dark in the woods, and I hope the bugs aren't too bad, Fritz doesn't like fly spray, so he goes with out, and the entire time we ride, he fights with the flies.

I hope I can get some great pics!!!!

Anyone have any advice for a first timer?

Have fun, enjoy the sites, take a camera and get some bug spray on yourself. I have been known to spray Vida with Off
Take some water with you. If you don't have a water bottle take some tart candys like starburst or jolly ranchers. For some reason my mouth always goes dry on a ride. Some chapstick....Hmmm I think that's about my list for a short ride.

Have you tried putting the fly spray on with a rag? Just spray some on a cloth and wipe it on. I would try to at least get his belly legs and ears.

Keep an eye out for branches...sometimes ticks and spiders can fall from them if you shake em

Don't carry a backpack lol

Have fun, and just be prepared for the unexpected such as wooded creatures, mud, creeks, rocks, bees, ect.

Let us know how it goes!

Have faith in Fritz!

Often times I think an obstacle is "impossible" for many reasons...but if I just turn the navigation over to one of the guys...they can always handle it!!

OH, and lean forward while going up hill and lean slightly back when going down hill

Hope it's a blast!

Thanks everyone for all of the wonderful advice! I'm excited!

I WANNA SEE THE BETWEEN THE EARS SHOTS!

Have a blast, yer going to love it! Just watch out for the hoof eating tree stumps!

Oh and no eating ferns! Hehe

Rule of thumb for riding up and down hills.
Look at the trees and bushes on the side of the hill. You should keep your body in the saddle at the same degree forward or back as the trees.

Relax, have fun, take pictures, and tell us all about it!