The Horse Forum banner

I'm a trail rider, no more and no less than any other type of rider.

13K views 105 replies 51 participants last post by  Foxtail Ranch 
#1 ·
So the phrase "I'm just a trail rider" or "you just trail ride?" comes outta a lot of other peoples mouths.

Well, yes I "just trail ride" but you "just ride in an arena". And not that most people don't take their horses out on the "trails", but I'd like to see an "arena broke" horse do the things out on the trails that I do with mine! Not saying that a great arena horse can't excel out here either, my mare was trained for WP, halter, and reining, didn't take to it. She is a monster on the trails.

Criteria (please add to it) for why I think Trail Riding is a very difficult sport in the horse world:
1. A horse must be sane. It is very difficult to encounter all of the different elements of nature with a hot blooded horse.
2. Physically fit. You can't expect a pasture puff to haul your tail over mountains for over at least 15 to 25 miles and usually more, multiple days, across multiple terrains.
3. Broke, Broke, Broke. Taking the chance on a green horse without SOLID training 25 miles away from home is dangerous. PERIOD.
4. Athletic Willing Attitude. A lesson horse can take you through the paces, but when you need to scale a sheer hillside, jump a 3ft. log, and swim a lake AFTER riding 25 miles, you need a horse with some go, go, go.
5. Surefooted donkey horse. Sure any horse can walk a road or gallop around an arena, but can they safely wind around a steep rocky cliff and not fall over and take you with them?

A trail rider:
1. Physically fit. Most people can sit a horse in an arena and even properly jump with a bit of training. Can they ride up and down mountains, keeping their horse balanced and fit over countless miles of terrain? And still walk the next day?
2. Be Sane. Most people can direct their horse around an enclosure, but can they encounter a mountain lion and not flip their lid or let their horses do so? Keep their cool/seat when a horse bolts/shies from a snake?
3. Know first Aid. Without being feet from a stocked barn or in cell service to call for an emergency?
4. Train Said Horse Above?

I'm not bashing anyone! Trail riding is difficult and a world unto it's own.
Give it and yourselves some credit you awesome trail blazers!

Please feel free to add!!
 
See less See more
#58 ·
It definitely takes time and work to make a good trail horse. I'm finding this out the hard way, my horse is not there yet. Years as a pasture puff have definitely worked their magic. The last ride we took we tackled some steep muddy hills, going down he was fine, going up he was not. Bucking and rearing (almost to the point of him falling over backwards and down the hill with me). More work required.

I've done arena riding and trail riding is way harder!
 
#59 ·
It definitely takes time and work to make a good trail horse. I'm finding this out the hard way, my horse is not there yet. Years as a pasture puff have definitely worked their magic. The last ride we took we tackled some steep muddy hills, going down he was fine, going up he was not. Bucking and rearing (almost to the point of him falling over backwards and down the hill with me). More work required.

I've done arena riding and trail riding is way harder!
That's a surprise for me, I find most go up easy while having difficulty going down when first learning.
 
#60 ·
Surprised too. Is it because you are holding him back from charging up the slope or is he refusing to climb?
Posted via Mobile Device
 
#61 ·
Daughter and I went to a ranch several years ago-it is now for sale, but they are in the middle of Coronado national Forest in Arizona. The trails around the ranch were nice, but some of the day trips were similar to the photos above. it was incredible. I would not have even considered it on one of my horses. Narrow trails, literally straight up on one side and straight down on the other....and we meet a stroller... Oh goody!

So much fun, but I am really not so good with heights, and the older I get, the less I like it......and no, there is NO comparison between one of these horses and a field hunter. Both are good at what they do, but neither could ever do the other ones job.
 
#62 ·
I have to agree with franknbeans. I am young, but I still am not one to like heights. It's not that I don't trust my horse, I just wouldn't be able to relax in such a steep environment with sheer dropoffs. I went on one trail ride with very steep terrain and I was a nervous wreck, I was so thankful my horse was so forgiving and focused!
 
#63 · (Edited)

It's not as good as some of the pics already posted but here's one of when we were at Little Missouri State Park. I had a hard time finding it until I remembered it was on my wife's FB account. I can't get to the ones on her laptop since it crashed.

Someone mentioned about not taking a green horse out on trails like this. At least for our horses, they behaved much better far away from home than when they are around it or in familiar areas. I think they were in awe of the beauty as well or they just paid better attention to the rider for guidance.

I'll see if I can find more/better pics.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Painted Horse
#65 ·
We did meet some hikers and bicyclists there. They were actually less spooky there than at home for some reason. They were alert but took it in stride.
Posted via Mobile Device
 
#68 ·
We have lots of trails that drop off and the horses always walk the edge
Our first vacation at Theodore Roosevelt National Park the horses seemed to walk on the edge too. We were told by someone that rides there regularly that we may have been the cause of it. Human instinct would be to lean away from the edge which causes pressure on the horse's inside to move out to the edge.
 
#69 ·
Wow, can't say how much I love this thread. Yes, I am JUST a trail rider, farm rider, anything but show rider and I LOVE IT. Just my horse and I together is all I need. I don't need to spend a ton, follow a bunch of rules and primp my horse to perfection. I have shown when I was younger, but come to grow up and I can't stand it anymore. We become one out on the trail and I couldn't ask for a better feeling. He hates the arena, and I don't blame him. He's not scared, he would just rather be out in the open, enjoying everything he can.

I hate the stereotypes and wish it wasn't the way it is. I think some people are embarrassed to say they just ride trails, but I'm not. A lot of people here are not and it's great! People always get on people who just "ride trails," and I don't know how they can. I'd love to see them take on a long, rewarding trail ride. I don't need flashy ribbons or trophies. Give me a day in the saddle, on top of my horse that's all I need to feel free. <3
 
#70 ·
These are two of my daughters room mates from College, That she brought home one weekend for trail ride. definitely not experienced riders ad you can see them leaning into the hillside


It's a long fall down to the river, Guess I can't blame them

My daughter heading down hill to cross the river climb up the other side


Nothing like enjoying the company of some good friends and fantastic views


Or the solitude of a mountain lake
 
#78 ·
Painted Horse - If there was a "Love" button instead of the Like one, I would definitely hit it for those pics! I just may have to move to Utah. LOL
Posted via Mobile Device
 
#79 ·
I've always found that if I put weight on one stirup, I can shorten the stride on that side of the horse. Esentially causing the horse to walk in a circle or arc. That extra weight on one side vs the other causes the horse to just slightly shorten his stride.

Anytime you work cavelittis you can force the horse to take shorter or longer strides to reduce or increase the hoof falls between the caveleti laying on the ground. by pressing down on the stirup as the hoof falls you shorted the stride, or pressing down on the opposite side to slow the lift which causes the airborn hoof to float longer before being set down.

by keeping your weight on that Hill side of the horse, You are in effect causing him to short step that side. Since my horses are not constantly bumping into the mountain side, I assume there is some other factor that causes the horse to want to walk the edge.

Sure, I'm looking for some kids to pay for my retirement years since I spent all my money raising the kids. So come and join us. I'll adopt lots as long as you pay your share.

USandpets. You can see why I'm lost in ND when I'm up their working.
 
#81 ·
This thread is making me laugh because I so badly want to be "just a trail rider."

There are no trails where my lease mare is, so we ride endless circles around the arena "working on things" and no amount of serpentines, figure 8s, or trot poles livens it up. I know she is bored too. But, even the outdoor arena puts her on edge, so I have serious doubts that she'd ever make the transition to being a reliable mount out in the real world.

I'm thinking hard about my horsey future, which I really want to involve having a couple of horses at home with an eye towards long distance riding (should be feasible in our mountainous part of NH). However, I don't know anyone who has the same goals and ambitions, and I'm really scared to ask for advice about buying a "trail horse" as my first horse, since I think most of the horse people I know would completely misinterpret that based on some of the stereotypes covered here and steer me in the wrong direction.

I work intense 10 hour days doing statistical research, and at the end of them, I want to be outside, under the sun and trees, thinking about nothing but the trail ahead of us. Counting the arena door going by is just not doing it for me, so I'm trying to be patient and know that some day in the not-so-distant future, I might be able to join your "just trail riders" club too!
 
#82 ·
This thread is making me laugh because I so badly want to be "just a trail rider."

and I'm really scared to ask for advice about buying a "trail horse" as my first horse, since I think most of the horse people I know would completely misinterpret that based on some of the stereotypes covered here and steer me in the wrong direction.

I work intense 10 hour days doing statistical research, and at the end of them, I want to be outside, under the sun and trees, thinking about nothing but the trail ahead of us. Counting the arena door going by is just not doing it for me, so I'm trying to be patient and know that some day in the not-so-distant future, I might be able to join your "just trail riders" club too!
Girl I feel where you're coming from! My horse is a solid trail horse, if we can find some darned trails to go on! I know what my next big purchases are gonna be ;P

Hmm, maybe find a horse that has endurance riding experience? They do trails and can ride for miles and miles and miles.

I'm sure you'll find the right horse for you! And then you can share with us pictures of your relaxing adventures haha!
 
#83 ·
Erogan feel free to pick our brains when you start looking! I LOVE a good horse shop!

I wouldn't feel bad about asking friends and cohorts for advice, and if I were you I'd start looking around for trainers, breeders, and programs that specialize in trail riding and endurance in your area. I'm sure there are some in NH.

As for being outside and in the "wilderness" after a long hard day at work, girl you hit it spot on! Good luck!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Northernstar
#85 ·
You all are great- thanks for the encouragement. I will definitely be stopping back in this forum when I am officially looking. We just took the first step to making this a reality- we are officially moved in to a beautiful 5.5 acre property. The lot is still fairly wooded without fencing, and the house needs a complete kitchen and bathroom renovation first, so patience is the key here.

I'm extremely grateful for the situation I'm in with my leased mare (and hey, the benefit of an indoor arena is that I got to keep riding all winter, even though it wasn't particularly harsh this year). But, when I close my eyes at night, my dream is to have horses at home and head out exploring.

My not-so-secret plan is to befriend our new neighbors, who have a beautiful, empty barn and fields, to see if maybe there's a way to move up the timeline a little. But, if not, I've waited 32 years so far for my own horses, I think I can stand another year or two. I will just continue to live vicariously through all of you until then!
 
#88 ·
You all are great- thanks for the encouragement. I will definitely be stopping back in this forum when I am officially looking. We just took the first step to making this a reality- we are officially moved in to a beautiful 5.5 acre property. The lot is still fairly wooded without fencing, and the house needs a complete kitchen and bathroom renovation first, so patience is the key here.

I'm extremely grateful for the situation I'm in with my leased mare (and hey, the benefit of an indoor arena is that I got to keep riding all winter, even though it wasn't particularly harsh this year). But, when I close my eyes at night, my dream is to have horses at home and head out exploring.

My not-so-secret plan is to befriend our new neighbors, who have a beautiful, empty barn and fields, to see if maybe there's a way to move up the timeline a little. But, if not, I've waited 32 years so far for my own horses, I think I can stand another year or two. I will just continue to live vicariously through all of you until then!
You're welcome! Definately keep us posted, as you are among friends here - We're all in this together :)
 
#86 ·
Bravo, when I get on here a lot of times its all about arena, jumping, dressage and its hardly ever about trail riding. The thing I love about trail riders is they rarely run across a horse they can't ride to some degree, whereas I have some arena friends who act as if, a horse that trail rides is some kind of pasture pet. I had a friend who had never been outside an arena and finally admitted that she feared going out on a trail ride, because of the open spaces and what if the horse got away from her. I admire people who can ride and I don't care where they ride at. My husband always beats them to the punch by saying stuff like "you sure you can ride my rednecked horses" lol
 
#89 ·
One of the reasons why I chose where I lease and ride is the availability of fields and trails to ride on.

While I am a strong believer in gymnastic training of the horse in the arena using dressage, I am by no means limited to that.

Not a week goes by in good weather when I drive her out of her stall and into the woods and fields and ride.

But even when trail riding, I insist on correct riding (on the bit, connected from back to front, listening to the rider).
 
#90 ·
I pretty much only trail ride these days. I would love to have some of the options some other folks have, in Utah and Arizona, of riding in that big open dramatic scenery. But, I dont'. But I do have 400 acres of wooded trails, so I better not complain! Riding on the trails, trotting and cantering where it works out, popping over logs, it's such a blast.. And working on uneven terrain , going uphill and down (not huge hills, but some) helps the horse and the rider better develop balance.

We don't just walk along. We go!


Whereever I can, when walking along I ride "on the buckle". Having no rein contact is as important as having correct rein contact.
 
#91 ·
Whereever I can, when walking along I ride "on the buckle". Having no rein contact is as important as having correct rein contact.
I agree. I cant imagine the effect of being "on the bit", etc for 8 hours. I find this is a lesson that is hard to learn for both horse and rider that arena ride. My horse needs to learn how to correctly use her body, packing a rider, with out constant cueing from me. going up and down hills, through streams and over various obstacles while keeping me on her back is hard enough without constantly receiving additional cues from the rider. I expect my trail horses to walk, trot or canter over the trails on a loose rein, listening to me if I ask for something, or sustaining the asked for gait on the trail, over whatever comes our way, if i don't.
 
#92 ·
I agree. I cant imagine the effect of being "on the bit", etc for 8 hours I find this is a lesson that is hard to learn for both horse and rider that arena ride. My horse needs to learn how to correctly use her body, packing a rider, with out constant cueing from me. going up and down hills, through streams and over various obstacles while keeping me on her back is hard enough without constantly receiving additional cues from the rider. I expect my trail horses to walk, trot or canter over the trails on a loose rein, listening to me if I ask for something, or sustaining the asked for gait on the trail, over whatever comes our way, if i don't.
The entire purpose of having a horse working correctly on the bit is to have him use his entire topline of muscles to carry the weight of a rider.

What having a horse on the bit is not:
1) constantly pulling at his mouth
2) constantly directing them with rein aid
3) constantly giving leg and/or seat aids
4) putting the horse in some "head set"

I can't imagine a horse being ridden with a hollow back for 8 hours straight, which is what happens to a horse than is not on the bit and not using his entire topline correctly.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top