why does it have to be such a big deal?

^ I love this post, Mikolaj! Many times I have told/been told those wonderful stories out on a bueatiful trail on a willing horse with my best friends. Nothing beats it :]

Except a perfectly executed and fast mounted games race...
A thrilling and complete run at a campdraft with a good cow...
A harmonious and fluid hard-earned dressage movement...
A clean and fast jumping round...
A controlled and spectacular bareback and bridless routine...

Basically, to me, everything I do with my horse brings joy. I don't see why anyone would limit the things they can do with their horse!

I think it depends on the horse. Most of my horses will get bored working in the ring constantly - they will get sour in the ring, and then misbehave simply for the fun of it. So a trail ride is good for them, they love to see new things (well, Daisy saw a bicycle - a whole pack of them - for the first time, and she didn't exactly love it...) and just enjoy themselves.

But I have one horse who wants a job. I'm actually getting ready to sell her because she dislikes trail riding. She wants to work, she wants a job. She wants to cut cattle - and I don't have any for her.

It depends greatly on the horse and rider combo, I think. If that's what both of your prefer, and she isn't getting bored, then I think you're doing right by your horse. :]

They want to include you. Nothing wrong with that.

A trail ride is a great way to clear cobwebs from horse and rider. No matter what we do with our horses competition wise, they ALL trail ride. It's good to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

A good working trot on a trail is great for building muscle for ring work.

This is a great post masatisan. I agree with it that it would be good for Jubilee to learn that trails are okay too. I understand that you prefer the arena and that is where you are most comfortable, but if you never challenge yourself to go out of your comfort zone, then you may end up stuck in a rut. Trails really are a great learning experience where your horse learns to listen to you even under the most skittish of circumstances. Plus, if you were to ever have to sell her, it would be a major plus to have a well rounded trail/show horse instead of one that is wonderful in the arena but a handful on the trail.

That being said, it is still ultimately your decision. We can all argue our points until we are blue in the face but it still comes down to what you think is best for the time that you and Jubilee spend together. It is hard for me (as a trail/country rider) to understand how a ring can be more exciting or fun than a new trail but I have to see the other side of the coin too. With everything there is a spectrum; on each end is the extreme opposite of any given idea. Most of the time, people generally see one side of the spectrum without any concern about the people on the other side. Because it is not something that we understand, that other side is considered different, or strange to us.

Sorry for the ramble of off the wall ideas. Anyway it is still your decision and you have to do what is best for you and jubilee.

I like the way you think! Lol

Seriously though, I have been on 1 English saddle in my life. I was in England visiting with a friend and joined her @ her lesson. Other than that, I'm a western saddle girl. I also do trails. To me, even though I may be facing things & with a group, it is relaxing. I can get into a rhythm with my horse. I've marveled at people who do dressage/jumping/reining and the dedication there. To each her own. Sounds to me like they want you to feel included. Maybe you can join them occasionally, & then ask them to come into the ring with you & work with you. Challenge yourself and challenge them. Have fun with it...after all, that's what riding is supposed to be, right?

I think its really nice that they ask you to go. Its better than the cold shoulder.
Since I'm a trail rider and know the type, I'm sure they will continue to ask you as long as you are there. We are usually a friendly bunch Just say no thank and tell them to have a good time. Maybe someday you will decide to say what the heck and go with them. I'm sure that's what they are waiting for

I love to trail ride but I can relate to the "pressure" you are talking about. Alot of my friends like to do very rugged trail riding, where you majorly bushwhack and climb and make your own trail half the time, and the goal is some spectacular scenery at the top or middle of the ride. I like to mosey along old logging roads or wide trails. Most of my friends also like to go at a very fast clip. Their goal is to get their horse to really move out on the trail. I truly enjoy a snail's pace. I am fine with my kind of riding but they are always trying to get me to come along, they think if I just get over my fear of something or other then I will enjoy backcountry scrambling. I appreciate their friendship but I do get tired of the seemingly condescending assumption that I just have not seen the light yet. Why is one kind of riding better than another? Guess that subject kind of hit a nerve for me!!

I bet they think the same about your kind of riding! When I trail ride, I do it for fun and the fitness of my horse, so yes, I ride pretty fast. I.e. Long canters, gallops, long trots with periods of walk. I don't see the point in trial riding slowly, it doesn't improve fitness hardly as much, etc. To me that kind of trail riding is more for the rider, not the horse. There are always two sides of the coin, so consider they think the same about your riding as you do about theirs :]

The difference being I don't think their IS anything wrong with their kind of riding. I am never trying to get them to come along with me at my pace. It is not the invitation that is the problem either it is the bit of snobbery about what kind of trail riding people prefer. The assumption that the more extreme riding is somehow superior. When I bought my horse through a dealer I told her I was looking for a slower type horse so I think he is quite happy with the deal. It is not like I have a gaited horse and I am constantly trying to slow him down.

Hey guys, sorry it took me long to reply back. You all brought up some great points, thank you. I think I might just have to find a happy medium. I do agree with what you are saying about it being a good experience... so maybe I should be a bit more open-minded. Jubilee did seem to enjoy ridng on the road once she got going. Maybe I'll try taking her out a few times this summer and see how it goes.

And sometimes the invitations from people are genuine and kind, but other times I get snippy, argumentative comments from other boarders. That's the kind of "pressure" I don't like.

Anyway... Thanks again!