[ScharmLily]

I believe that with a reasonably smart horse they can tell the difference between schooling and a trail ride. I also do both with my horses, and to me, a trail ride just isn't fun if you're picking at all the details the whole time. When I bring my horses out for a trail ride, I want it to be their time to just be horses and have fun (in a safe way of course!).

I think that as long as you have set expectations for them that you always follow in each situation, then they will learn the difference and separate the two situations in their mind.