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Discussion on Trail riding safety
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Member:
edf03
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Posted on Monday, Jul 23, 2007 - 6:16 pm:
Does anyone have trail riding stories to share? We are always running into things one would never imagine happening but it is good to share so others are aware. This is just another example of how a horse can surprise you and the importance of safety on the trails.
Went for a trail ride on Saturday. One of the people we rode with had a young horse she was leading along side of the seasoned trail horse she was riding. Everything was fine until we got to a water crossing. The youngster had no experience with that and ended up leaping onto the back of the horse she was on. His foot hit her tailbone so she was pretty sore. We were just glad he didn't hit her head on land with one leg over each shoulder. The horse slid off then and fell on it's side ending up completely underwater before it was able to scamble back to it's feet. He did fine with the rest of the water crossings. We think he realized that none of other horses did it that way so maybe he had made a mistake!.
This is just another example of how a horse can surprise you and the importance of safety on the trails.
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Member:
hwood
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Posted on Monday, Jul 23, 2007 - 6:39 pm:
Great story, Diane, Nothing to share right now, but am wondering what you folks came up with as a solution to the problem with the riderless horse? Ponying horses through obstacles is a great way to train them. How can a rider prevent a ponied horse from jumping on top of his mount?
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Member:
pbauer
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 25, 2007 - 12:51 am:
Dear Diane,
I found the following information on the web:
Horse Riding Safety
by Teresa Hughes
Horse riding can be a safe and extremely rewarding hobby when the rider takes steps to minimize risks. As with any of the most enjoyable activities in life, it is impossible to eliminate all risks. But, by educating yourself to equestrian safety, the possibility of injury can be greatly reduced.
Match Horse to Rider Ability - Throughout our riding careers our skills are constantly improving. Novice riders need to stick with calmer, more experienced horses until the necessary riding skills are achieved. If you wonder that you may be over mounted, you probably are. Consult with a riding instructor BEFORE purchasing a horse. She/he will help you find a horse that is matched to your current skill level.
Professional Instruction - Inexperienced riders should get lessons from a professional. Riding lessons can be somewhat expensive, but well worth it for increased riding safety. You can reduce the cost by finding a lesson partner on your own skill level. Many instructors offer reduced rates for groups of two or more students.
Always Wear A Helmet - Always wear a properly fitted ASTM/SEI certified equestrian riding helmet. Equestrian helmets are different than bicycle helmets, as they are designed for impact to the back of the head, as opposed to front or side injuries which bicycle helmets are designed for. The majority of head injuries from horse riding accidents are to the back of the head.
Check Your Tack Regularly - Make it a habit to give your tack a thorough safety check every few weeks. Look for worn leather and fabric and rust and pay particular attention to fasteners, such as Chicago screws. This is also a good time to recheck that the bit is fitting properly. There should be no space between the bit and the corner of the mouth and no more than two creases in the corner of the mouth. Bit fit can change as leather expands and contracts over time.
Stirrup Safety - Wear a boot with a good heel to keep your foot from slipping through the stirrups. Not being able to get your foot free during a mishap is a terrifying experience and can result in the rider being dragged. As an additional precaution, you can prevent dragging accidents by using a safety stirrup, such as peacock stirrups, break away stirrups or Toe Stoppers. Toe Stoppers are a stirrup attachment that prevent the foot from slipping through that can be fitted to any stirrup style.
Stay Alert - It is easy when you are plodding along, chatting to your riding buddies on a beautiful day on the trail to forget you are supposed to be actively riding your horse. You may become a bit of a back seat passenger. This can be very dangerous as your reaction time will be delayed by critical seconds. Stay alert and attentive at all times while riding. Not tense - but constantly aware of the environment - your riding surface, your peripheral vision, your distance in relationship to other riders, your horses responses to your cues--much as you would (or should be) while driving.
Trail Riding Safety - By following a few safety and etiquette rules, trail riding can be a safe and fun way to see our beautiful country .
Never ride alone. Ride with someone you know to be experienced and thoughtful.
Take your cell phone.
Wait until all riders are mounted to move off.
If you could be returning after dark, wear reflective clothing and take a small flash light.
Horses prone to kicking should wear a red ribbon on their tails.
Keep at least one horse length between you and the horse in front.
In larger groups, elect someone who knows the trails as trail boss. The trail boss knows the trails, maintains the pace and is considerate of others when increasing speed.
Do not pass the trail boss.
When riding during hunting season, make lots of noise and wear visible clothing such as a fluorescent vest. Using rhythm beads on your horse is a good way to alert hunters that you are NOT a deer.
A pen knife and baling twine can be very useful for emergency tack repairs.
Take a hoof pick.
Do not leave the trail. Holes and unsafe surfaces, sharp objects and hornets nests may exist in unknown areas such as open fields.
Practicing safe riding principles can mean many years of happy, healthy riding enjoyment for you and your horse.
Have fun and stay safe!
_________________________________
One of, Topper's, earlier trainers used him to pony his other horses, and, Topper, loved it. I don't think that that kind of situation ever occured...he would have let Paul and I know about it.
Dear Holly, how can a rider prevent (or try to prevent) a ponied horse from jumping on top of his mount?
Best,
Tonya
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 25, 2007 - 6:29 am:
Oh the trail riding stories I have! My favorite one is when the deer jumped out of the corn field over the fence and landed on Hanks butt. Nothing to do about that but hang on. Deer and turkey constantly pop out of nowhere around here and all you can do is desensitize the horses and teach the one rein stop...which has saved me many times when the turkey fly up in front of us. Then there's the blue heron....the horses are finally use to them usually. We always where helmets and make sure our girths are tight.
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 25, 2007 - 9:40 am:
Our horses see deer, turkeys, and black bears. We hear coyotes often. After a little spook or snort, they are fine with them. In my experience the wild animals all run away from us, even the black bears.
What gets them every time though is baby birds running through tall grass. Either baby turkeys, or baby partridges...whatever we disturb. The horses can't see them but the grass is moving and there is some noise. Scares me too as I am thinking snake!
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 25, 2007 - 10:50 am:
Hi all,
No matter how many trails you ride, and how hard you work on de-sensitizing your horse, sometimes things will surprise you.
I was on a trail ride with Wanda (a neighbor, dear friend and a HA member) and her husband in the greenbelt in our development. My mare decided she could absolutely not cross the little creek (it is usually dry, but was running this spring). I led her along the creek to find a more suitable crossing, but she still balked. Wanda offered to take her lead rope (a 12' Parelli rope) while I encouraged my mare to cross with a switch I picked up. Wanda was mounted on her trusty gelding, Sonny. Moonlight jumped - but way overjumped and scraped the hind leg of Sonny. Was I ever worried - that could have been a very serious injury. Fortunately, it was only a surface wound, which we treated mainly by cold hosing.
So, lesson learned. Don't expect a horse to use their brain (there was plenty room for her to land behind or next to Sonny without ever touching him). By the same token, if a horse needs to be encouraged through a tough spot, the safest place to be is behind the horse. Of course, this means that they have to be taught to be driven from behind.
Lilo
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 25, 2007 - 12:53 pm:
Lilo,
Your post reminded me of something dumb I did. My arab mare has always been afraid of water, if she can see it. So a tiny stream of water was a big scary thing for her.
So, after fighting to encourage her to walk across, not jump...her normal method of crossing, this 1 foot wide, 1-2" deep water crossing, (nice rocky bottem) I got off her, stepped across it, and pulled her across.
She jumped, landed on top of me, knocked me flat!
By some miracle I only ended up with skinned elbows and knees. I was shaking and cussing, shoved her into a little ravine and "stepped" onto her back. Told her in no uncertain terms that she better WALK home real nice as I wasn't feeling to hot!
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 25, 2007 - 1:37 pm:
What is it with some horses and water? My mare hates to get her feet wet too. Couple of months ago I was riding in one outdoor arena and had a fabulous training session - could not have been more pleased with the work except for one thing - she would not step through a large but shallow puddle at one end of the arena. So, instead of rewarding her for good work and getting off and calling it a day, I decided it was time to teach her to step through that puddle. Dumb, dumb, dumb! From the saddle, I had no success other than to turn my relaxed & happy horse into a tense, disobedient beast. Got off and tried to walk her through it and yup, ended up with 1300 pounds of pissed off horse on my back. The only thing that got wet and muddy was me. Don't know what I was thinking that day as I truly try to live by "end each session on a good note". I resolved to get her through this issue, but in a separate training session. However, we've had almost no rain since then and there have been no more puddles. Go figure.
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 25, 2007 - 2:10 pm:
Fran that brought a smile. Why do we fight those fights??? My horses will cross creeks and rivers with no hesitation....but a puddle NO WAY. Well I decided I don't really care if they will walk thru puddles, I spent an hour with Hank one day and he finally walked thru it, but it would have been much simpler to go around it! I walk them right towards the puddles and if they go around it, big deal. Since I have taken that attitude more often than not they go thru it...go figure.
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Member:
hwood
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 25, 2007 - 2:19 pm:
Speaking of water . . .
My friend was riding her high-powered, solid, high-headed, forward Morgan mare along one of the many dirt roads/trails around our town in Vermont. The road she was on was not maintained by the town, and every spring the road flooded and was under water for about 50 feet. (A great place to teach "going through water" because there was no way to jump it) My friend was asking her mare to walk through the water (the deepest it got was to the mare's knees) when the mare decided "NO WAY" and hopped off the side of the road . . . right into the swamp . . . My friend's legs were under water up to her thighs, and she could feel the mare sinking in the muck. Thankfully, little Morgans are tough, strong, and determined . . . and that little mare heaved herself out of the muck and back onto the flooded road . . . and walked right along through the "puddle" . . . and never argued about going through water again.
P.S. For the sake of safety and for those people who have never been jumped on by a horse, NEVER, EVER stand in front of a horse asking it to go into a trailer or over a stream or puddle . . . If the horse is resistant but trained to give to pressure, it will often jump forward . . . As far as going through water on the trail, it is much safer to stay on top and work at it for 45 minutes to an hour or more (whatever it takes) than to get off and try to lead a horse through.
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 25, 2007 - 4:12 pm:
Well, I think I'll get my chance for "puddle training"...just started to pour. First time in months we've had a good steady rain. However, THIS time, I will engage my brain before attempting it 
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 - 9:46 am:
Hi all,
Clinton Anderson addresses training horses to step into water. It works best with a stream that has a nice bank - enough to circle your horse and put him to work. However - our streams are not that way!
Anyway - he goes as close to the water as the horse is willing to go, and then starts to work the horse - back and forth, always circling toward the water, but not really asking the horse to cross. He claims that they get more and more comfortable, and eventually step into the edge of the water. Like I said - would work with a stream with nice, level banks - could also work with a gravel road, which is totally covered by water.
Another system he advocates, that I have used successfully, is: advance and retreat. Same little stream I talked about before, and I was riding with a friend. Friend crossed, my gelding did not. So, when he stopped I stopped urging him toward the stream, and started backing on the trail. Then rode forward again - when he hesitated, I backed him again. Did this about three times, and he crossed the stream (jumped it). So, to continue the training I should have worked him longer, until he was willing to step into the water. The funny thing is - both my horses will cross another stream in the neighborhood, that typically has water - because they expect it. This particular stream is usually dry - that is why they started balking at it.
Horses! By the way - those of you that tried to lead the horses across and got jumped on - been there, done that!
Lilo
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Member:
lhenning
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 - 9:49 am:
You are all helping me with your stories. I've had some bad experiences during trail riding and have been in an arena for two years improving my riding/ horse training experience. This year, I began hand-walking my horse on trails. Thanks for the tip on not standing in front of him. I did do that and glad to say nothing came of it, but I will heed the warning. My plan is to walk him around and try to expose him to as many things as possible. There is a small creek about a mile away so that will be on our agenda too. I'd rather work on it from the ground at this point.
I know one day I will ride him out there and I will feel ready to handle him when that day comes. I have learned so much already! Please keep the "stories" coming. As usual, your experiences help others like me.
Linda
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Member:
cpacer
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 - 10:30 am:
Linda, I hand walked my horse on the trails for a long time too before I got the courage to trail ride on my own (gave up on waiting on other people to go). I think that time on the ground together is very well spent!
I've told a story before of a friend of mine who's young arabian launched both of them into a large pond -- fully tacked, clothed/helmet, chaps, boots, etc. My horse and I were in the pond so I was just glad they didn't land on us.
Now the horse is terrified of water, but she's been working through it by looking beyond whatever the water crossing is and letting him cross on his own, usually he'll want to because my horse is in the middle or on the other side, but maybe also because the rider is gazing at the other side.
I've been trying to get my horse to cross through an area of lake with waves from the boats going by. I use the advance and retreat method as Lilo describes, but I forget what we're calling it--basically I'll front-quarter away from object right before my horse would on his own, so I'm saving him from it. I've watched the horses check-out something new in the pasture and they usually do this (front-quarter) away until they're comfortable enough to bite said object.
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Member:
cpacer
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 - 10:32 am:
Oh yeah, has anyone ever noticed if their horse usually retreats more often to the right or the left?
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Member:
pbauer
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 - 12:33 pm:
Dear All,
I've been trying to find information on how to pony a horse safely. Holly, thought you'd be able to find out...you know so much about training horses!
I'm going to talk with, Topper's, former trainer...hopefully, he'll be able to shed some info./light on the subject for me.
As for the water training...Paul, now stops Topper, in midstream and just lets him stand there for awhile. He will usually lower his head and take a long drink...it has really helped, Topper...and Paul!
My Best,
Tonya
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Member:
hwood
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 - 1:10 pm:
Whoa, thanks for the vote of confidence, Tonya, but I'm sure I don't know as much as I think I do. It seems that whenever we think we have something figured out, a horse comes along to modify what we thought . . . it's called "humbling."
I am no expert with ponying, but have ponied many horses on trail and on a track. I've had the lead jerked out of my hands and had my shoulder yanked quite a few times as the ponied horse balked while my mount continued on.
The safest thing I've found is to use a very soft, cotton rope with knots tied at intervals, and fold it in my hand so that if I get the first length jerked out of my grasp, I still have another length in my hand. Also, I try to give the ponied horse enough lead to keep out from under my mount's feet, but keep him close enough so that his head is at my thigh. I keep my hand on the pommel of my saddle or on my thigh . . . sometimes, I have to hold it in the rein position with my elbow locked if I feel the horse taking the slack out.
The most important thing we can do to help our horses pony safely is to teach them to give to pressure. We don't want them pulling back on us as we are cantering along the trail or on the track. When they hit the end of the slack, they need to come forward with the pressure. Also, a horse needs to respect our personal space. If the ponied horse thinks he can jump on our mount or on top of us (for whatever reason -- some folks have said that a scared horse will jump on a person because it makes him feel safe -- not a good thing) then it's just not even safe to attempt ponying.
Most importantly is be aware of both horses (or all three, four, five, six . . . polo horses are often ponied in groups) and have cues ready and a plan for possible problems. Horses will always surprise us, and accidents can always happen, but we can reduce our ratio for accidents if we use common sense and stay alert.
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Member:
pbauer
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 - 5:07 pm:
Dear Holly,
Solid information...print it, and put it in a book!
Loaves and fishes,
Tonya
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Member:
alden
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 - 10:28 pm:
I like a good solid alpha mare to pony from, a colt might jump on her butt once but when she's done with him he'll know the rules
Good day,
Alden
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Friday, Jul 27, 2007 - 10:43 pm:
Amen, Alden.
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Member:
hwood
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 28, 2007 - 10:04 am:
Erika, your simple "Amen" this morning prompted me to add my "so be it" to Alden's post.
Alden, as I was cleaning the barn on Thursday, I got thinking about the ponying question and was reminded of some poor combinations of horses for ponying. I know that I like to pick the dominant horse as the mount, whether or not it's a gelding or mare, and it really helps if the horses are free of animosity toward one another. It's really hard to have a good ponying session if the horses are trying to bite, kick, or shy away from eachother.
When I exercised polo horses, I didn't always have the choice of riding the dominant horse because we tried to give the horses "equal" exercise. We were building stamina, but were also making sure the steering was tuned up and that their back muscles were in shape. If the ponied horse never carried the rider's weight, that horse was at a disadvantage when it came to competition.
If a shy horse is the one being ridden, he can get fearful and defensive and kick at a more dominant horse that is coming from behind . . . that is one reason it's important to keep the ponied horse up with you and not let it fall behind.
Ponying a "wimpy" horse can be a problem, too, if he is afraid of the dominant horse and doesn't want to get too close. You'll find your arm and shoulder very tired at the end of the ride and won't enjoy the experience much.
As with anything to do with horses, make sure the groundwork is done and start with small steps keeping safety in mind. That means to aim for good attitudes and responsiveness in the horses, and it helps if the horses are "buddies."
Some horses we come across are so seasoned or dull in their senses that they will be steady in either capacity, and those horses are wonderful to have if you plan to do a lot of ponying. It sure saves time if you are on a tight schedule with too many horses to ride.
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 28, 2007 - 12:33 pm:
Whenever I pony I like to use a dominant mare who's well trained. As said above, she really helps keep the horse being ponied "in line." If the horse starts to move ahead or drag behind, one nasty look from her and it "shapes up."
I make sure to use a soft cotton lead, at least 10 or 12 foot long and I wrap it once around my saddle horn so I have more leverage if the horse starts to pull...never tie the rope, though. I keep the ponied horse right by my knee, no further forward, and give it enough room so it won't be stepping on the horse I'm riding. I use my hand and lead line like I would if I was leading on foot to speed the horse up, slow it down, give correction, etc. I also talk a lot if the horse isn't used to being "out and about."
I'll have to post trail riding stories later on when I have more time. There's the "met the bear" story and the "wild burro attack" story...there ARE definitely things that happen that just can't be prepared for!
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Member:
pbauer
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 28, 2007 - 12:50 pm:
Dear Alden, Erika, Holly, and Sara,
I love the learning that takes place on this site!
My Best,
Tonya
P.S. Yes, trail riding stories!
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Member:
kthorse
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 31, 2007 - 6:43 pm:
These water stories are funny, I have also done the not so smart thing years ago and went first and got knocked over. Now I teach him to stay beside me and out of my space at all times. Tho I dont get off any more. Mine is usually great with water, an occasional cat leap at deep small ditchs, grab a mane and say walk walk walk walk, which he does 95% but sometimes if there is a monster in a particlar one he will jump from a standstill like its a 6 ft jump. There is one big puddle we came across while exploring new territory that must have had 20 frogs in it. Jumping every where. I let him go around that one as how often does that happen, he was snorting like a fire breathing dragon. I had to laugh. The frogs actually made me jump, so I guess I dont blame him.
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 1, 2007 - 12:53 pm:
The "wild burro" story:
In the Sierra's a lot of the sheepmen use burros to guard their sheep; and there are a lot of sheep wandering around the lower hills (up to 7000') A friend and I were riding through a lovely valley when we encountered a very large herd of sheep. Amongst the sheep was a large jack burro standing guard. We made a detour and went way around the herd. About half way through the valley we heard wild braying, turned and looked, and here came the jack headed right toward us...in particular toward's my friend's mare who was in season! The jack tried to mount the mare, but as he got close my friend's mare landed a well placed kick which set the burro back a bit. We took off at a dead run, and luckily were able to out run the burro, which eventually gave up and went back to his sheep. This could have been a really dangerous situation; we were very grateful for the mare's good kick and our fast horses!
The first bear I met on horseback was a small black bear. A friend and I were trotting down a logging road when the horses suddenly did one of those "hard emergency stops" and stood dead still snorting and snuffling hard. Out of the trees came a small black bear, probably just a yearling. One quick look at each other and the bear took off running one way and the horses ran the other. Unfortunately, my friend's horse gave a good buck before running. I didn't notice for a moment, then saw my friend's horse was running riderless. I was able to grab her mare and turn around and met my unseated friend who was walking toward us. It's a good thing the bear also ran off, as her horse had left her to fend for herself! This is the same friend who was chased by the burro. It's a wonder she kept riding with me!
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 1, 2007 - 1:05 pm:
The scariest situations I've ever been in were being caught out in a bad lightening storm, and getting stuck in a bog.
The lightening storm came up suddenly; I guess the clouds had been hidden by the mountain peaks and trees. At first it wasn't too bad, mostly rain with thunder and lightening in the distance. I headed down the hill towards the trailer after putting on my slicker and hat. As the rain got harder, my horse's feet went faster. It started hailing really hard and we took shelter under a clump of trees until the lightening suddenly seemed to be popping all around us. We were in a little valley and the lightening was hitting the hills on either side of us, some of it so close you didn't even hear the thunder. I let my mare have her head and just hung on and we ran down the trail as fast as possible. I had left the back door of the trailer open, and we ran right in...not a recommended procedure, but we were both scared to death. I stood in the trailer with the mare until the worst of the storm was over.
Once riding around a lake we were on a deer trail that looked dry and solid. Suddenly my feet were touching the ground. My mare had sunk down to her belly in soft mud! I jumped off her onto grass which sunk only about a foot. My little mare is very smart and didn't really struggle or panic; she lounged a few times and was able to find solid footing and get herself out. I had visions of quick sand and her not being able to free herself and frantically wondered what I could do as there is no cell phone service where we were and few people. I think the situation frightened me much more than it did my mare.
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 1, 2007 - 3:43 pm:
Yikes, Sara! You've had more than your fair share of frightening trail ride experiences!
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 1, 2007 - 7:49 pm:
Yikes Sara is right, maybe I don't want to accept your invitation to ride with you, LOL!!!
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Member:
ilona
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 1, 2007 - 8:24 pm:
In California I was out with some friends, I was the only one on an English saddle, I hadn't been in the US long and could not understand western tack, or its function at all. I got a hands on education that day. We crossed an area of sand and one of the horses simply sank to its belly sinking quickly and progressively, Quicksand. In a flurry the ropes came off the horns(the very ones I thought were silly and for display only) and attached to the tack of that mare and it took the full pull of two other horses to get her out. I have no idea how deep that sink-hole was, but for sure we would have lost that mare, and what a horrible way to die. I will never forget the singular gloss quick-sand has, have seen it many times since and know to keep well away. That was my intro to Western tack and riding and it certainly was a safety eye-opener.
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 1, 2007 - 11:02 pm:
Ilona, Now YOU can go riding with me! We try to avoid such places, but you just never know!
Most rides are quiet and pleasant. I've learned to always be prepared when riding in the mountains,however. I suspect a lot of you will back me up on this. When riding around home, on a short ride, I love my all purpose saddle. But when I head for the hills, I always use my western saddle. With it I can tie on a slicker and my saddlebags which always contain an emergency medical kit for humans and horses; a cotton bandana; a space blanket; usually some granola bars or other snacks; my Swiss army knife; one of those fold up saws; some duct tape; and some baling twine; and a flashlight. I often have an Easy boot tied on, too. Sometimes there's other stuff. I always have bug spray or wipes with me, too. I'm really over prepared 99% of the time. But, there's been a few times I've been really glad I've had something with me, either for myself or someone else. I don't normally have a rope with me, but after hearing Ilona's story, maybe I should. I do always have a halter and lead with me.
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 1, 2007 - 11:41 pm:
Here's a couple of pictures of a recent ride with my sister-in-law. The area is about an hour from my home, called Navajo Lake area. It's up about 10,000 ft. The lake is only about half it's normal size due to low snowpack and little rain.
Kathy is on her Paint, Fancy's Little Scribble (Fancy) and I'm on my old mare Beaulimazar (Beau or Miss Piggy)
This was meant to be an enjoyable trailride for Kathy as she'd only been out on the trail a couple of times, and never in the mountains. The horse flies were horrendous around the lake so we took another trail and went up into the forest behind the lake. This turned out to be a little steeper than Kathy was really comfortable with, but she and Fancy did really good. Fancy, being a Southern California "girl" had never been in thick trees before. She was a little nervous at first, but behaved and we had a good ride.
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Member:
mysi
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 2, 2007 - 9:44 am:
I am so jealous of all of these stories, even the scary ones! And that picture Sara, WOW how beautiful. Here in South Florida the most excitement I have on a trail ride is my horse spooking at the flock of birds flying out of the trees (then backing into and sinking in a ditch)as I pass by or getting him past the canoe on the side of the canal. Although it's beautiful riding down the canals on the back of the equestrian farms, everything is flat and minimal. We have very few options as everything is developed here. I went trail riding through the mountains's in Germany and it was the most incredible experience ever, I just wish it was with Moose.
I just wanted to let you guys know how lucky you are to be able to go on these adventures!!!
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 2, 2007 - 11:15 am:
Here's a couple more pictures. My brother showed up on his dirt bike just in time for post ride lunch (of course!)  
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Friday, Aug 3, 2007 - 4:42 am:
Sara, After all these stories I wonder wheather it will not be best if I just tend to lunches and dinners for everyone who might return on this holidays rides!
Jos
PS I did sent various emails to both of your adresses and though your so nice 'parachute'mail arrives without a problem I am not sure about mine arriving. I will today send you an email from MY second email adress![can't they make them work so we can have one?]
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Friday, Aug 3, 2007 - 9:25 am:
Jos, most rides are a lot of fun and are relaxing, so don't worry!
Also, please note I'm not the ONLY one that's had adventures/problems; I don't want to get a "bad rep" here!
btw-I sent a long email to you last night. Did you get it?
I wish some of you HA folks would come out and go riding with me. I have a hard time finding riding buddies and would love to have company some time. I'm really looking forward to NM!
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Friday, Aug 3, 2007 - 9:48 am:
Hi all,
I copied this from an earlier discussion, about equestrian safety.
"I am sorry to say that my horse was involved in one of those. My good friend, who is not inexperienced, but also not very experienced, was bucked off and ended up in the ER. Fortunately no broken bones, but, her confidence is shattered. This was a rather unusual circumstance, with a deer running out of the oak brush right at my friend who was riding behind me. She fell off, was OK (I had insisted she buy a helmet which she was consistently wearing) - we continued the ride but when returning by the same route, my horse took off bucking. To this day he acts spooky next to dense oak brush."
My horse seems to be a bit better this year - but I have not "recovered" about the incident. It really was a freak incident. We were riding on one of our internal trails. A dog came barking at us, but was contained behind one of those in-ground electric fences. However, our attention was on the dog - the furious barking scared up a deer that came charging out of the oak brush straight at my gelding, who was behind me in line.
My friend fell off - but was OK. When we continued, the gelding kept acting spooky, so we turned around. Big mistake, because we had to ride on the same trail where the first incident happened. The gelding must have heard something - anyway, he took of bucking and threw my friend. She ended up in the emergency room - fortunately no broken bones but she was sore for months.
I still beat myself up over this incident.
Lilo
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Member:
dtranch
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Posted on Friday, Aug 3, 2007 - 9:51 am:
Sara ... if you didn't live so danged far away, I'd be your trail buddy. I'm sure we would have a lot of those "little trail riding incidents" to share.
Here are some tips I have learned over the years.
1.) Always tie short with a quick release knot when you have to tie ... If overnight, I always use a picket line.
2.) I always leave a rope halter and lead on under the bridle. Never know when you need to dismount and help someone else, or yourself. I never want to lead with reins and bit.
3.) Make sure there are no snakes in the bathroom "BEFORE" you sit down.
4.) Keep the horse between you and the ground
5.) Teach your horse to yield around trees "without" hitting your knee
And many, many more ......
DT
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Friday, Aug 3, 2007 - 10:08 am:
Dennis, I'd love your company!
Funny, I have the same "rules" on my list! I love those knotted halters with the lead attached. I usually have one on under my bridle, or it's tied to the saddle. You can even use them like a hackamore.
The snakes one is really important. Another good rule is to make sure there isn't an ant hill under the bush where you squat!
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Friday, Aug 3, 2007 - 11:49 am:
Also do not tie your horse to the outhouse while you are in it. Or try to hold your horse by the reins if taking a potty break in nature. (the best reason for having that halter on and a lead rope attached to it, lol!)
O.k., men might have an easier time with the potty thing in nature...
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Member:
dtranch
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Posted on Friday, Aug 3, 2007 - 12:10 pm:
Don't be so sure Angie ....
It's kind of tough to do the potty thing after all the other horses have headed on down the trail, and your horse is circling around you in a tizzy. Last time this happened, I finally got my horse settled down and it was like a light came on and he decided to go ahead an do pee break as well.
DT
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Friday, Aug 3, 2007 - 2:01 pm:
Oh Sara after reading all this most of you have a reputation with me: living in a country much more dangerous then I am used to! If I do the same thing as on arriving in France: following an experienced rider and trust the horse to do the same, I am sure I will be allright.
To be honest the only thing my French riding buddies havent been able to teach me is to feel comfortable on a horse on a road with traffic[due to Dutch experiences]
And all of you do not seem to qualify for a reputation like 'Le Beau Gerard' here: he mounts his little arab cross [completely bomb proof and experienced] puts whoever is stupid enough to go with him on a horse much less experienced[like the arab Akacja he sold me because she had thrown him so often he didn't want to break any more bones]and rides off expecting you to follow him or else return home[impossible halfway with a horse who wants to stay with its buddy]
One last trail precaution I've learned over here: After falling from your horse give them a treat IMMEDIATELY[with me they search before I hit the ground] so they won't run away!
Jos
PS Haven't yet received your email Sara but I will keep searching!
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Friday, Aug 3, 2007 - 3:27 pm:
Jos, riding with "Le Beau Gerard" sounds a lot like skiing with Lonnie! Not recommended unless you have lots of experience; and if he ever says "follow me, I know a short cut!" ski in the opposite direction as fast as possible!
The treat idea is a good one.
I'm going to try resending the email from my other address.
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Friday, Aug 3, 2007 - 3:41 pm:
jos-I tried resending email from yahoo. Certianly that should work.
I sent some sites on the mule rides in the Grand Canyon for you to check out.
The rest of you should check out these sites too. Talk about safety on a trail ride!
https://www.grandcanyon.com/gcnmule.html
https://www.americanparknetwork.com/parkinfo/gc/activities/mule.html
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/mule_trips.htm
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Member:
hwood
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Posted on Friday, Aug 3, 2007 - 3:47 pm:
Oh, DENNNNNNNN-EEEEEEEEEE
Tried to find Mike's post about you going to Frank Bell's, but couldn't locate it after several tries, so figured this was as good as anything else . . .
When you have a chance to chew on it a bit, how 'bout starting a post and "spitting" out some of what you learned? I don't mean a step- by-step training program, but how was the experience for you and how has it effected your plans and view point?
Welcome back :-)
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Member:
leilani
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Posted on Friday, Aug 3, 2007 - 5:32 pm:
Here's a link to trail rides in my area.
www.muleride.com/
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Friday, Aug 3, 2007 - 5:44 pm:
Oh, the pictures in my mind with some of these discussions!
Lots of time before going to sleep I'll picture myself doing something riding wise that I want to accomplish the next time I ride. Now I am not sure I want to picture these trail riding discussions, LOL!
I second Holly's suggestion for you Denny. Not many of us will go on to train with someone like you just did, or get certified.
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