Trail Riding for Beginners: How to Have a Fun and Safe Ride
Want to have the experience of a lifetime? Whether you're trying something new on vacation or want to impress a date, trail riding horses is a great option.
In the great state of Texas, riding horses is common. It's a hobby, to be sure, but it's also a way of life. That's why trail riding horses is a great bucket list item in Texas—you'll be able to live out your cowboy dreams like nowhere else.
However, many people haven't grown up riding horses. Instead, their experience with riding might be limited or nonexistent.
Riding a horse is like driving a car, in that you need to be safe and aware at all times. That's why we've assembled some tips for riding safety to help you make the most of the experience while practicing good trail riding etiquette!
Prepare Yourself
When riding horses, you'll need to consider some modern inconveniences before you get close to a horse. Of course, riding safety is paramount here at Southern Trail Rides.
But to help yourself out, it's important to consider your horse. For instance, what do you plan to do with your phone while on the trail? It's best to put it on silent in a zipped pocket.
This way, you won't be distracted or tempted to check it. You won't need to worry about it falling out of your pocket. Most importantly, the ringer won't go off.
Some horses startle easier than others, and the last thing you want is your horse jumping because they didn't expect your Nature Sounds ringtone to go off in the dead silence.
You'll also want to ensure that you wear proper boots. This isn't the time for Converse or open-toed sandals. While you don't need to go out and buy cowboy boots, make sure to pick a pair of sturdy hiking boots.
Your horse will naturally shift around, and you don't want your toes to be the next casualty of this natural movement. You'll also want to prepare your mindset, too.
If you end up on an older horse, they will be well-trained and patient. It's easy to let your guard down and assume you're an expert rider because the horse stopped when you wanted it to.
While there's no reason to be tense on a well-trained horse, you need to stay alert and aware at all times. Are you trotting past a loose tarp as the wind kicks up? How is the horse interacting with any other horses that may be on the trail?
Paying attention will make you a better, safer rider. And it will also help you prepare for any eventualities such as jumping, bucking, or breaking into a gallop that you may not have previously considered.
Pay Attention
Good trail riding etiquette involves listening to your trail guide. Most guides will give you a detailed rundown of what to expect.
There's a right and wrong way to mount your horse, dismount, get them to stop, walk, trot, and so forth. When you listen to the instructions given by your trail guide, you'll be able to interact comfortably with your horse.
This ensures that you, your horse, and other riders will be able to stay safe on the trail. Being able to pilot a thousand-pound animal is a huge responsibility, and your trail guide knows this.
That's why they will give you lots of tips on the best way to do all these things. This will help you build good riding habits, and will help you avoid any worst-case scenarios.
For instance, what if you dismount wrong? The wrong way to dismount may leave you with one foot on the ground and one in the stirrup. If something spooks your horse, they may take off.
If your boot catches in the stirrup, you could get dragged along. The proper way to dismount is to land with both feet on the ground, something your guide will be more than happy to instruct you on.
Consider Your Outfit
What season are you going horseback riding in? If you're going riding in the late summer or fall, you may want to consider adding a few pops of neon to your attire.
Wearing a bright orange hunting jacket is a great idea to stay safe. If you're trail riding through the woods during prime hunting season, you'll need to do so safely.
It's also important that you don't forego a helmet. Many people want to look cool, don't want to mess up their hair, or hate the look and feel of a helmet.
While all these reasons are understandable, it's also important to note that a helmet can make the difference between life and death. Remember earlier, when we compared riding a horse to driving a car?
Wearing a helmet is like putting on your seatbelt. It makes the car ride more enjoyable for everyone because of that level of safety being added to the car ride.
Be Honest
Some people have had poor experiences with horses. Whether they got on a green horse before they were ready, got kicked as a child, or had a bad experience with a trail riding company before, some people already have a horse phobia.
It's important to be honest about these past experiences. Whether you think they will or not, it will impact how you interact with the horse. If you've been thrown before, for instance, you may overreact every time your horse twitches its ears at buzzing flies.
You should also be honest about your level of past experience. All of this information will help impact the horse that gets assigned to you.
Trail Riding Horses
Trail riding etiquette involves knowledge, a listening ear, and common sense. Riding tips aren't about exercising control over your horse. Let's face it, there's no way you'll be able to completely assert your will over a strong, independent thousand-pound animal.
Instead, riding safety is all about interacting with your horse in a direct, common-sense manner. A well-trained riding horse wants to do what you're telling it to, and as you ride horses more, you'll be able to have fun and continue to be safe.
If you're interested in trail riding horses, contact us today! We're excited to see you.