On Trail: Tips
from the pages of Trail Rider
Group Ride Tips
When riding with a large group, establish voice and hand signals to keep
everyone moving together, whether it's time to lope through an open meadow or
someone needs to make an emergency stop. Develop key phrases, such as "all
lope," "all trot," "all whoa," "move on," "heads up, " and "stop... | read »
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On Trail: Tips
from the pages of Perfect Horse
Conserving Riding Spaces
Back-country hikers know the old saying, "Leave nothing but
footprints; take nothing but pictures."
These days, horsemen and women have to be equally conscious
of treading lightly on our natural landscape. Development and encroaching urban
sprawl threaten farms, ranches, open space and... | read »
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On Trail: Tips
from the pages of Trail Rider
Mount from the Right
Will your horse allow you to mount and dismount from either side? Mounting
from the left is just tradition. Soldiers would mount up on their horses left
sides so that their swords, anchored over their left legs, wouldn't harm their
horses' backs.
But you're trail riding, not heading into... | read »
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On Trail: Tips
from the pages of Trail Rider
10 On-Trail Saddle Tips
On the trail, tack changes aren't easy, so saddle fit becomes all important.
Optimal saddle fit will let you and your horse leave home comfortable and sound,
and return that way six or seven hours later. Here, we give you 10 at-a-glance
saddle tips -- six for your horse and four for you --... | read »
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On Trail: Tips
from the pages of Trail Rider
Don’t Ride with a Halter
You may think it's convenient to leave a halter with an attached lead rope
under your horse's bridle as you ride. The lead hangs at the ready -- attached to
your horse's halter and tied to your saddle's horn -- making it easy to tie your
horse during breaks.
However, the extra rope and mesh... | read »
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On Trail: Tips
from the pages of Trail Rider
Pack Light
The worst possible location to carry weight is behind the saddle, over your
horse's kidneys. Large saddlebags and saddle packs designed to carry overnight
camping gear tempt you to fill them with unneeded items, to the possible
detriment of your horse. Keep your saddlebags small and light. If... | read »
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On Trail: Tips
from the pages of Trail Rider
Downhill Tips
When your horse travels downhill, he lifts his back and reaches his
hindquarters far beneath him for support and balance. He also uses his abdominal
muscles. Help him get into this position by not leaning far back in the saddle,
says top trainer/clinician Julie Goodnight . "If you lean back... | read »
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On Trail: Tips
from the pages of Trail Rider
Avoid Frostbite
If your winter riding schedule demands you venture out in any weather, make
sure you and your riding buddies stay warm and healthy. Frostbite (damage to the
skin caused by cold) and hypothermia (when your body loses heat faster than it's
produced) can set in when temperatures are as high as... | read »
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On Trail: Tips
from the pages of Trail Rider
Save the Trails
Are the trails where you ride in danger of being developed? Consider forming
a trail-preservation club with your riding buddies. Having an official name,
website, and an army of help can facilitate a dialogue with your local
government authorities about sponsoring and maintaining the trails... | read »
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On Trail: Tips
from the pages of Trail Rider
Creative Control
For avid trail riders, "the road less traveled" is usually the most appealing. It's all about discovering what lies around the next bend and getting there on the back of a good horse. In this series, Lynn Palm shares guidelines and helpful exercises on how to increase your on-trail control and... | read »
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| Desert Southwest Trail Ride |
If you’ve always wanted to see the desert Southwest, the Red Rock Ride is for you. This six-day trail ride takes you through some of the most beautiful and breathtaking landmarks in the world. You’ll ride through the read |
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