Hi!  I'm glad you've visited this part of the homepage, it gives me a chance to explain a little bit about what we do with our horses and how we do it when trail riding.  We live in town and have nearby (within easy horseback distance) access to some very pretty and challenging nature trails.  There is enough variety altogether to help us make a better-than-average trail seasoned horse.  Steep slopes, deep & quick water, wooden bridges, clangy expanded metal bridges, traffic, bicycles, pavement, steps, dogs, trash bags and such.   If you'd like a sampling.... click HERE for a 'horse-cam' video clip.  Be sure to have your sound turned on for the full effect!

  We enjoy a little bit of "anything you can do, I can do better" lol - this keeps it fun and interesting for horse and rider both.  We'll usually try anything (at least once) if we feel it's within our and our horses' capabilities and don't feel it's excessively dangerous.  I say 'excessively dangerous' because face it, merely the act of putting your butt in that saddle has opened up whole new realms of potentially 'dangerous' happenings.  Simply crossing a creek can be dangerous, even if you've crossed there a hundred times..... one slippery rock or hole - and you're in a situation that could lead to broken bones!  We also realize what we feel is acceptable may seem excessive to another..... or what we feel is excessive is perfectly acceptable and reasonable to someone else!

 

  There are some things I would not recommend attempting at all unless you are confident in your horsemanship and/or the abilities of your horse - steep slopes, deep water, stairs and traffic are just a few.  There's just a little difference in a beginner riding a horse in an arena, as opposed to that same beginner trying to handle the stress of rush hour on Friday!  Same for horses, there's a difference in having a horse that might act up or buck a little in an arena (assuming you would put up with that kind of behavior, hmmm....), as opposed to dealing with that same activity in the middle of a parade.  A little forethought and planning and a whole lot of common sense can prevent most mishaps. 

A few suggestions on trail / town riding.... 

1)The buddy system works great - if you're trying something new on your horse it helps to have  an    experienced horse along in case you need a leader

2) Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings - you're the pilot and you can't do your job    

  effectively if you're not thinking at least one step ahead 

3) Pavement is slick!  Unless your horse is barefoot (most of ours are) or has on shoes made for use

  on pavement be very cautious - particularly when negotiating hills, steps, and curbs 

4) Pavement is a very, very hard surface and is tough on horses hooves and legs.  If you don't

  believe me, take your shoes off and go walk up and down main street for a couple of hours LOL. 

  Trotting should be limited, and loping is not only harder on your horse - it is the most dangerous

  gait on pavement..... barefoot or shod 

5) If you don't want to do something, DON'T.... your horse can sense your lack of confidence. 

  However, if you want to do it..... sit up, look forward, and think beyond the obstacle.... most

  horses will cooperate even if they're a little hesitant at first. 

And don't forget - wherever you may ride, be polite and respectful of other people and property!