addition to having the right temperament, to be safe on the trail, your horse must listen to your cues, which means she needs to be well trained, with a solid foundation. Horses lacking basic training will be difficult to control on the trail and, in some cases, dangerous.
BASIC SKILLS
Like show horses, trail horses should be able to walk, jog, lope, back up, side-pass, stop, and turn with hand and leg cues in an arena before heading out on the trail. A trail horse also needs solid ground manners, including holding still while the rider mounts and dismounts, leading without dragging or bullying the handler, and tying safely. If a horse lacks any of these skills, some basic training is in order before you leave the safety of the stable.
Trail horses are also asked to tackle tasks and situations that show horses will never encounter. A trail horse often needs to stand patiently while the rider opens and shuts a gate from the saddle. It’s helpful if the horse knows how to ground tie, as well. She’ll also need to be trained to cross water; this can be daunting if the horse has never crossed water or is fearful of it. Depending on what type of trail activities you plan to do with your horse, she may require additional skills.
For example, if you plan to pack into or camp in areas without corrals, you’ll need a horse trained to stand hobbled or tied on a high line. Know ahead of time what you plan to use the horse for, then devise a list of skills your candidate must possess before you take to the trails.
TRAINING VERSUS AGE
Age is not as important as temperament, training, and health. A four-year-old with a great deal of training and experience may be a better choice than a ten-year-old that hasn’t been ridden or handled as frequently. However, older horses often have more training and experience than their youthful counterparts. Never overlook a senior horse; many horses can still trail ride well into their twenties.
A rider lopes down the trail on his mount, which is riding nicely on the bit. Solid training is a must for trail horses.
FINDING A TRAINER
Your horse can always learn new skills. As the rider, you must also know how to correctly cue your horse. If you or your mount needs to brush up on any basic skills, find a qualified trainer or riding instructor in your area. Quality instruction can be costly, but your life may literally depend on it. It’s one of the best horse-related investments you can make.
Here are some points to consider when choosing a trainer or an instructor:
You’ll want to consider each of these factors when choosing a trainer or an instructor. Having a trusted professional to advise you is invaluable. Not only can this person help you and your horse master the basics needed to succeed on the trail, but you can also go to him or her with questions or new challenges.
Health
Choose a horse that’s in good general health. A horse won’t enjoy her job or respond correctly and consistently if she’s uncomfortable or in pain. Few horses are blemish free, and minor issues may not be a problem for your intended use, but ongoing or chronic conditions must be carefully considered and may exclude a potential candidate.
Soundness is a key concern when sizing up a trail horse. Many people retire their horses from more strenuous jobs, such as jumping and racing, to become just trail horses. But if you plan to take long rides, go on rides over steep or difficult terrain, or compete in endurance or competitive trials, you’ll need a horse that’s sound and athletic. Horses with conditions such as mild navicular disease or arthritis may be fine for short trail rides over smooth terrain. Always ask your veterinarian exactly what type of exercise and how much is best, or even tolerable, for your particular horse.
Conformation, or the way a horse is built, will affect her soundness and ability to perform a particular activity well. The more athletic you need the horse to be, the more conformation comes into play. Obviously, a trail rider can be less of a perfectionist than a halter class competitor can, but severe conformation defects can cause soundness issues down the road, especially if you plan to ride long distances or to compete. Your trainer, riding instructor, or veterinarian can help you determine if a particular horse’s conformation may hinder her ability to perform the tasks you have in mind.
Here is an overview of essential health factors for you to consider when you choose a trail horse:
