10 Trail Riding Safety Tips – Happy Trails

I can only go in so many circles around the arena before I lose it and start squeaking like the hamster I feel like. It’s at that point that I prudently head out on a trail ride to give Noah and me a much-needed change in scenery.

Trail riding can be fun, relaxing or even competitive (yes, there are trail riding competitions…) But open trails can also add new elements that every rider needs to consider.

My golden rule is never ride outside without someone knowing where you’re going and when you’ll be back. This way, everyone back home knows when to start worrying, and can relax until then. On a similar note, I ALWAYS ride with a cell phone. This is a must if you are going to ride alone, and a good idea even if you have company.

Here are ten tips for staying safe and happy out on the trails:

1. Practice makes perfect. If you can’t get your horse to stop in an arena, you can bet a pound of carrots he won’t stop out on the trail. So practice transitions, rein-backs (backing up), emergency dismounts, maybe even how to open and close a gate–all in the arena before you tally-ho out into the open.
2. Be sure you’re practicing it right. Practicing the wrong thing doesn’t help anyone, least of all you. Don’t be afraid to take a lesson specifically on trail riding: your trainer can even take you on a guided ride to show you how to manage life on the outside. Make sure you understand how stop a runaway horse, how to ride up and down hills, how to cross water and bridges and how to deal with non-arena objects (like dogs, cars and the occasional plastic bag).
3. Know the rules. Each trail is likely to have its own rules, although many may be standard for your county or state. Know what speed you are allowed to travel, who has the right of way over whom, where you are allowed to cross roads and where you are and aren’t allowed to ride. Knowing these details in advance will keep you safe and out of trouble.
4. Dress the part. Because the trail is a less predictable place than an enclosed arena, a proper helmet is a really, REALLY good idea. Many of my students also wear protective vests. As always, proper riding pants and boots are a must. Additionally, don’t forget reflectors and lights if you are likely to be out in poor weather or low light conditions.
5. Be prepared. The whole point of a trail ride is to get out and about—but this escape means that you can’t just pop into the barn and grab something you need. I always bring a riding crop with me as a pony motivational device in case we get to a really scary water crossing or downright frightening duck. I also always ride with water, a cell phone and a belt; I have actually had the fun experience of using this last item to patch together a broken pair of reins! Lastly, prepare your route ahead of time. The last thing you want is to get lost.
6. Respect all other trail users. We all hate the loudmouth on a cellphone at the restaurant, or the loudmouth on a cellphone stopped at a green light, or the loudmouth with a cellphone that goes off every day in class. Besides making sure you don’t ride and talk at the same time (trust me, horses have an uncanny way of knowing you aren’t paying attention to them any more…), just remember that you aren’t the only one on the trail. Stay on your side of the trail, give verbal warnings when you are about to pass someone, and don’t gallop around turns—you don’t know who may be coming around from the other way.
7. Respect the trail. It’s amazing how much damage four little hooves can do on the wrong surface. Respect your trail and make sure you stay off fragile areas like turf or flower beds. Don’t take unauthorized short cuts. Leave things just the way you found them, or even better! If you open a gate, double check you’ve closed it.
8. Be alert and aware. It’d help if we could grow eyes on the backs of our heads, but since we can’t, we have just settle for being aware of our surroundings. This alertness is especially important on the trail, where bikes, runners and the occasional rumbling stroller can appear around any corner. Also make sure you pay attention to your horse; if he is getting nervous or antsy give him something constructive to think about, such as transitions.
9. Communicate. We also (unfortunately) can’t read minds. If you are riding in a group,  it’s very important that the riders share what is going on. For example, if the girl riding in front stopped without warning everyone behind her, you’d have a furry pony pileup! The rider in the back should always stop first and so on up the line, while the first rider should always be the first to pick up a faster gait. If you are riding in the front, be sure also to call out any hazards you see: holes, wire, ditches and the like.
10. Know your limits. Every horse and every rider will meet something on the trail that just is too much. If you know both your horse’s and your own limits, you are much less likely to land yourself in a sticky, and potentially dangerous, mess. It’s always a good idea to check out obstacles like water crossing before you attempt them so you can decide before it’s too late if you can handle them.

Happy trails!