Trek riding offers us the opportunity to see the world in a unique way, to enjoy the outdoors while enjoying the greatest sport on earth -- horse riding. It's not only good for individuals to emerge, see beautiful scenery, it is also perfect for the horse to have a change of pace. Of all the equestrian activities, trek riding is probably what most horses would choose to do if they were allowed to create a choice on the work they do. Most horses appear to enjoy taking place the trek.
Basic necessities for safe, enjoyable trek riding add the following:
A competent horse
A horse that is trained sufficiently to be safe riding on the trek -- knows basic requires and is obedient under stress; doesn't panic easily
The horse is fit enough for the work asked of him -- you've done some basic riding and conditioning before heading on the trek
Add that fits properly -- no matter if it's English, western, endurance -- just so it fits your horse well, does not restrict him being able to move freely, and fits you as a biker also so you, too, are comfortable
Trail Rides near Branson Missouri
. If you use a breast receiver collar or crupper, make sure it's fitted properly so that it doesn't apply on the horse's shoulder muscles or between his legs. Use a saddle pad that provides enough cushion to protect the horse's back but not one so thick and heavy that it creates a lot of heat under the saddle. Look over good quality trek riding handbooks and add online catalogs for ideas and recommendations. A good rule to remember is to never, ever try out brand new add or equipment on a long ride.
Add and equipment that is safe. Don't have a back piece of cake that hangs way down several in . below the horse's belly where a side or weeds could get caught in it, or worse, the horse's foot when navigating a steep from top to bottom. Don't make use of a tie-down if you can avoid it -- a horse that lies down in water can easily block by not being able to get up when wearing a tie-down. These are just plain dangerous for the trek. Use the least amount of "stuff" possible -- avoid "gadgets" -- leave the draw reins for arena work, the headsets, etc.
Shoes or other protective foot gear is important. Don't take a barefoot horse on a rugged trek if he is not used to it. It takes a long time for stone bruises to heal, and your horse could easily suffer an abscess that will put him out of commission for weeks.
If you're brand new to riding, don't set out on the trek alone. Get some experience in the arena until you're comfortable that you can easily control your horse, you will not panic if your horse gets a little spooky, and know your horse sufficiently to know how he behaves under new circumstances. It's never a good idea to go out alone on the trek anyway. Try to always go with a friend, for safety's welfare. Generally it's not the natural obstacles or creatures out there that you have to worry about; more often, it's the two-legged enemies that you have to watch out for.
Be fit to ride -- ride enough before going on a trek ride so you are fit enough to ride for a couple hours without feeling exhausted, sore, uncomfortable. Know your own limitations , nor over have to put out yourself. Trek riding is said to be fun, not wear you out and make you miserable. Hurting is no fun.
Wear safe, comfortable clothing. Like new add, don't wear brand new boots or shoes, or tight jeans first time out. Murphy's luck will have it -- you'll have to walk a nice telephone long distance i really enjoy seeing (horse throws a shoe, whatever) and you'll end up with blisters on your feet.
Safety helmets are highly recommended. Not only do they protect your head if you should fall off, but for trek riding they are wonderful -- you can skim under tree twigs and not get damaged or have to worry about scraping your head. It's just good common sense to wear a safety helmet.