Following proper etiquette when horseback trail riding with others is essential for a safe, enjoyable ride. There is nothing like trail riding to enjoy nature and bond with your horse. The more you do it, the more you want to experience and expose your horse to it. Finding a variety of trails to ride creates a mutual trust that is second to none. You will trust your horse to alert you of any impending danger, and keep you safe, and your horse will trust you when they become nervous about something they are unfamiliar with. When you are trail riding with one or more people there are a few rules of the trail to follow in order to keep everyone safe.

Cinch that horse

First, everyone needs to check that their horse cinches are good and tight once you have been trail riding for 20-30 minutes. The cinch will loosen due to sweat and exertion and you don’t want it to start sliding back or to the side of your horsewhile riding.

Horse sense

Second, use your common sense, while on a trail ride never stray away from your party or leave someone behind. Horses can become agitated when they are separated from the group and may start to act in a dangerous manner, dancing around, rearing when you hold them back from running to catch up with their trail mate, refusing to move forward and backing up (very dangerous on the trail), just to mention a few.

Running horses

Third, if your party is at a walk or you are slightly behind on a trail ride, never run up on the group, or run past your group as this may startle the other horses and people may get thrown or their horse may bolt or go into a bucking fit. Remember when you are riding with a friend or a group of friends that they rely on you to make sure everyone is safe, just as you rely on them to use common sense and keep you safe.

Your horse and water

Fourth, some horses are nervous about crossing water while trail riding. Whether it is a puddle or a small creek or run off, there are a few things you can do to help the horse cross. Try having another horse go over first with the nervous one close behind. If this doesn’t work, you can try ponying the nervous horse over with their head at the flank of the lead horse. The important thing to remember is NOT to just wait impatiently on the other side for the nervous horse rider to try and force their mount over the water.

Happy horseback riding

Keep in mind when you are out on a horseback trail ride with others that one person’s problem is the group’s problem. It is essential that the group work together to overcome any obstacles, whether physical or behavioral while horseback riding.

If everyone works together and watches out for each other, the rides out on the trail can be both enjoyable and rewarding for you, your horse, and your friends.

Tagged as: Trail Riding Etiquette