pring is finally here, and riding trails are calling out for us to come and enjoy their beauty. In order for the ride to go well our horses need to be prepared, but that doesn’t have to be difficult or scary. You just need to train on trail obstacles and here’s how you can do it.
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be prepared, but that doesn’t have to be difficult or scary. You just need to train on trail obstacles and here’s how you can do it.
34 / Sport and Trail Magazine
for training and for spring tune-up.
With the obstacles in place start training from the ground. I’m a firm believer that a great ride and good horsemanship, starts from the ground. If you have some basic techniques perfected such as driving, the ability to move the horse ahead of you through obstacles, you can prepare your horse in a safe manner before you ever get into the saddle or hit the trail.
Begin by driving the horse forward over the obstacle. Resist the urge to lunge the horse or it will jump. Instead, have it slowly walk up to the obstacle and allow it to drop its head to inspect it. Here is the easy part, yet most handlers often overlook it. Allow the horse time to think. Don’t pressure the horse, as long as it’s on task.
Key signs that the horse is engaged in what is in front of it, is that its head is dropped in order to inspect the obstacle that you want it to navigate. Often it snorts and paws the object or the ground. Also, its ears are forward and/or moving back and forth and its lips may be moving. Sometimes the horse is shaking, tightens up around the mouth and ultimately, especially if panicked, tries to run over you. Watch its eyes for signs of engagement, concentration or panic. Your job is to stay safe but persistent with your clear and consistent directions in keeping the horse focused on the obstacle.
MOUNTAIN TRAIL
Get Ready to Ride, Spring is Coming
By Mark Bolender
A very simple but effective trail obstacle can be constructed from cord wood. Take approximately one half cord of wood and place it in a 12 by 30 foot area. The cord wood should be randomly placed yet with enough space for you to walk through. If you can walk through it so can the horse. You can also do this with a rock patch. Both are very cheap yet effective for training and for spring tune-up.
Have your horse slowly walk up to the obstacle and allow it to drop its head to inspect it