TECHNIQUES FOR THE TRAIL

THERE'S NO TELLING WHAT YOU'LL RUN INTO ON THE TRAIL, BUT KEN MCNABB'S TIPS FOR NAVIGATING ANY TERRAIN WILL HELP KEEP YOU AND YOUR HORSE SAFE.

- BY KEN MCNABB.

In the last five to 10 years, we've seen a shift back to more active trail riding. People are getting out, both alone and in groups, going to trail riding events, and enjoying themselves.

As people are reconnecting with their horses outside of the arena, I've seen nerves surface. They're finding trickier trail terrain to cross or are taking horses that are used to arena environments out into nature for the first time.

I've been fortunate to trail ride across nearly every type of terrain in the United States and in every region. Here, I want to share exercises to do before heading out and tips to help you stay safe on the trail.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

If my horse is scared of an obstacle, I'm going to take my time working him through his fears. No matter the terrain, the first thing I do is have my horse look at the obstacle in question. If my horse looks away, or tries to avoid the obstacle all together, I squeeze my legs and ask for forward momentum immediately. I'm going to keep gently increasing the pressure until my horse looks where I want him to look, and as soon as he does so, I'm going release the pressure.

The horse not only needs us to trust him, he needs us to guide him. You need to be able guide your horse to the bottom of the hill or to the top of the hill or through the river.

If he’s refusing to go forward because he’s scared, it's important to slow down and take your time approaching the obstacle. The harder you push him, the more you're going to scare him, which is only going to elevate the intensity of the situation.