18 July , 1962
Step By Step Training Walker For Trail Riding
( Editor ' s Note — Here is the second article in a special series by Mi ' s . Virginia Lamb of 2901 " 7tli Avenue . Sacramento . Calif . The Voice regards the " discovery " of litis dedicated young woman as a major step in development of resource personnel who will contribute articles that are Certain to make this the best horse breed magazine in existence today . Read this second article — and read the first in Lhe June issue . You trill then agree to much of our statement . BAG .)
By Virginia Lamb ( Second Article In A Series ) By now , you have selected a horse suitable for the purpose you have in mind and are now ready to start his basic training as a trail horse . Now that you have the horse , you will have to decide which style you are going to do your riding , VVesiern or English . Western is the best lor trail riding , and this part ol the article will deal with that type ol riding in the high country , but English will do providing the country is not too rough . One thing to remember is that the horse will have to be taught to neck rein and back up , regardless . Either way that you decide to ride , the training of the horse will be the same .
Needed equipment will be as follows : A good bridle with a standard curb bit ( the regular TWH bit is fine ), a strong breast plate ( not a martingale ), a Western stock saddle , either % or a full double rig and a good saddle blanket or pad . The breast plate holds the saddle in place going up steep inclines so that the saddle will noL ride down the horses back , possibly causing a raw spot . The Vi or double rig on the saddle will also keep the saddle where it belongs , the second cinch preventing the back or the saddle from flying up in case you have to jump Lhe horse .
A saddle bag is almost a must on any trail horse and is considered standard equipment . In this you should carry a first aid kit for yourself and the horse , a hoof cleaner , a few horseshoe nails and a small hammer in case the shoe becomes loose . If you are afraid to tack the shoe back in place , it is best to pull the shoe completely off .
Learn To Saddle Correctly
Now that you have your equipment , you must learn to saddle him correctly and at the same time become acquainted with the horse . EirsL , the bridle should be placed on the horse and the headstall adjusted so that the bit will rest in his mouth lightly , wrinkling his mouth slightly at the corners . If the bit is too loose , there will be loo much play and the port may bang against his teeth . The chin strap should barly rest on his chin , being just light enough so that pressure on the reins will bring it into play . Being too light will likely rub a sore spot .
The Western saddle , if you have never had one , will weigh anywhere from 20 to 40 pounds . It placed on the horse correctly , he will be able to carry this weight withouL difficulty . Unlike the English saddle , which rests behind the withers with the rider sitting on the kidneys of the horse , the Western saddle should be placed over and slightly in front of the withers . Tighten the front cinch so that you can just barely slip your fingers , by lightly forcing , between the horse and the cinch . If you stop and think about how you feel when you pull your belt too tigliL around your waist , you will know why Lhis is important on the horse . He will not be able to do his best if he is being “ choked ” by the " belt ”.
The back cinch should be pulled up so that it barely rests against the horse or hangs about an inch away from him . If the second cinch is too loose , it is doing no good and might as well not be there . There is always the chance of the horse getting his hind feet hung up if it hangs too low and it is best to avoid this to start with . Now , the breast plate , or collar as it is sometimes called , wraps around the chest of the horse and attaches to the cinch rings on both sides of the saddle .
There is usually a strap thaL is attached to the breast plate so that it comes up and over the horse ’ s neck , crosses in front of the withers , and snaps or buckles to the other side of the plate . You should be able to slip vour hand between the neck of the horse and the plate without any difficulty .
Learn To Mount From Both Sides
Now that the horse is ready , you are also ready . As in English , you mount from the left , however , learn to mount from the right as well . This is important as there may come a time when mounting from the left is impossible and if the horse will not stand to let you mount from that side , you may have trouble . There are three ways to mount .
( 1 ) Put your back to the head of the horse , gathering the reins with your left hand and placing it and the reins on Lhe pommel of the saddle . Turn the stirrup around , placing your left foot in it . As you swing around and up , pull with the left hand . Your right hand may remain free , or you can use it for balance anywhere on the saddle that is easier for you .
( 2 ) Stand directly facing the side of the horse , gathering the reins in the left hand and placing on the withers or Lhe pommel . The right hand can then be placed on the pommel or the cantel for balance as you mount . From this position , it is usually placed on the cantel .
( 3 ) With you facing the head of the horse , place your right hand on the pommel , your foot in the stirrup and with your reins gathered in the left hand , either free or on the withers or pommel , too , lightly jump and pull with your right hand , swinging your right leg up and over the back of the horse . It will depend upon your height and the size of the horse as to which way is the easiest for you . You may have to make a slight variation , but try them all and stick to the most comfortable for you .
After mounting , the stirrup length is important for comfort to the rider . To check this , place your right hand on the pommel and stand up . There should be a two to three inch clearance between you and the saddle .
Get Acquainted With Your Horse
Spend the firsL few days becoming acquainted with your horse . Ride him just as you would any pleasure horse . This period of time will let you get the feel of the horse and will also let him know that you are the boss . You will find yourself enjoying every minute of this acquainting time .
Now then , without realizing it , from the first day , you and the horse started the training . As mentioned before , the horse should be taught to neck rein . The easiest way for the beginner is to cross the reins under his neck . You ride with a loose rein on any trail horse , so if the horse has been trained with a short rein , to keep the head set , lengthen the reins so that they are loose , but just short enough so that you have complete control at all
( Continued , on Page 19 )