S
34 / Sport and Trail Magazine
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.
takes
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.
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”.
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.
HIT THE TRAILS WITH
CONFIDENCE
By Mark Bolender
Small fan of natural logs
Scramble and logs to step over
Logs to cross and steps
Simple obstacles made up of small logs and rocks. Each is very effective in preparing for the spring trail rides. Horses should be allowed to pick through the obstacles at its own pace with its head down, showing engagement. This will allow the horse’s instinct to properly place its feet in a safe manner.