Ever hear of defensive riding?
Most likely not but that's what I would like to talk about. Trail riding is just like driving, you need to be aware of your surroundings and know what is going on around you. Trail riding can be very dangerous, there are no fences to stop your horses and there is constant stimulus.
To prevent issues, the more you are aware of something the sooner you can react. I see over and over again, people riding on a totally loose rein chatting with their friends totally unaware of their surroundings. A bike flying down the trail, a leaf blower, a biker leaning over their bike fixing a tire, a loose dog, the list go on. Remember your horse does not see like you do and things moving fast or hunching over looks like a predator to them. Horses are prey animals and they react first then think later that's how they have survived all these years, but you can guide them on what to do.
On the trail you should be aware and pay attention, just like driving. When you see your horses head come up and ears go toward the object, this is a sign to do something and not just sit there. Its like seeing everyone hit their car breaks and not breaking. Of course you are going to crash because you didn't do anything, to slow your car down.
Your horses head up and ears forward tells you he sees something and he is worried. If his tail comes up you better react fast because now he is highly alert and ready to run.
Immediately get his head back down, they are calmer with the head down and you will have better control. Shorten your reins quickly and give him something to think about besides the scary thing coming up. Put his feet to work and give him a job to think about. Leg yield, serpentine, shoulder in, hindquarters in anything to get his attention. DO NOT JUST SIT THERE!
If your horse puts his head up and ears forward and you sit there being a passenger with loose floppy reins waiting to see how he reacts. then you have no one to blame but yourself for what happens next. Be a defensive rider, help your horse to know he is safe and help yourself to stay safe. Horses run from whatever they feel is dangerous, this is a fact but they will stay calm if they feel safe. Be a defensive rider and your horse will thank you for it.
Chaps https://amzn.to/3wtU5sD
Equestrian shirts https://amzn.to/3XV7y8C
Breeches https://amzn.to/3H8XDp9
Riding Jeans https://amzn.to/3WCrdcw
Disclaimer - If you click on the links above and buy something within 24 hours, I will receive a small commission which helps support my pages. Thank you for your support!
Most likely not but that's what I would like to talk about. Trail riding is just like driving, you need to be aware of your surroundings and know what is going on around you. Trail riding can be very dangerous, there are no fences to stop your horses and there is constant stimulus.
To prevent issues, the more you are aware of something the sooner you can react. I see over and over again, people riding on a totally loose rein chatting with their friends totally unaware of their surroundings. A bike flying down the trail, a leaf blower, a biker leaning over their bike fixing a tire, a loose dog, the list go on. Remember your horse does not see like you do and things moving fast or hunching over looks like a predator to them. Horses are prey animals and they react first then think later that's how they have survived all these years, but you can guide them on what to do.
On the trail you should be aware and pay attention, just like driving. When you see your horses head come up and ears go toward the object, this is a sign to do something and not just sit there. Its like seeing everyone hit their car breaks and not breaking. Of course you are going to crash because you didn't do anything, to slow your car down.
Your horses head up and ears forward tells you he sees something and he is worried. If his tail comes up you better react fast because now he is highly alert and ready to run.
Immediately get his head back down, they are calmer with the head down and you will have better control. Shorten your reins quickly and give him something to think about besides the scary thing coming up. Put his feet to work and give him a job to think about. Leg yield, serpentine, shoulder in, hindquarters in anything to get his attention. DO NOT JUST SIT THERE!
If your horse puts his head up and ears forward and you sit there being a passenger with loose floppy reins waiting to see how he reacts. then you have no one to blame but yourself for what happens next. Be a defensive rider, help your horse to know he is safe and help yourself to stay safe. Horses run from whatever they feel is dangerous, this is a fact but they will stay calm if they feel safe. Be a defensive rider and your horse will thank you for it.
Chaps https://amzn.to/3wtU5sD
Equestrian shirts https://amzn.to/3XV7y8C
Breeches https://amzn.to/3H8XDp9
Riding Jeans https://amzn.to/3WCrdcw
Disclaimer - If you click on the links above and buy something within 24 hours, I will receive a small commission which helps support my pages. Thank you for your support!