How Can I Safely Make The Transition To Trail Riding?

[Cindyg]

My trainer trail rides extensively. When the time comes for me – and it will come soon, I know – I’m going to pay her for a lesson, and we’re going to spend our lesson time on the trails.

My previous horse – who was of the rip snortin’ sort – I sent him to a trainer for a month, specifically for her to trail ride him every day. She ponied him. She let him shake his sillies out. She let him run. Then she took me out trail riding. Your horse probably doesn’t need that sort of intervention. But it’s an idea.

[IdahoRider]

@Cindyg;7229936

My trainer trail rides extensively. When the time comes for me – and it will come soon, I know – I’m going to pay her for a lesson, and we’re going to spend our lesson time on the trails.

Actually, I have considered doing the same thing. I have asked around a little and nobody seems to know a trainer that has a whole lot of trail experience. It seems that while I have been living in DressageLand, fewer and fewer people have been trail riding.

I am going to keep asking around, and in the mean time I am going to hand walk out as much as possible.
Sheilah

[2DogsFarm]

My OTTB viewed trails as the World’s Longest Post Parade when I first got him.

What helped me was:
1 - When he (inevitably) started to jig, we went right back to the arena - outdoor if possible, to work.
Of course, if you don’t have a large outdoor to work in that won’t help you so…
2- Go out with an unflappable horse/rider combo.
My SteadyEddie pals just went right along quietly while TB went “What’s that?!?!” :eek:
Wash, rinse, repeat until TB figured out trails were not full of monsters or Start gates.

After several years I could ride him out, alone, on the buckle.
Although he needed a refresher course each Spring - those 1st rides of the season could get a little wild.

From your description it sounds like your horse was doing what he’d been taught to do on trails when you first had him.
After so many years doing dressage, he s/b more relaxed and tuned-in to you and may very well be glad to walk out on trail.
The new barn also sounds like it may provide some riding buddies to help with the transition.
Hope it works out & you get in some nice rides!

[IdahoRider]

@2DogsFarm;7230531

From your description it sounds like your horse was doing what he’d been taught to do on trails when you first had him.

Yes, poor boy. He was just doing what he had been taught to do. He couldn’t figure out why I kept getting in his way!

I would have stuck with trail riding (at least occasionally) if I had other riders to go out with. But my trail riding buddy moved away, our trail access dried up (houses going up and closing off access) and I just started focusing exclusively on dressage and he was more than happy to stay in the arena.

I am very excited about this change. I can’t tell you how nice the trails are, and they are right out the arena back gate. Awesome riding. And the new barn is just as close to my home as the barn we are leaving. Maybe an eleven minute drive for me. So I will be able to continue my habit of just dropping in for a quick carrot offer and wither scratch.

Life is good.
Sheilah