teaching a trail horse to go alone

[Fancy]

I would like to trail ride in the morning, since I no longer work. There are several parks close by that have easy, well-marked trails. The thing is, almost all of the people I know aren’t available during the day. I would be riding solo. Of course, If I went out, I would call Mr. Fancy and tell him I was going, and call him again and tell him when I was on the ground. My cell lives in my belt pack. Hopefully, that’s enough security.

My real question is, how do I know when my mare is ready to go out solo? I’ve noticed that when we go out with a group and one of the group is a horse that leads, she lets that horse go first. But when Mr. Fancy and I went out together today, she was happy to lead both going out and coming back. So, do I just gut it up and do it and see how it goes?

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[Robyn]

You have two options, go it alone or move closer to ME!

Seriously, the precautions you mentioned are probably all you need. Just take it slowly to see how your mare reacts and have a good time. Some of my best rides have been alone. There seems to be a better connection to my horse, probably because I’m more focused on him and he’s the only one I have to talk too!
Robin

[gothedistance]

Why did I never ask this question in my youth? Why did I just always hop aboard anything with four legs and a mane… and just go. I would ride for hours and hours and miles and miles by myself, always searching out new territory, new paths, new trails to explore. Sometimes I did nothing more than seek out every cool running stream on the scorching summer days to wade up to the belly of my equine companion, sometimes I would spend racing around the countryside jumping every fence that rose to the challenge, sometimes riding until the sun disappeared and the heavens sprinkled with stars with only fireflies to light the way, sometimes riding past midnight in the moonlight with the world locked in the crunching freezing dead cold of winter – just me and the horse. Winter spring summer fall. I loved my riding friends…but when they were not there, it was just me and a horse willing to take me anywhere I wanted to go.

You can’t live your life waiting for other people, and you will never see the world by going in circles around a ring. Which is why I have to say – just do it. Go ride. Go enjoy your horse and the solitude of the day. Go enjoy everything nature has to offer. Go. It’s all yours. Nobody elses. Just you and your horse. You know the trails – so does she. Hand walk if your nerves give out, but… go.

And I’ll bet you have the time of your life.

The trail awaits.

[JackSprats_Mom]

Is there somewhere close you can try first of all? If you’re nervous maybe have hubby come with you on a bike.

Or ground drive her out first and see how she is :yes:

If not, jump on a go :winkgrin:

[Fancy]

@JackSprats Mom

Is there somewhere close you can try first of all? If you’re nervous maybe have hubby come with you on a bike.

Yeah, I can go down my own street. Only 1/4 mile, but at least it’s out of our pasture.

Robyn, I’m afraid that Wisconsin is a bit far for me to go—but thanks so much for the offer!

GTD, I did a LOT of things in my youth that I would never dare to do now. I think I thought I was immortal. Well, THAT question has been put to rest–I am not now, nor have I ever been immune from injury or death. I just didn’t used to know it.

As I said in my other post, Mr. Fancy and his boy Jack came on a trail ride with us today, and my girl did just fine. In fact, she led almost the whole way. For her, this is a first. That’s why I’m thinking she’s ready for something a little more ambitious.

[Simbalism]

I often end up riding by myself. Just moved to a new barn and, after a few weeks of letting my mare get used to her new 'digs", am getting ready to hit the trails exploring in the new area. When I first started trail riding my mare, I lead her on the trail so I could see how she would act(can we say timid old rider). I was much braver and unaware in my youth. One thing I have done since I am usually by myself riding around home, I added a large dog tag with horse’s name, my name,phone number to the ring at the front of my saddle. I also wear an arm band (like eventers) with ID and medical info, just incase I am not able to use my cell phone.

[gothedistance]

@Fancy

GTD, I did a LOT of things in my youth that I would never dare to do now. I think I thought I was immortal. Well, THAT question has been put to rest–I am not now, nor have I ever been immune from injury or death. I just didn’t used to know it.

I hear ya. I’ve arrived at that same camp, too. :winkgrin: Currently working a baby and soon will be taking him out on the trail…alone. I just don’t trust another horse not to spook or get fussy or do something stupid that my baby will think “oh, am I supposed to do that, too?”. However, I’m not about to ride him out until I know he’s ready, confident carrying me in the saddle, and what we will do is travel the same paths and trails we’re currently hand walking so he knows the territory. I want him to have a high comfort level when we finally ride out on the trails. He’s going to be my future foxhunter, driving pony, and endurance mount. I want his training to be complete and happy and non-rushed. I have all the time in the world to make this so.

When you’re ready, and you really feel comfortable that your mare is ready, too – then just go. Take a walk. Like I said – you are free whenever to get off and hand walk if you feel your nerves fraying. It will restore confidence in you, and won’t transmit your nervousness to her. You can mount up again anywhere at any time, and won’t be constrained by someone else being impatient, annoyed, or trying to tell you what you need to do.

The joys of riding by yourself can’t be understated. It is a wonderful time to bond with your horse … and enjoy the trail as just a twosome.

[tbtrailrider]

@Fancy

I would like to trail ride in the morning, since I no longer work. There are several parks close by that have easy, well-marked trails. The thing is, almost all of the people I know aren’t available during the day. I would be riding solo. Of course, If I went out, I would call Mr. Fancy and tell him I was going, and call him again and tell him when I was on the ground. My cell lives in my belt pack. Hopefully, that’s enough security.

My real question is, how do I know when my mare is ready to go out solo? I’ve noticed that when we go out with a group and one of the group is a horse that leads, she lets that horse go first. But when Mr. Fancy and I went out together today, she was happy to lead both going out and coming back. So, do I just gut it up and do it and see how it goes?

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

When I first started riding Banjo at my old place we stayed on the property, but that got boring quick. At the time I lived in a very horsey area (hunt country),but didn’t know anyone , I just took off down the road one day. In retrospect hand walking the route would have been a good idea beforehand,as I had to get off and lead him past horse eating monsters,i.e stumps, dark spots in the road, and esp. cows more than once. We still ride alone in the new place, I have yet to find a trail buddy.When I do I’m sure it will be interesting…Banjo is a TB and pretty forward going. Likes to gallop. I like to gallop.
So my advice would be to go for it, but walking on foot with your mount is a good idea, before heading out astride.
Cheryl:cool:

[Auventera_Two]

Just jump on and go! :winkgrin:

But of course you can take my advice with a grain of salt. I’m crazy and don’t mind trail riding alone. Last night I hopped on the Morgan pony bareback, in shorts and sandals, (but yes, I had a helmet!) with a hackamore and took off down the road alone. But maybe I should mention she hasn’t been ridden in a year, and while I was trying to get on her, she spun around and bucked, but I thought, what the heck, she’s only 13.1, not too far to fall! It was touch and go the first few minutes but she settled into a nice trot and did great. When it comes to trail riding, I pretty much just - go.

Like GTD said - you can’t see the world chasing your tail in the arena. The trail is so fascinating and magnificent. So go on hon and “Git R Done!”

(Hey, you inspired me to change my signature line! lol)

[Swale01]

If it makes you feel any better…

I had my OTTB on a 400+ acre property that we could “trail ride” around - it was woodsy in parts and had roads, ditches, etc, I think it was legitimate ‘trail riding’ for training purposes…and I was nervous about riding out on the property solo but he had absolutely ZERO issue when I tried him, I had really been worried for nothing. In fact, I quickly grew to enjoy it solo more than in a group - he was more attentive to me, was actually more willing and cooperative without the distraction of other horses, and it felt more like bonding time for the two of us.

[Auventera_Two]

I agree Swale, I’ve found I enjoy being alone more than in a group. My mare is much more attentive, and isn’t concerned about who is behind or who is in front. She just goes where I point her. I stop when I want, gallop when I want, etc. It’s really nice to go alone, although I do enjoy riding with friends ocassionally too. I’m not a total hermit crab. :winkgrin:

[Hannahsmom]

Excellent ideas!

@Simbalism

I added a large dog tag with horse’s name, my name,phone number to the ring at the front of my saddle. I also wear an arm band (like eventers) with ID and medical info, just incase I am not able to use my cell phone.

These are both GREAT ideas!

[Mtn_trails]

I like riding along too, I can go where I want, move out at a faster gait if I want, stay out as long as I want, etc. but there are times when I like to ride with friends too. In my experience, I’ve found that horses respond better when you take them out alone, they have to rely on you for their security and I have found that they are less likely to bolt or spook when alone. Go have fun with your horse, life is passing you by!

[Huntertwo]

When I bought my mare, she was pretty good about going out alone. Actually does better alone as she tends to pick up the spookiness in the other horses if we go out in a group.

But, I just went a little further each day to her comfort zone and turned around and came back. I didn’t just let her spin around and come home. But I made her stand for a few seconds and then let her turn around.

I also find constant talking or even singing helps soothe their nerves.

Good luck with your horse.

[Prieta]

I used to just hop on my mares and go for hours and hours at any time of the day. I never thought about getting hurt despite one of my mare’s tendency to buck me off every now and then. I was just so very eager to get on and GO!

Now, I’m much older and am more conservative about riding. At times, I truly do wish that I have this mindset that I had when I was younger so I could just GO! However, I being older I can relate to the OP’s concern…right now, I walk with my current mare out for footwalk out of home to allow ourselves to connect. Like what Huntertwo suggests, I’ve been riding to the point where either one of us becomes uncomfortable and we’d stop there before heading back on home.

[Wind]

I am happy to see this topic as I have been going through the same thing. I moved to a new area, got a new horse last year (OTTB who has now been off track 3 years and pretty calm for an OTTB, a very sweet boy). I still have my old 3/4 Arab (who I have taken out alone for 17 years). I have always been very independant and had no problem in the past before I moved in either riding by myself or with other boarders. I now have my own small farm. Have been riding the OTTB (with great success out on different trails) with my neighbor and her daughter. One problem - I came to the realization that my neighbor and her daugher are very inflexible about what time they want to ride, it’s their time or no time (their perogative). So, I was missing out on great riding. I never used to be that way before; I always used to love the solitude and independence in riding alone.

I felt really bummed out last week when I realized my neighbor (who will not ride alone at all) will not adjust her ride time. My husband told me, “Just get on him and go, don’t wait around to fit somebody else’s schedule all the time.” So I did. I live in a quiet area with a dirt road to ride on. There are cows and other critters around. Had a wonderful time, and will continue to do so. I will progress to riding in the woods also. It’s something I need to do because I need a horse that will either go out alone or ride in company. And if my neighbor’s schedules and mine meet fine, if not - now I know I can ride out alone with my new boy.

[matryoshka]

I LOVE riding alone. Just think, you don’t have to worry about somebody else’s skill level, when they want to trot or canter. No slowing down or speeding up to match the other horse. You can listen to nature, sing to your horse, talk to him/her about your problems or ideas! It’s also fun to ride with others, but you are really missing out if you never try it alone.

People think I’m crazy, because like GTD, I rarely think twice about going out alone. The second or third ride I did on my OTTB was alone on a trail. Sure, he acted up. I soothed him. At one point I was prepared to jump off when he started rearing and bucking a bit, but I hung in there and he settled down. His big problem was confusion. He’d never been out alone, ever. He also wasn’t used to going bitless. We were going to have to face going out alone at some point, and I elected to do it sooner than later.

I came back exhilerated, only to get a talking to about being irresponsible and a verifiable nut case. While I have no argument about the nut-case thing, I wasn’t being irresponsible. I was training my horse. The options were to try to find an experienced riding partner with a calm horse or to go alone. I wasn’t about to invite an inexperienced trail rider or horse to go along when I knew my boy would likely have at least one hissy fit! Now I have to get him used to going out in groups. :lol:

If you or your horse get nervous on the trail, sing. I can’t remember anything but Christmas carols and the Star Spangled Banner, but my horses don’t seem to care. Singing will keep you breathing, and your horse will at least partly focus on you and not on potential spooks on the trail.

If you haul to a trail, practice loading and unloading by yourself before you go. I load my horses while standing next to the ramp so I can close the butt bar as soon as they are on. If your horse is used to you leading him/her on, they have a chance to back out before you close the butt bar. Some horses stand there quietly enough for this to work, but I worry about what they’ll do in the few seconds it takes me to walk back and put up the bar.

[Auventera_Two]

@matryoshka

If you or your horse get nervous on the trail, sing. I can’t remember anything but Christmas carols and the Star Spangled Banner, but my horses don’t seem to care. Singing will keep you breathing, and your horse will at least partly focus on you and not on potential spooks on the trail.

:lol: That’s great! I sing the weirdest stuff too. I switch off between NIN and christmas songs and amazing grace. LOL!

[dm]

Also, put your cell phone in a place where you are less likely to land on it if you fall. I don’t think I’ve ever fallen off a horse and landed on the front of my body, so that’s where I would put it. Same thing with the arm band cell phone carriers–I would put them on the front of my arm, rather on the back or side, since it wouldn’t be as protected against the impact in the other places.

I like the idea of an arm band with contact stuff, medical stuff, etc. A fanny pack with ID could also work this way. Again, I would probably be more likely to put my fanny pack in front of me.

Cell phones don’t get a signal where I do most of my riding. It’s also too far away (I have to trailer out) to use walkie talkies/2 way radios. Does anyone have any experience with satellite cell phones? I’ve looked around the internet–they are expensive! But, I might consider a basic one if it wouldn’t put me in the poor house with unexpected fees and would actually work where I ride.

[alysheba]

Yep, I’m going to agree-jump on and go! You never know…your mare may enjoy the time alone with you. I can tell Avatar likes our walks together.

If your timid about it, maybe just take her out on a lead to see how she does.

Good luck! And please wear a helmet. Oh, and getting a dog collar tag w/your name and number on it and putting it on your horses halter/bridle is a good idea to when your riding alone.