What Should a Good Trail Horse Know?

 Ari watching the green horse refusing to walk through a creek underscored for us why you only use an experienced trail horse on these types of trips. So, what should a good trail horse know?

Backing Up

This sounds trivial, but I can't count the number of times we have been on a trail and needed to back up. Maybe a tree is down or the trail is eroded or it has gotten too narrow or too rocky, but you need to be able to back up your horse. And I mean, back up in a straight line. Because if you can't back up straight, you may find yourself falling off a ledge or into a creek.

Walking Over Downed Trees

Trees fall down in the woods. Trails aren't always maintained. So, you need to be able to guide your horse to walk - walk, not jump - over a downed tree. If they don't know how to step over a log safely, they can injure themselves or the rider.

Walking Over a Bridge

When a horse walks over a wooden bridge, it makes noise and the noise can spook a horse. So, you need to practice this so your horse doesn't freak out when he hears the sound.

Walking Over Concrete

I learned this one the hard way. Someone decided to pour concrete to form a culvert in Sam Taylor State Park in Northern California. We were on a narrow trail next to a creek when we approached the concrete pad that protected the drain pipe. My horse was in the lead and he had never seen a concrete pad on a trail before. He didn't want to cross it, backed up, and I landed in the creek, breaking a rib.  Horses react this way because they don't have great depth perception and in my horse's mind I was asking him to step into a pit. He didn't know the surface was solid. 

Walking Through Mud

Most horses don't like mud. They don't like how it feels and I can't blame them. If your horse rushes to get through a mud puddle, it increases the likelihood they will slip and fall. So, you have to teach a horse to walk calmly though a mud puddle.

Walking Through Water

Water crossings seem to be one of the more challenging obstacles for horses - especially if the water is moving, which messes with their depth perception. Some horses love playing in water, splashing and drinking. 

Walking Through Brush

On horse obstacle courses, this is often referred to as the window washer obstacle. If your horse feels something scratching his back or sides, it can spook him, so you want him to pretty much ignore branches or leaves that might touch him going down the trail.

Sooner or later, you and your horse will meet any or all of these obstacles on the trail. Your horse should be able to manage all of these obstacles as well as feel comfortable around cyclists and motorized vehicles. Many equestrian centers have obstacle courses available to help you get your horse ready to hit the trails.