Trail Riding Equipment/Tips?

ShutterSnapper · 11-05-2009, 10:01 PM

Hello everyone.

Im a brand new first time horse owner and as I make the tack list, etc, Im thinking about trail riding and what the needs may be.

I would like to know if you have any tips for a first time trail rider, such as dos and donts and what tack/equipment to use that works the best. Such as wraps or boots?

Thank you!

Christina in TX

sparkyharky · 11-06-2009, 09:48 AM

Are you trail riding for pleasure or competitively? If competitively are you doing Endurance or Competitive Trail? It does make a difference in what you use because if you are competing each discipline has rules as to what you can use and not use.

Horselady44 · 11-06-2009, 10:00 AM

I love my aussie saddle. They are so comfortable and you can ride for hours. I also would get saddle bags...and put water,a rain slicker,granola bars, and a first aid kit in them.

Painted Horse · 11-06-2009, 08:05 PM

You will learn as you go. Watch what others you ride with bring along.
I always have water, usually two bottles in the cantle bag. A few granola bars, Always have some matches, I keep a space blanket in the cantle bag, takes little space and can provide some protection from the weather if you get caught out. I leave these things in the cantle bag all the time and refresh/replace what ever I use before the next ride. Depending on the weather forecast, I usually have a jacket or poncho tied behind the saddle. I like to keep a length of nylon parachute cord. If a rein breaks, if a stirrup looses a buckle etc, I can tied things back together.

gaitedhorse · 11-06-2009, 08:13 PM

I always carry a hoof pick and leather punch and strips of leather in case you need to make emergency repairs. Water and a Camera are a must! You should always ride in comfortable clothing and good boots! No tennis shoes they are a danger in stirrups!

jjsimsez · 11-07-2009, 07:29 AM

def need cantle bag. i have a regular on the butt saddle bag, for very long rides. but take my cantle bag everywhere. and if you carry a cell, put it on YOU, not the horse. if you fall off , you dont want your cell running away with the horse. i take water bottle. clip it on a d ring somewhere on saddle.
i put a piece of rope in my bag. once my daughters horse broke his rein. was glad to have that rope. sometimes we bring lead ropes. you dont ever want to tie horse with reins. bad things can happen. happy trails. trail riding is the best. im sooo jealous. you still have warm weather. up here ,my riding days are pretty much over till spring.

mingiz · 11-07-2009, 08:33 AM

I always have my horn bags for my snacks,camera,hoofpick, I also carry saddle bags 1 side holds 2 water bottles and the other I have my neck rope for tying and first aid kit,compass,smaller items. On mountain rides I carry a boot in case I lose a shoe, rain gear and outback coat and a few other items
It really depends on where, and how far your going. A local park ride you wouldn't need to much for a few hours of riding but if your doing mountain riding you'll need to prepare for anything that can happen. So you would tend to carry a few extra items. As someone said also see what others carry.
And of course Happy Trails

Sirita_88 · 11-07-2009, 08:38 AM

If you are trail riding for pleasure you want Lots and LOTs of saddle bags! Insulated ones are even better! I don't trail ride, but we were asked to go with a group and we said why not? All I have is one set of horn bags, everyone else ended up carrying our stuff

.

From what I saw, most ppl don't put boots on thier horses, but if I were to use them I reccomend getting some sports medicine boots, they give great support and they are sooo much easier than wrapping.

Saddle choice is totally your preference. Also, if you plan on going on long trail rides make sure to bring halters and leadropes so if you want to take a break you can tie your horse up safely. (I would never tie a horse with a bridle like many ppl do).

ETA, If I was going to do a lot of trail riding I might use drilltech shoes (for the horse) When I took my poor horses they were in aluminums (i show

) we were limited to where we could go because my poor ponies would slip on every rock =(

bleve · 11-07-2009, 10:23 PM

I will never say you shouldn't be without a map, compass and common sense, but I have really enjoyed taking my GPS with me this year. I'm able to mark spots to get water, keep track of how many miles I've ridden and what my average speed is.

Another item I highly recommend is a whistle. If you are separated from your group and injured, or just injured in general, a whistle allows you to call for help from a much greater distance than just yelling.

Horselady44 · 11-07-2009, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bleve

I will never say you shouldn't be without a map, compass and common sense, but I have really enjoyed taking my GPS with me this year. I'm able to mark spots to get water, keep track of how many miles I've ridden and what my average speed is.

Another item I highly recommend is a whistle. If you are separated from your group and injured, or just injured in general, a whistle allows you to call for help from a much greater distance than just yelling.

Great ideas!

Oh and of course....a CAMERA!!!

mingiz · 11-08-2009, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bleve

I will never say you shouldn't be without a map, compass and common sense, but I have really enjoyed taking my GPS with me this year. I'm able to mark spots to get water, keep track of how many miles I've ridden and what my average speed is.

Another item I highly recommend is a whistle. If you are separated from your group and injured, or just injured in general, a whistle allows you to call for help from a much greater distance than just yelling.

Good Idea on a whistle, Luckily I have a good natural one...What type of GPS do you use. Are they easy to use. Can you give more info on yours..I have been thinking about getting one for my mountain rides. But I'm not to electronic wise. The easier to use the better...

beaner1962 · 11-08-2009, 10:56 AM

I like a rope halter under the bridle when I trailride so that when you rest you can tie the horse quickly, also hoofpick, bailing twine for fixing a broken headstall just in case, roll on fly repellent for you and the horse, cell, waterbottles, snack, camera, map if you go on a big ride, if you ride alone let someone know where you are going and for appr. how long. If your horse wears shoes you should probably take a Boa boot or similar in case he loses a shoe on the ride.

bleve · 11-08-2009, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mingiz

Good Idea on a whistle, Luckily I have a good natural one...What type of GPS do you use. Are they easy to use. Can you give more info on yours..I have been thinking about getting one for my mountain rides. But I'm not to electronic wise. The easier to use the better...

Yes, but I'd bet a whistle will still be heard farther than you can whistle and it doesn't require for your lips to be moist which could be a problem in an injury circumstance (think waking up after a long period of unconsciousness).

My GPS is a Garmin eTrex Vista HCx. It's what's known as a mapping GPS which adds a little cost but allows you to follow where you travelled (others may just show where you are). It's pretty much useless for street navigation, but I found a website where I could download a free topo map of MI and it's been great for off road activity. A really neat feature is to come home, download a trip and you can then see that trip on Google Earth. You can also set what are called waypoints before you go out and ride to them (be it a viewpoint, water source or road).

Another thing I really like is that my GPS shows my moving average speed, overall average speed, fastest speed, as well as time and distance travelled. Very handy for figuring out how long you have been riding or may want to ride.

bleve · 11-08-2009, 05:13 PM

I forgot that another always have item for me is a collar. Actually we use hobbles as a collar so it's a dual use item. It's something we can leave on the horse during the ride and doesn't get in the way and it's easy to take the reins and make them into a lead rope (if they have snaps of some kind). Leave the bridle in place and you don't need to have a separate halter along.

bleve · 11-09-2009, 07:58 AM

Here's kinda what I was talking about, this isn't the best example as there are numerous "tracks" since I have ridden this trail several times:

The above shows the track on a free topo map I downloaded with a couple waypoints marked (water sources, geocaches, etc.). Then this screenshot below is the same track in Google Earth. You can see a limitation of the free topo map because in the Google Earth view you can clearly see a man made lake, I don't know why it's not on the topo map. This is really the first major mistake I've seen.

trailmeister · 11-09-2009, 04:51 PM

Welcome to the world of trail riding! Take it easy, safe, and have fun!

I see that map, compass, cantle bags etc have been covered. I would recommend a breast collar and crupper as well. From the contour lines on your maps it looks like you have some stepper terrain to cover.

I've got a list of tips and hints that have helped me tremendously over the years. The list is always being added to. Click HERE for the link.

Again, welcome to trail riding you'll have a ball!

bleve · 11-09-2009, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trailmeister

I would recommend a breast collar and crupper as well. From the contour lines on your maps it looks like you have some stepper terrain to cover.

Actually no, if you look closer, the contour lines are only 10 feet apart I think it is (lowest on the map is 680, highest is 800). Anyway, breast collar and crupper would be complete overkill out here, very little elevation change.

Santorin · 11-11-2009, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horselady44

I love my aussie saddle. They are so comfortable and you can ride for hours. I also would get saddle bags...and put water,a rain slicker,granola bars, and a first aid kit in them.

Not to get off topic, but what saddle pad are you using with your aussie saddle? I'm about to buy my aussie saddle and can't figure out what pad is best for this type of saddle. I can only seem to find English or Western pads.

Horselady44 · 11-11-2009, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Santorin

Not to get off topic, but what saddle pad are you using with your aussie saddle? I'm about to buy my aussie saddle and can't figure out what pad is best for this type of saddle. I can only seem to find English or Western pads.

You can find aussie pads on jeffers and ebay for a decent price. I have used my aussie with a western pad though.

Also, when getting a saddle pad I recommend wool.

To the OP...if you live in mountians/hilly area and have a horse with not much for a front end like I do...a britchen would be a great investment...nothing like having to stop 10 times down the mountian...or having to get off and walk because the saddle keeps going forward...and they seem less invasive than a cropper

The mountians here are steep in alot of places...and boy has it made trail riding so much more enjoyable for me and Tilly.

RockHorseRanch · 11-19-2009, 08:42 PM

I never, ever, ever leave home without my HELMET!!

Not only has it kept my brains from getting scrambled when I've had an unplanned dismount, but I can't tell you how many times it's saved my face & head from being whapped with tree branches.

Plus it's very helpful for sun protection too.

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11-05-2009, 10:01 PM
ShutterSnapper Newborn Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: North East TX Posts: 1	Trail Riding Equipment/Tips? Hello everyone. Im a brand new first time horse owner and as I make the tack list, etc, Im thinking about trail riding and what the needs may be. I would like to know if you have any tips for a first time trail rider, such as dos and donts and what tack/equipment to use that works the best. Such as wraps or boots? Thank you! Christina in TX

11-06-2009, 09:48 AM
sparkyharky Yearling Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 836	Are you trail riding for pleasure or competitively? If competitively are you doing Endurance or Competitive Trail? It does make a difference in what you use because if you are competing each discipline has rules as to what you can use and not use. __________________ In Loving Memory of my mother: Leona T. Harkenreader September 19, 1936 to November 23, 2007. You are missed!

11-06-2009, 10:00 AM
Horselady44 Started Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 2,395	I love my aussie saddle. They are so comfortable and you can ride for hours. I also would get saddle bags...and put water,a rain slicker,granola bars, and a first aid kit in them. __________________ A happy horse equals a happy rider!

11-06-2009, 08:05 PM
Painted Horse Newborn Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Utah Posts: 20	You will learn as you go. Watch what others you ride with bring along. I always have water, usually two bottles in the cantle bag. A few granola bars, Always have some matches, I keep a space blanket in the cantle bag, takes little space and can provide some protection from the weather if you get caught out. I leave these things in the cantle bag all the time and refresh/replace what ever I use before the next ride. Depending on the weather forecast, I usually have a jacket or poncho tied behind the saddle. I like to keep a length of nylon parachute cord. If a rein breaks, if a stirrup looses a buckle etc, I can tied things back together.

11-06-2009, 08:13 PM
gaitedhorse Newborn Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Marion KY Posts: 36	I always carry a hoof pick and leather punch and strips of leather in case you need to make emergency repairs. Water and a Camera are a must! You should always ride in comfortable clothing and good boots! No tennis shoes they are a danger in stirrups!

11-07-2009, 07:29 AM
jjsimsez Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: indiana Posts: 815	def need cantle bag. i have a regular on the butt saddle bag, for very long rides. but take my cantle bag everywhere. and if you carry a cell, put it on YOU, not the horse. if you fall off , you dont want your cell running away with the horse. i take water bottle. clip it on a d ring somewhere on saddle. i put a piece of rope in my bag. once my daughters horse broke his rein. was glad to have that rope. sometimes we bring lead ropes. you dont ever want to tie horse with reins. bad things can happen. happy trails. trail riding is the best. im sooo jealous. you still have warm weather. up here ,my riding days are pretty much over till spring.

11-07-2009, 08:33 AM
mingiz Weanling Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Southern MD Posts: 416	I always have my horn bags for my snacks,camera,hoofpick, I also carry saddle bags 1 side holds 2 water bottles and the other I have my neck rope for tying and first aid kit,compass,smaller items. On mountain rides I carry a boot in case I lose a shoe, rain gear and outback coat and a few other items It really depends on where, and how far your going. A local park ride you wouldn't need to much for a few hours of riding but if your doing mountain riding you'll need to prepare for anything that can happen. So you would tend to carry a few extra items. As someone said also see what others carry. And of course Happy Trails __________________ Never Ride Faster Than Your Guardian Angel Can Fly **Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.... 1 TWHBEA, 1 Missouri Fox Trotter 03 Exiss Event 3H ,06 F250 extcab 6.0**

11-07-2009, 08:38 AM
Sirita_88 Started Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Mt. Juliet, Tennessee Posts: 2,412	If you are trail riding for pleasure you want Lots and LOTs of saddle bags! Insulated ones are even better! I don't trail ride, but we were asked to go with a group and we said why not? All I have is one set of horn bags, everyone else ended up carrying our stuff . From what I saw, most ppl don't put boots on thier horses, but if I were to use them I reccomend getting some sports medicine boots, they give great support and they are sooo much easier than wrapping. Saddle choice is totally your preference. Also, if you plan on going on long trail rides make sure to bring halters and leadropes so if you want to take a break you can tie your horse up safely. (I would never tie a horse with a bridle like many ppl do). ETA, If I was going to do a lot of trail riding I might use drilltech shoes (for the horse) When I took my poor horses they were in aluminums (i show ) we were limited to where we could go because my poor ponies would slip on every rock =(

11-07-2009, 10:23 PM
bleve Newborn Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: MI Posts: 25	I will never say you shouldn't be without a map, compass and common sense, but I have really enjoyed taking my GPS with me this year. I'm able to mark spots to get water, keep track of how many miles I've ridden and what my average speed is. Another item I highly recommend is a whistle. If you are separated from your group and injured, or just injured in general, a whistle allows you to call for help from a much greater distance than just yelling.

11-08-2009, 10:56 AM
beaner1962 Halter broke Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: WI Posts: 168	I like a rope halter under the bridle when I trailride so that when you rest you can tie the horse quickly, also hoofpick, bailing twine for fixing a broken headstall just in case, roll on fly repellent for you and the horse, cell, waterbottles, snack, camera, map if you go on a big ride, if you ride alone let someone know where you are going and for appr. how long. If your horse wears shoes you should probably take a Boa boot or similar in case he loses a shoe on the ride. __________________

11-08-2009, 05:13 PM
bleve Newborn Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: MI Posts: 25	I forgot that another always have item for me is a collar. Actually we use hobbles as a collar so it's a dual use item. It's something we can leave on the horse during the ride and doesn't get in the way and it's easy to take the reins and make them into a lead rope (if they have snaps of some kind). Leave the bridle in place and you don't need to have a separate halter along.

11-09-2009, 07:58 AM
bleve Newborn Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: MI Posts: 25	Here's kinda what I was talking about, this isn't the best example as there are numerous "tracks" since I have ridden this trail several times: The above shows the track on a free topo map I downloaded with a couple waypoints marked (water sources, geocaches, etc.). Then this screenshot below is the same track in Google Earth. You can see a limitation of the free topo map because in the Google Earth view you can clearly see a man made lake, I don't know why it's not on the topo map. This is really the first major mistake I've seen.

11-09-2009, 04:51 PM
trailmeister Newborn Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 34	Welcome to the world of trail riding! Take it easy, safe, and have fun! I see that map, compass, cantle bags etc have been covered. I would recommend a breast collar and crupper as well. From the contour lines on your maps it looks like you have some stepper terrain to cover. I've got a list of tips and hints that have helped me tremendously over the years. The list is always being added to. Click HERE for the link. Again, welcome to trail riding you'll have a ball! __________________ TrailMeister www.trailmeister.com Free trail maps and info!

11-19-2009, 08:42 PM
RockHorseRanch Newborn Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 45	I never, ever, ever leave home without my HELMET!! Not only has it kept my brains from getting scrambled when I've had an unplanned dismount, but I can't tell you how many times it's saved my face & head from being whapped with tree branches. Plus it's very helpful for sun protection too. Last edited by RockHorseRanch : 11-19-2009 at 08:45 PM.