New forum! (trail riding)

[Horsetopia-Annie]

Hi everyone!

There seems to be significant interest in having a trail riding forum. I've added this new forum on a temporary basis and we'll see how much usage it gets -- if it is relatively popular, we'll keep it around long-term.

Also, for those of you who would like to arrange group trail rides -- you are welcome to post an invitation thread to find trail buddies, but please work out all details of your meetings through private message or email.

[Pasodeb]

Thank you Annie!!!!

[LPB]

Thanks Annie! I'm very interested in learning more about trail riding and reading other's experiences. Thank you for making this a forum! I just bought the latest issue of The Trail Rider magazine and have been drooling over the pictures and stories.

Leslie

[TXCowGrl82]

I just noticed this forum today (of course I've been working and not really online to see it) and think this is a great idea! In another month or so, the TxHorseFamily will probably start having lots of trail riding pics again!

[lilbit]

We love trail riding!! we went all the time before our trailor messed up.. Now that we got it fixed again we will be hitting the trails again.. camping out on the weekend's. just watching the horses from the tents are so much fun not to mention the trails.. Last year was our son in laws first year riding and we went to uwarrie (if thats spelled correct) we all got to the top of the hill and was waiting on my son in law.. Nest thing we saw was a horse comming up the hill. no son in law on the horse next few mins we spent catching Lucy (the horse) and then here he comes walking up the hill we all just busted up at him because he was fine and he now knows that ( cowboy up) is not always the answer.. We had about 15 to 20 riders with us that day.

[ladybrumby]

We moved 4 years ago to Ohio from Indiana. We are still hauling our horses to the Hoosier Nat'l Forest in Southern IN (5 hour haul) to ride with our friends. We also go to Eminence, MO everyyear for the cross country trail ride in august w/the same great group of friends. BUT, We would like to meet horse-people to ride with here in Ohio. We have only ridden at one place here, but, it's alot more fun to go with others who have ridden there before and know their way around. Thus we have not really met any trailriding and camping buddies in Ohio. I told my husband we just need to cowgirl up and get out their and we will meet the people! Ok--well enough about me! Feel free to recommend places to ride. I'm just south of Columbus, OH

[Quilting1]

I just posted a message on another topic and then seen this one I would love to find people around Eastern Iowa to go trail riding with. I would also be interested in an Iowa Horstopian trail ride

[ladybrumby]

Hey--I also wanted to take this opportunity to pass on a life-saving lesson we learned on the trail. This infact is why my daughter is 18 years old and here today. One GOOD helmet and a PULL ON pair of cowboy boots. Had she worn the tie on Ropers that day, helmet or not, she would be gone and vise versa had she had the pull ons and no helmet.
We were along a good clear trail and in passing a deadfall along the right side,(approx a 5' long x 3" diameter branch sticking out toward the trail) some freak way the dead limp lodged in the right stirrup between the outside of her foot and the inside of the stirrup, running behind her heel and poking the horse--also firmly lodging her foot into the stirrup. Just as the horse went to stop as commanded, the dead branch snapped loose --spooking the horse and now is still in the stirrup, dragging and vibrating on the horses (R)side. I was behind her as was my husband--so as her horse bolts we know not to chase her as her horse would only pick up speed. All attempts from riders in front of her to grab her reins etc on the way by failed and sent their horses bucking or bolting. The poking on the right eventually sent her horse on a sharp left turn into unknown wood thickets. The horse lurched to the left to dodge a tree and my daughter with foot still stuck in stirrup, flipped off the horse with left leg swinging over the horses rear and she is flying facing backwards as the horse goes between the trees. My daughter hit the trees full speed, square up against her backside to include a HUGE impack in the head (Foot still lodged in stirrup). This knocked her out cold (even with the helmet on). When she dropped to the ground just prior to the horse dragging her behind it through the tree row--her toes pointed like a ballerina and out slid her foot!!!!! The boot was later found 3 feet from where the horse exited the woods (15 minutes later and approx 120 feet or so down the trail). That horse covered some serious yardage in the woods before exiting and had that boot NOT come off or been TIED on like a lacer--who knows. I was an EMT at the time and my gosh it's different when it's your child and you are that helpless. She came out of it with nothing more than a MILD concussion, twisted ankle (NOT sprained or broken!) and a hairline fracture of the collarbone. The helmet was cracked in three pieces but held together within the casing--it was a Troxel. Needless to say what her head would have looked like if she had decided a good hairday was more important and I hadn't insisted on the helmet (beginner rider). I have ridden for many many years and now I wear a helmet EVERYTIME I ride and no more lace ups on the trail--though I love them for daily wear and in the show ring I'm sure they are fine. This was not due to rider or horse error--just a freak accident out in Mother Natures back yard. (Though she obviously was riding the edge of the trail). When we headed out on the trail that morning--she was complaining her ropers were hurting her feet and at the last minute got back off her horse and put on a pair of my extra pull ons that were about a half size too big. BOY--GOD was sure watching out for her that LABOR DAY WKND!!! I hope this story is not too long and drwn out--but gives you a heads up out there before it happens toanyone else ADULT OR CHILD. Have a blessed and safe riding season!!!

[Fntsyfrm]

Wow, Ladybrumby, that must have been horrible, to see your daughter in danger like that. I always ride with lace up paddock boots on but now am considering a different style for trail riding. We also have a lot of trees where the branches stick out sideways like the one you described. I was on the edge of my seat while reading your story, Thank God everything turned out ok. I always wear my helmet {also a Troxel} not only in case of a fall, but the branches that are hanging down, wacking us in the head. Thanks for sharing. Sharon

[HorsingRound]

Originally Posted by ladybrumby

I have ridden for many many years and now I wear a helmet EVERYTIME I ride and no more lace ups on the trail

Just reading this post for the first time, and had to add that I had a similar thing happen. I used to wear lace up "packers" and once when I was riding, a small branch got stuck in my laces as I was walking through the chaparral. Thankfully my horse is very mellow and she stopped immediately upon my command, even though I was half off the saddle with my leg way behind. I've never worn lacer/packers ever since that day--pull on only. And pull ons that are not tight so they come off easily if one gets fouled up in foilage.

I've also learned to always wear a helmet. I had a big wreck about 17 years ago and after suffering a bad concussion and 80 stitches in my forehead later, I wished I'd had a helmet on that day. Helmets may not look "cool," but looking like a bloody madball ain't so cool either!

[ahlihaff]

I too just read this thread. Thanks for sharing that experience and the advice about wearing helmets and pull-on boots.

[horses4me]

Hey, this is great!! Thanks annie! I am looking for mid michigan trial riders. I used to show, but 4 kids later, i would rather hit the trails. Not to mention its cheaper then showing. So if anyone out there rides in the brighton, highland or hadley area let me know! thanks

[APHApaints]

Thanks for Trail Riding- more info for us and shared stories/places etc Is GREAT

[APHApaints]

Thanks for Trail Riding- more info for us and shared stories/places etc Is GREAT

[Lori-olio]

This forum is a great idea. I love trail riding and it's my main source of fun with our horses.

Thanks for sharing ladybrumby, I have always worn tie-up lacers and never realized how things could get caught in the laces or how un-easy it'd be to get out of them quickly in a pinch. I like how snug they feel on my foot but I think I'm going to invest in a good pair of pull-ons (or ten pairs...I'm a woman..can you blame me?)

[horselady]

A great thread to share everyones thoughts and what kind of saftey equipment to wear.
Never sneakers, sandles, shorts, tank tops, especially in the woods.

[Sierra]

Does anyone know of any places around Goethe Forest Fl, were they would have places for us and our horses, maybe a BB, or cabins. Some friend's from Ga. wants to have a get together with me for a long weekend and ride on the trails, and have a nice time. Looking maybe January.

Thanks Deb

[myboyjake]

hope this helps

http://www.trailheadranchfl.com/

[Sierra]

Thanks for the info, but I just have a 2 horse trailor, I'm not into sleeping in it Ha. Ha. There is just camp sites, it might be alittle chilly even in a tent. Deb

[HorseLVR]

This is a wonderful idea! I want to learn more about trail riding and now have an additional source for valuable information!!!