How to train a horse to trail ride.

DixieHorseChick18 · 06-16-2006, 02:53 PM

Resently we have found out there is no way we are getting my moms horse into our trailer. So I went searching for my mom another horse that can load. Well instead of finding her a horse, I found me one. And he sounds perfect for me to do rodeo events with because he has done team penning and cow work down in texas. And I could let my mom have Apollo, I mean sure Apollo is my best friend, but he is not suited for rodeo work with his club foot.

Well they are very interested in Kibbles because her daughter needs a bombproof trail horse, and Kibs is as broke as they come. BUT the problem is, this horse I am wanting does not ride on trails. they have tryed and tryed but he refuses to go, he is perfect with everything else but trails. He does not buck or rear or take off or anything like that, he will just prance around and refuses to go, she has even tryed ponying him. But I have alot of time this summer to teach him, and I want a project to do, so I really want him. he is still young and can learn easily. He is 5.

So I was wondering, does anyone have any tips or ideas on how to teach a horse to trail ride.

**gbarmranch** · 06-16-2006, 03:30 PM

I had a super arena rope horse like that - I rode him short rides after working him in the arena, but nver alone - always with another horse...gradually adding some distance on each ride as he became quieter and more familiar with the same trail. He was never completely comfortable on the trails and would occassionaly prance toward the end of ther ride ( I loved it - I thought I was on a Paso!!!), but we were able to move him from a high port bit to a hack, and eventually a rope halter for trail rides in only six months...patience is the key and a quiet companion horse

Good luck - some horses will never enjoy the trail, so be prepared for that too in case he is not one who can be rehabilitated! It will depend on his age and previous experiences and the time you want to devote to his retraining!

EquineAlberta · 06-19-2006, 12:56 PM

I had a horse once who was afraid to trail ride...she had never been ridden through trees and the shadows and trees overhead frightened her! I got past that by taking her for handwalks on trails and letting her graze along the way. Amazing how food can calm the nervous horse!

This way also kept me safe, and I was able to be her "trail buddy" rather then needing a horse to go with me.

Karen2

06-16-2006, 02:53 PM
DixieHorseChick18 Long Yearling Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,206	How to train a horse to trail ride. Resently we have found out there is no way we are getting my moms horse into our trailer. So I went searching for my mom another horse that can load. Well instead of finding her a horse, I found me one. And he sounds perfect for me to do rodeo events with because he has done team penning and cow work down in texas. And I could let my mom have Apollo, I mean sure Apollo is my best friend, but he is not suited for rodeo work with his club foot. Well they are very interested in Kibbles because her daughter needs a bombproof trail horse, and Kibs is as broke as they come. BUT the problem is, this horse I am wanting does not ride on trails. they have tryed and tryed but he refuses to go, he is perfect with everything else but trails. He does not buck or rear or take off or anything like that, he will just prance around and refuses to go, she has even tryed ponying him. But I have alot of time this summer to teach him, and I want a project to do, so I really want him. he is still young and can learn easily. He is 5. So I was wondering, does anyone have any tips or ideas on how to teach a horse to trail ride. __________________ I love horses that are not broke under saddle, it gives me a reason to jump on BAREBACK!!!YeeHaaww Lifes to short to pretend like you know what smart people are talking about.

06-16-2006, 03:30 PM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mayberry Posts: 29,570	I had a super arena rope horse like that - I rode him short rides after working him in the arena, but nver alone - always with another horse...gradually adding some distance on each ride as he became quieter and more familiar with the same trail. He was never completely comfortable on the trails and would occassionaly prance toward the end of ther ride ( I loved it - I thought I was on a Paso!!!), but we were able to move him from a high port bit to a hack, and eventually a rope halter for trail rides in only six months...patience is the key and a quiet companion horse Good luck - some horses will never enjoy the trail, so be prepared for that too in case he is not one who can be rehabilitated! It will depend on his age and previous experiences and the time you want to devote to his retraining! __________________ Quality Foundation Quarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction.

06-19-2006, 12:56 PM
EquineAlberta Seasoned Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 4,688	I had a horse once who was afraid to trail ride...she had never been ridden through trees and the shadows and trees overhead frightened her! I got past that by taking her for handwalks on trails and letting her graze along the way. Amazing how food can calm the nervous horse! This way also kept me safe, and I was able to be her "trail buddy" rather then needing a horse to go with me. Karen2 __________________ Hillside Stable, Ardrossan, AB CHT Horse Stories!