Jumping saddles aren't meant to be sat in for even a relatively short trail ride; they're designed so that riders with short stirrups can get into a jumping position. Also, this saddle's forward flaps will tend to interfere with your horse's shoulders.
Adjust your riding style. If you normally ride Walking Horses, you'll already be familiar with the SSH's smooth gaits, long strides, and vigorous head-nodding at the walk. However, if you're used to riding stock horses, you'll have to get used to a lot more movement behind, under, and in front of the saddle. Before your first trail ride, take a few turns around a round pen or arena. Sit tall in the saddle, relax, breathe deeply, and let your back and hips move with the horse's movement.
Stay calm on trail. If you're not used to riding a big-moving horse, the power, reach, and speed can make you nervous-and make your back sore until your muscles adjust. The nervousness won't last, because your SSH will be a kind, friendly, calm trail mount. By the end of your first ride, you'll understand that your horse's energy and length of stride don't indicate excitement or agitation, and you'll be able to relax and enjoy the ride. And your back will be fine if you make the change gradually. Go on a few short rides before that all-day or all-weekend trail ride.
Find a good farrier. Try to find a farrier who understands how to trim a horse in accordance with its natural balance and the growth patterns of its hooves. If your new horse needs shoes, your farrier will be able to use simple shoes that will protect your horse's hooves from wear without changing his natural, swinging gait. Good farriers will shoe a horse only when he needs shoes for protection, traction, or therapy-and they don't try to use shoes to modify a horse's gait.
Get out the green. If you've been riding solid-color horses or horses without a lot of chrome, you're going to find out about something new called "manure stains." To remove them, stock up on Cowboy Magic Green Spot Remover (available from CHARMAR Land and Cattle Company, 800/755-6844; 714/237-1140; www.cowboymagic.com).
