Proper planning can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying a trail ride. Without it, you can wind up in predicaments ranging from inconveniences to serious threats to your safety, as well as that of your horse and your trail-riding pals.
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- Trail riding is supposed to be fun, and most of the time, it is. But certain kinds of trail trouble can ruin a ride; get the lowdown here.
- Photo by Jim Bortvedt
Even with proper preparation (see "Plan Ahead" below), unexpected situations can arise, and you must act quickly to keep all the horses and humans in your party as safe as possible. Here are a few common problems to keep in mind. If one of these situations sneaks up on you, you'll also be armed with information necessary to get out of it quickly and with as little harm as possible.
Hoof Blows
Situation: Kicks to horse or rider.
Avoid it: Pay attention to your horse and those around yours you at all times, whether on the move or standing still. Before you leave on your ride, tie a piece of red ribbon into the tail of any known or suspected kick-prone horse. It'll warn others not to come too close. Alert fellow riders if you need to stop, so that they can prepare their horses and avoid pileups.
Beware: Any stopping point, whether to retrieve dropped gear, tighten a cinch, or take a photo, poses an increased kicking risk, especially when you're riding in a group of unfamiliar horses. The situation puts the horses in what is, essentially, a herd environment. Throw in that they've been on the move and are suddenly stopped and agitated, and the risk of a kick is heightened. At stopping points, don't allow social herd interaction--sniffing, rubbing, nuzzling--which also can lead to kicks. Keep your horse's attention on you, while you stay aware of what's happening elsewhere. Position your horse's hindquarters away from any other horse, and be sure that none of the other horses' kicking gear is aimed at you or your horse.
Worst-case scenario: If horses do get a little friendly or frisky and another horse or a rider gets kicked, separate the horses immediately. Assess the injury. Will the horse/rider be able to continue on the ride? Will the items in the first-aid kit suffice for treatment, or is emergency help required? Kick-blows to riders should be regarded as potential emergencies, because they often strike bone or cause massive contusion.
Sucked Down
Situation: Bogs and quicksand.
Avoid it: Bogs and quicksand can be especially dangerous for a horse--he could start thrashing or panic, leading to severe soft-tissue damage. If you'll be riding a managed trail, call ahead to see if the trail is open and the terrain is suitable for horses. Often, a stretch of rainy, wet weather can lead to closed trails because the footing isn't stable. If the trail is open in spite of a bog or quicksand, the trail service often will designate a safe detour around the poor footing.
Beware: If a boggy trail isn't heavily traveled by horses, the trail service might not know about the situation. If you're riding on private land, there'll be no trail service to rely upon. Keep your eyes open and pay attention to what's ahead. An unusually green area, for instance, indicates a water source, and the footing beneath that green may be boggy. Also, bogs can get deeper with each crossing, so traverse any questionable terrain one horse at a time.
Worst-case scenario: Stay calm. If you encounter a bog, keep your horse moving forward, as the longer he stays in one place, the less momentum he'll have to get free. Stay out of his way--you might have to direct him to the safest area to exit, but try not to interfere with his head too much. Get up off his back, reach forward with your reins, and encourage him to keep going forward. It's a very fine line: You don't want the horse to panic, but you don't want him to stop completely and bog down even more. With quicksand, horses often can't get out without intervention or rescue.
Surprise Stingers
Situation: Attacks by ground-dwelling bees or wasps.
Avoid it: Be aware that ground-nesting bees and wasps can be an issue on trail rides. There's really no sure-fire way to anticipate where the underground nests lie, because you can't see them like you could if they were in a tree. But as a rule of thumb, these stinging insects prefer to nest in areas with plenty of pollen (meadows, for instance, or forested areas with pollen-laden trees) and a water source nearby. The lead rider may notice insects buzzing a foot or so above a spot on the trail, indicating entrance to an underground nest. If you're at the front of the pack, be alert for such a sight, and plan to detour around it, alerting those behind you to do likewise. This might be an argument for using well-frequented trails, as ground-dwelling bees and wasps generally won't nest directly beneath a highly traveled path.
