Have you ever been on a trail ride enjoying a relaxing jaunt in the woods, only to have another rider come galloping past your horse without so much as a "hey howdy" or "here we come"? As your horse becomes nearly uncontrollable, you probably have a few choice words about the rude and dangerous rider who has not learned the finer points of etiquette while riding with others.
Though Webster's dictionary defines etiquette as "rules governing socially acceptable behavior," a code of ethics while riding in a group of horses is even more important because it can determine the safety of other riders and their horses. These ethics can be broken down into horse manners, rider manners and equipment.
Horse Manners
No horse can have good manners on the trail unless he is properly trained to do so. The same bad manners in a horse at home make him a poor trail companion. The unexpected on the trail magnifies the problems of kicking, biting, running away, crowding other horses, bucking and rearing.
In order to put good trail manners on your horse, you will need to practice the following lessons in an area around home so that distractions are at a minimum and your horse can learn the cues you are trying to teach him. Trail riding in a group has a way of "un-training" your horse, so his lessons must be well learned in order for them to work on a trail ride, where he (and you) most need them.
Give to the bit. Giving to the bit is the beginning of your horse having brakes. So practice this cue until your horse will give every time you ask without resistance.
Hips over. As the horse takes a big step to the side with his hindquarters, he ends up turning about 90 degrees. If he will do that, you can limit his ability to bolt forward or shy easily, and you can slow or stop him by making a series of 90-degree turns.
Head down/calm down cue. The head down cue allows the horse to calm down even when he's excited. It gives you a way on trail to gain control when you most need it. (See "Calm Down Now" in the September 2002 issue of Perfect Horse.)
Trail Trekking Tips
• Prepare your horse at home for situations he will encounter on the trail.
• Follow the instructions of the trail boss.
• Always let riders know you are passing them, and don't pass the lead horse or lag behind the "drag" horse.
• Be on the lookout for and respectful of hikers, joggers, cyclists, and motorcyclists on multi-use trails.
• Place a red ribbon in the tail of a horse who kicks, a green one for a novice and a yellow one for a stallion.
Spook in Place. Teaching your horse to face something that startles him can prevent him from spinning out from under you, and keeps the scary thing in front of him instead of behind him, where he views it as chasing him. (See "Headed for the Trail" in the October 2002 issue.)
Using these four cues can help you get out of nearly any sticky situation on the trail. They also will form the basis for you to work on any bad habits your horse may have that would pose a threat on the trail.
If you normally ride alone in an arena at home, practice riding with other horses. If you can work with others in the arena, you can get your horse used to riding behind and in front of other horses. That may also alert you to behavioral quirks your horse may have with others, allowing you time to work on them before heading for the trail.
Working with your horse at home will pay off. Other riders will appreciate the control you have over your horse, even if he is acting frisky or frightened. His trail "manners" will improve every time you take him on the trail with others, and you may be able to avoid serious trail accidents if he knows his lessons well.
