Trail riding

[LARMAR]

With all the talk about marketing other uses for Saddlebreds, the ASB's versatility, etc., I never hear enough about trail riding. Saddlebreds are excellent trail riding horses! My gelding absolutely can not be happier than when he's out on the trail, and it is amazing what he can do. I'll warn you, this is a long post, but definitely shows how versatile and durable Saddlebreds can be.

I'm lucky enough to board on 150 acres and have permission to ride on another 100 behind that. I wish I had pictures from my last ride, but unfortunately we were both riding. We went over and through all kinds of obstacles, mud, and water. It was a fantastic ride! My gelding, Domani, had the lead most of the time. He had to go into water of unknown depth that ranged from just a bit to up to my stirrups. To get across to the other side, he had to come out of the water and up a steep embankment (approximately 3 feet high). I still don't know how he did that one, especially with me on him and I'm not a small person. On the way back, he had to go down that same embankment, literally sliding/climbing down into the water. We went up a hill that was so steep I had to grab mane and lean foward to keep from feeling like I was sliding backwards or pulling him off balance. On the way back, he dropped his hindquarters and slid while carefully stepping with his front legs. No problem whatsoever. While in the water, I stepped onto a little 'island' only to find the ground sinking rapidly beneath us. It seemed whever he stepped the sand just fell into the water. I literally said "I don't know what to do" and cued him to turn around. He half-reared onto this hind legs, pivoted, and jumped forward into the water, out of the mucky sand. So much fun, and very impressive. We found a beautiful dirt road alongside a creek and he racked so well (he loves to hear his hoofbeats on gravel, etc.). I thought I'd give him a break and let him graze a bit. He took a bite and tried to move on, he was having fun! We found that one of the trails was blocked by some fallen small trees, sticks, and limbs. I thought there was no way to get through there, yet he walked right through when I was looking for a way around it (ack, we won't go that way again). It was so much fun, and I adore Domani for doing it with me. :wub: The funny thing is, my husband's horse did all the same things, then tripped over the entrance to the barn when being led in to unsaddle. :oops: Oh, and the only thing that scared Domani really badly was a red hayrack filled with hay for the cattle. Apparently that was terrifying, as he wouldn't go close to it. I couldn't convince him it was filled with food. :tongue_smilie:

[Wind_Chill]

http://photos-574.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v194/35/24/48212574/n48212574_32673427_6722.jpg

Not great trail horses? That would be 5-gaited pleasure WC Cat's Don't Dance and me. He absolutely loves it and gets mad when I won't let him stop to splash and paw in it = ]
Just last night he went out with a group of 5 other Saddlebreds... Several also successful show horses, several carrying children. Saddlebreds make the BEST trail horses!

[SADLUP]

Your ride sounds wonderful and you are correct Saddlebreds make wonderful trail horses!

The American Saddlebred Horse Association of Ohio (ASHAO) and the Ohio American Saddlebred Pleasure Horse Association (OASPHA) offer a year end trail riding award. They have for years (or at least as long as I have been around ASB's) All you have to do is keep track of your trail miles and turn in the form at the end of the year. I think every Saddlebred Association in the country should offer a year end award for trail riding and a promotional award similar to what OASPHA has. It just helps gives a little incentive to the participant and it feels good to accomplish either one.

[ASB Stars]

Sometimes, it just feel great to go for the trail ride, itself, for it's own value, and not for the value of a "prize".

Honestly, it is GREAT to see Cats out doing something fun. Good for you both!:rockon:

[Heather]

My Winston (a former five gaited show horse) and I also ride the trails when we're not practicing for the shows (he's country pleasure now). He is awesome! We'll go through water, over bridges, under things, through narrow passages and he is a champ. If he's unsure, he'll balk and try to go back the other way, but I just push him on and then he's fine. We're in Aiken, SC and we have access to some of the best trail riding and equine and nature preserves in the country. Winston is a champ and this is how he has also gotten back into shape and stronger. We've alot of hills around here and he just happily goes right up and down them. We do this with a plain ol' snaffle bit in his mouth too. He's always getting lots of stares and compliments because he just trots level or above and snorts like a frieght train, but is really a lamb. He's very versatile and if he didn't have some of the joint problems and a really old fractured hip, he'd probably jump too. This has been so good for his mind and his body. He's a saddlebred rescue horse. :)

[horseshwbrat]

My Show Pleasure horse Duke does beautifully on trails, he really relaxes and seems to enjoy them. We haven't really been through any water (and he's such a baby about baths, I just can't picture him in a creek!) because of his show shoes, but he has no problem with hills! I'd love to trail-ride once or twice a week, but because of gas prices (we have to trailer to local metro-parks) we probably won't get out that much.

Almost every time we go to the park other riders at the trail-head always ask what breed he is, and are so surprised when I say a Saddlebred! I've ridden my roommates quarter horses on trails (and one very unexpected run of the barrels - long story), but I still prefer a Saddlebred any day!

[ldenenholz11]

I take my show pleasure/equitation mare, Lite, out on the trail around the LA Equestrian Center on a fairly regular basis. Usually we go alone but we've gone with Undulata's Tinsel Time (a half sister to Undulata's Nutcracker), Marin County (the maternal grandsire of the late He Walks On Water), Naughty Bisquotti (winner of both Juvenile Five Gaited classes at Del Mar Charity Fair this year), a Friesian lesson horse, and my ex-boyfriend's Paso Finos. In order to get to the "good" trails away from the LA River, we have to cross a suspension bridge and go through two fairly long unlit tunnels, one of which goes directly underneath the 134 freeway. We also brave flower sellers by the freeway exits who wave their bouqets rather violently through the airn and whistle. Lite rarely bats an eye at any of these scary urban distractions and happily snorts her way by quarter horse types as their owners stare at us! I'm pretty sure that they are all jealous of how pretty a pair we make :)
She's the best horse I've ever taken on the trail and absolutely adores "trail time" with me and my closest Saddlebred friends. I never thought my first show horse who carried me to what seems like an infinite number of ribbons would make such an awesome trail horse, but she has proven me wrong, just like the other two chestnut Saddlebred mares that my friends and I trail rode last summer.

[WRF]

When you take your show horses out on the trails - What bit do you use?
I just got a little 5 Gaited horse that is in need of some mental health time. When they worked him in a work bridle they were using a mule bit. He can be heavy even in a mule bit. The first time I rode him, I went to a nice medium weight training snaffle – that was not a great idea, he stops when you get to the fence. I rode in a plain mullen mouth last night and it went better. I am not sure it gives me enough stopping power yet. I really think some trail time would be good for this horse but I would like to have some brakes too.

[attafox]

Our show horses go in a hackamore on trail. No bit at all.

[SmartAlex]

When you take your show horses out on the trails - What bit do you use?
I just got a little 5 Gaited horse that is in need of some mental health time. When they worked him in a work bridle they were using a mule bit. He can be heavy even in a mule bit. The first time I rode him, I went to a nice medium weight training snaffle – that was not a great idea, he stops when you get to the fence. I rode in a plain mullen mouth last night and it went better. I am not sure it gives me enough stopping power yet. I really think some trail time would be good for this horse but I would like to have some brakes too.

Are you using a martingale too? When properly adjusted they do give you a little more leverage than just a plain snaffle and straight rein. Aditionally, I'd suggest developing some brakes with whatever bit you choose before you head out on the trails. :blink:
There are plenty of severe bits you could use, but everyone will be happier if you find another way to program a "Whoa" button.

[wstrngrl]

When you take your show horses out on the trails - What bit do you use?
I just got a little 5 Gaited horse that is in need of some mental health time. When they worked him in a work bridle they were using a mule bit. He can be heavy even in a mule bit. The first time I rode him, I went to a nice medium weight training snaffle – that was not a great idea, he stops when you get to the fence. I rode in a plain mullen mouth last night and it went better. I am not sure it gives me enough stopping power yet. I really think some trail time would be good for this horse but I would like to have some brakes too.

Go out in whatever bit you are comfortable in. We always just use our regular work bits...

Also, 'where I come from' your brakes are in your voice and seat; not the bit :thumbup1:

So I would definitely work on that before going out.

And make sure you are not hanging on him; I know alot of horses who do not like people holding on to their mouths, and will be rather uncontrollable if you try to. So make sure you're being nice a light, and try using more 'bumps' and 'picks' and less "pull"...

[D_BaldStockings]

While I understand the 'desperation' that goes with using more and more severe bits to try to stop a horse, sadly, that usually doesn't work.
Many horses respond to pain by trying to run through it to get away; running is one of their wired in defense responses. Then when their mouth become deadened, the habit to run is set and needs to be interrupted.

You might want to take a look at the Thoroughbred jockeys and how they hold and use their reins, at the same time returning to a milder plain bit. NOT a mule bit, knife back or twisted wire. Your goal is not to cause mouth pain. Use gloves.

On a runaway, slide your hands down the reins close to the neck and bridge your reins by for instance running your right rein through your LEFT hand from thumb to littlefinger.

By pressing your left hand on the neck and closing the left fist, your horse is now pulling against himself if he tries to shoot his nose out and zip forward (and gets an instant release by tucking or slowing down, the bit pressure is lessened.)

You now also have freedom to use your right hand on the right rein in a take and release manner to turn and slow the horse (this is a pulley rein when the left hand is fixed on the neck and very powerful, you must release it when the horse moves sideways, breaks gait and slows down, as a reward. ) It is possible to so unbalance a horse with this rein aid so that he could fall, horses balance with their necks, so be quick to release.

Or you can use the method one trainer had and steer the horse on to a nearby track, then sit still and let the horse run 'til the shoes get warm'. -But that only works for very smart horses. :)

Happy Trails!

[mlinky]

Totally agree with the advice above. I used a loose ring smooth french link when I trail rode Polo. He enjoyed the break.

[ldenenholz11]

We usually rock the show bridle or a training snaffle on the trail. My mare is really broke though and practically does a sliding stop whenever I say whoa, no matter what speed.

[WRF]

Thanks, He worked pretty well in the Mullen mouth again last night so I think I will stick with that for a while. (just plain straight bar bit, not thin) We mostly did walk / trot/ halt transitions and some pattern work. Just getting him use to doing other stuff and thinking instead of worrying. When he starts to worry he gets his undies in a bundle and then it all goes to big mess. He does think I am crazy, he is trotting a nice pass down the long side and I say whoa. But he has a good heart and did stop. He is trying. I have gotten spoiled riding our Clydesdale she is trained her to stop off your seat. (It’s a dressage thing) I expect him to be about a year’s project to get him working consistently. I am not sure he will get back to the show ring – I am ever hopeful. He is an interesting project horse and a lot more fun than walking on my treadmill. Hopefully he will be able to go out on some trails. The change of scenery will be good for him

Horses and bitting can be so confusing. Trying to figure out what each horse likes then adding in the mechanics of how the bit works. I spent a lot of money over the years on my bit collection. My old mare was a “curb” horse. I have a collected of single rein snaffle type bits trying to find one she would be ridable in, in her retirement. We finally settled on a $20. ported kimberwick. The ASB Hunter I had worked best in a $20. jointed snaffle. The kindler gentler, expensive KK ultra - in the extra special metal and the pricy Mylars I bought have yet to find a horse. And now my bit collection has had to expand to include the 6” size for the Clydes – yikes.

Thanks - I am sure as he progresses or regresses I will need more help.

[horseshwbrat]

When you take your show horses out on the trails - What bit do you use?
I just got a little 5 Gaited horse that is in need of some mental health time. When they worked him in a work bridle they were using a mule bit. He can be heavy even in a mule bit. The first time I rode him, I went to a nice medium weight training snaffle – that was not a great idea, he stops when you get to the fence. I rode in a plain mullen mouth last night and it went better. I am not sure it gives me enough stopping power yet. I really think some trail time would be good for this horse but I would like to have some brakes too.

I generally use the exact same bridle as I do at home for training; a double-reined snaffle with a simple twisted wire bit.

[attafox]

Stopping off your seat is not just a "dressage thing." It shouldn't matter what discipline - that's pretty universal.

[Thunderstruck]

When I take Dylan out he goes in his double bridle just like anyother time, but I don't use the curb at all. For some reason just having the curb in his mouth makes him a much more pleasant ride. When I ride him in just a snaffle (even with a maringale) he is a complete beast! I'm not sure why that is, but I plan to teach him the hackamore this winter and see how that goes.

[♥Gabrielle♥]

Definatly try the Hackamore out in the ring before you go out on a trail. It takes a horse that is used to a bit a few times to learn what is happening. My Arab gelding (Western) had never been ridden in a Hackamore before last summer and now he loves it! He gets all snorty and showy even though he is a safe 4-H mount in the ring. He never tries anything stupid, but you can tell he's happy to be going outside! Be very aware of using your seat and voice before giving the bump... your horse might freak out at first. Just like with anything new, it takes a few training sessions to get the hang of it. I definatly recommend the Hack, its the best for long rides, your horse can eat comfortably while you eat your own snack.

[WRF]

I have had really good response from most horses using the hackamore. If the horse had a tendency to stick their neck up and nose out you will find you have no stopping power at all. I have seen pictures of some with a shank that might work better but the direct nose band ones do not work well on certain horses. As Gabrielle suggests -Definitely try it out in the ring first. This is a funny from a time when I was much younger.

A few years ago when I lived in Wisconsin I boarded my older retired show mare at a barn where the barn manager was into dressage. She bought a young horse and I helped her get him started. She wanted to start him in a hackamore. This was a new invention for both of us to try. It went great. The horse was wonderful in his hackamore and transitioned to a bit very smoothly. We tried the hackamore on some therapeutic lesson horses where the riders were able to ride on their own but have physical issues that prevented their hands from being as steady as bitted horses would like. That went great. Liz’s Prix ST George dressage mare, Glade and my show mare were both in their 20’s, both finished show horses trained to perfection, both were “curb” horses. They liked their curb bits. Liz and I had collected and tried about every snaffle bit made. Neither mare was a safe ride in a snaffle bit alone – martingale or not. So we thought this new invention – a hackamore was our answer to get out of having to ride in a full bridle. This is going to be great. We put our new found invention on our fully trained but retired show horses and went out to walk around on the track. No need to start in the arena, every horse we used this new invention on worked great in it. We walked and then the old ladies started to jog, then they started to trot – its great they are both feeling good today! Then they started to canter (nice collected canters), I saw Delsay look Glade in the eye at the canter – then the race was on – I looked at Liz and asked if she could stop – No, can you stop ?– No . Ok. We came into the barn area she used the fence; I used the barn we stopped. We got off went into the tack room put our full bridles on and had a lovely ride after that. The old girls were still laughing at us.

[Thunderstruck]

The TWH I had as a pre-teen (before I knew what a Saddlebred was) had never had a bit in his mouth, He came with a hackamore and I simply loved it. He neck reined and was so responsive that you didn't even need a bridle...just touch your finger to the side of his neck and he'd turn! I ran barrels with him many times with no saddle or bridle...just my fingers on his neck...these days that would go up on youtube for everyone to see...oh well!

The main reason I am teaching Dylan to neck rein first is the hackamore...MUCH easier to deal with if they already know how to neck rein. This winter I hope to make the final steps to introducing the hackamore.

[lbpawprints]

When you take your show horses out on the trails - What bit do you use?
I just got a little 5 Gaited horse that is in need of some mental health time. When they worked him in a work bridle they were using a mule bit. He can be heavy even in a mule bit. The first time I rode him, I went to a nice medium weight training snaffle – that was not a great idea, he stops when you get to the fence. I rode in a plain mullen mouth last night and it went better. I am not sure it gives me enough stopping power yet. I really think some trail time would be good for this horse but I would like to have some brakes too. Yes sireee brakes are vitally important!!!! It sounds like your horse doesn't fully understand what whoa means. You might try going back to some basic training of lungeing him on the lounge line and establishing a good whoa on the ground, an absolute must. Then progress to driving him with long lines and again a good stop in that also. Establising this on the ground helps to establish that you are the driver not him. Once he is consistent in his whoas from the ground from all gaits then ride him in an arena . Safety is most important. Use a bit that is not severe . I would think that you would like to get him soft in the mouth, so not only are you re-educating the horse to what whoa means but you are rehabilitating his mouth. This can take some time ,months possibly but if you like the horse he may be worth your time and you would have a more responsive horse to enjoy. Be consistant and perservere. Changing bits doesn't take care of the basic problem of not stopping. Finding the bit that will may be expensive and be really uncomfortable for the horse and may cause other problems. Deal with the cause of the problem don't just fix it with a bandaid. Don't give up and good luck.

[SB3]

My Saddlebreds have invariably been the bravest horses on the trail. Almost NOTHING spooks them. If they do spook, it is almost always a startle in place rather than a spin and run (as I've witnessed many QH's and Arabs doing). I think the reason for this is that they are so alert all of the time, that they are aware of the boogers long before we are. My wonderful little Champagne Fizz mare will cross any obstacle, bridges, water, ditches, pass working machinery, etc. She is awesome! I ride her in a simple snaffle with no martingale. I highly recommend that anyone having control issues learn John Lyon's emergency stop technique and "calm down cue". I have also taught my mare his serpentine technique for calming down if she gets a little too excited (if others around us are taking off, etc.). These techniques have been miraculous for us and are easy to use on the trail.

Besides being a smooth and tireless ride, don't Saddlebreds make a pretty picture out on the trail?

[saddlebredcrazy!!]

Classified deleted.

[saddllp]

I am so glad to have found other saddlebred trail riders! I have been riding my saddlebreds on the trail for the past 5 years. I take them to Parelli and Craig Cameron clinics and belong to a LOT of trail riding clubs. Someone always makes a comment that they can't believe not only that I have a saddlebred on the trail, but that my husband has his too - and they are the best behaved! (and gorgeous....) We are also barefoot and often bitless. Our last horse camping trip we moved cows. My gelding kept trying to lick them - my joker! They are just the most fantastic horses when you understand that you are dealing with a sensitive, smart horse - not a hay-burner... I will be riding my gelding in the Battle of the Breeds trail competition in November in Santa Barbara on behalf of us all! Keep you fingers crossed that we beat the saddlepad off the quarter horse!

[silvia]

I love the enjoyment of a good long trail ride, but I also take pains to make sure my horse is enjoying it too. That means a long, loose rein at the walk and allowing him to look around and take in the sights.

Being able to let go of the reins seems to be a dying art. A loose, LOOPY rein at the walk is more likely to let your horse relax than holding him together. There's no reason you can't collect the reins for traffic, trotting and cantering.

Brakes are a mental thing and not a bit issue. If your horse works through your hands, then you need to go back and find a way to let him figure out what you want at home. A horse that is excited out on the trail and suddently becomes dead mouthed is showing you his true mouth. Fix it with training and the bit will not matter.

Let your horse relax and enjoy the ride too :)

[mlinky]

They are just the most fantastic horses when you understand that you are dealing with a sensitive, smart horse - not a hay-burner

Exactly right!!

[djf]

My first saddlebred i use to ride all over and take swimming in the lake, we even went to KK and watched the drag races, now that is really loud and she never flinched, we went bar hoping and she even got a beer at every pit stop, sometimes it be pitch dark out on our way home, we would ride all day one direction, then turn around and head for home, many late nights. We even went in a few parades right behind the fire truck. gosh we did a lot me and Lady, best 16 years on horse back a person could have. It has been 14 years since i had a horse to trail ride with.
But thanks to Diana and my daughter, i think my old mare is replaced with Angel, i am riding again (which i thought i would never do) been a long 14 years and i am loving it!
Here is a pic of Angel and me on our first ride. She was a show horse and not ridden in 6 years, my daughters idea to ride her that day, so happy we did. She does not spook at anything so far, granted no deer has jumped out on the trail yet, but i don't think it will be a problem. Angel is having more fun than us.

[Fanfare]

Check out this article that was posted on the Modern Saddlebred forums.
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=12530

[VLayne]

I think trail riding is such a vital thing to do with a horse for so many reasons. I rode Lily out on the trails every fall and even in the snow in winter, and she loved it. She was often the bravest, most level headed horse in the group! She waded through streams, jumped logs, and anything that made her "look" only made her walk TOWARDS it to see what it was, not turn around and run.

Carson and I will be doing some trails this fall. I can't wait to get him out there! I have no idea if he's ever been on a trail ride so we'll be starting slow. The farm I board at has 400 acres of trails, some mowed and some natural. Hopefully he'll enjoy it - I think he will. He seems to like just about anything we do, he's so easygoing.

There are a few trail clubs around here and if Carson takes to the outdoor excursions, I might hook up with them on a few of their rides.

[sunridge]

Yay Kathy. There is such a thing as the trail riding bug. It's been the best thing for me to do with my Saddlebred's.

Here's some pics from this past week-end.
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f100/sunridge/IMG_0332.jpg
These bridle buttons are THE buttons, my dad used on Echo's grandsire's driving harness, 34 years ago.
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f100/sunridge/IMG_0334.jpg

These were my neighbors at the campground. Really great people and Mules.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f100/sunridge/IMG_0337.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f100/sunridge/IMG_0335.jpg

[djf]

Mary,

them buttons are pretty neat that you kept and are using them. love the picture looking between Echo's ears. now i want to take a picture like that too.

[Seeing Spots]

I took two of my mares on a trail ride yesterday. This was the first time ever for all of us! I had a friend ride Fate - my SBR mare - and I rode Deja - my new 4 yr old green mare. We were out for 2 1/2 hours and both girls did great. We had 4 bridges, Fate didn't even hesitate and since she went right over it wasn't hard to get Deja over. Of coure at the second one there was a ton of mud at the end and I couldn't get Deja to walk off. I had to get off and lead her off with a LOT of encouragement. But I was very happy. Now to get Fate to relax more - she thinks she should trot every where. I may have to get a hackmore to see if that helps since she chomps on her bit the whole time.

Anyway I was so pleased and we had a great time.

[silvia]

Fantastic Spots!

I went out for a trail ride for the first time for ages last weekend with my half Saddlbred Phantom. I went with my neighbour. I jumped on, rode over to her place and then ended up dismounting becuase she was lunging her horse for half an hour before she could get on. Then we went for a lovely trail ride (on a loose rein) just walking through the bush. I was really pleased becuase I was helping my neighbour get her horse used to riding out and they were both very settled and well behaved. :)

[KARLA]

I trail ride almost every weekend and a few times during the week. We are lucky we board right by the state park and have several great trails near by as well. The only thing that has ever bothered Jericho was a couple deer on" his trail" he was afraid to walk past them, I had to scare them off first. Jared has never been afraid of anything at all. We ride the 13 miles trail at Richard Bong several times a week and the 25 mi des Plaines river trail at least once a month. kettle morriane southern unit several times each summer.There are bridges and water crossings and forests and flat and up hills the boys love them all.