The Equestrian Lifestyle
Part II
We Are Trail Riders
The Equestrian Lifestyle
Let’s Ride!
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“One cannot ride without a resolute spirit”
Trail Riding Requires Access to Trails
Finding Riding Time – The two biggest factors affecting available riding time after family, home and work priorities have fallen into place, are weather and the availability of equestrian trails. In the Midwest, there are about five months a year riders might expect pleasant riding weather, April, May, September, October, and November. June, July and August are hit or miss with oppressive heat and humidity combined with nagging gnats, blackflies, horse flies, deer flies and mosquitoes. December to March can be too cold, too wet, too muddy, too windy, and too icy. It’s always a bonus to fit in a snow ride or have mild winter weather. Other challenges might include natural disasters, seasonal trail flooding caused by melting snow and heavy rain; excess water also creates slippery trail conditions on clay tread, especially on hilly terrain. The end of daylight savings time from October-March creates another challenge as most parks close at dark. There is simply no time to hit the trail after a nine-to-five workday. Add to that temporary trail closures or restrictions during deer-gun hunting season; for periodic park maintenance projects; and recurring, seasonal trail closures in certain parks in hopes of preventing trail damage when trails are saturated. Dangerous high winds in forested areas create the obvious risk of falling trees, and limbs which can be deadly. And the not so obvious, disorientation and flightiness in horses when the wind is roaring. Thirty-six trail rides throughout the year is my goal for my geographic location.
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Trail Riding – This is what it’s all about! For other riders it might be saddle time with a more competitive edge, such as dressage, 4-H events, show jumping, three-day eventing, breed specific events, gymkhana, or any combination, but is not uncommon for equestrians to cross multiple disciplines by including arena time or competition events.
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Trail riding is a process – it’s an event. On average, for a two-hour ride (6-8 miles), riders must commit to at least four hours from start to finish. The trail ride sequence might look like this:
1. Catch horse – halter it (some horses may challenge step 1 – being caught)
2. Load Horse (this can be challenging too since some horses aren’t auto loaders)
3. Drive to the park
4. Unload Horse
5. Groom Horse (some groom at home)
6. Tack up (saddle, bridle, breast collar, saddlebags, phone, water, snacks, other)
7. RIDE
8. Untack
9. Groom again
10. Optional have lunch or snack while horse cools down
11. Re-load horse into trailer (see step #2 note)
12. Drive home
13. Unload
14. Put horse in paddock
15. Take a nap?
For day trips, driving times of up to three hours are expected. For camping and other overnight opportunities, longer driving times can be expected.
Connection with Nature – Horseback riding is the only activity that brings humans closest to nature; nothing compares to riding astride such a noble animal that is native to North America; whose predecessors paved the way for human progress; that is organic and part of the eco pyramid. Other prey animals recognize horse hoof beats as they touch the ground, instinctively knowing that horses pose no threat, even while carrying a rider. Because of that, horse riders have the most intimate opportunities to view wildlife while blending in with nature. Equines in natural areas benefit insects who use manure for minerals and food. Select bird species utilize horsehair for nesting material and prey on the insects feeding on manure. Horseback riding on park trails is the most natural use for horses today. Riders depend on the availability of natural trails in parks (public land) to enjoy saddle time.
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Connection with Horse – Deep connections are forged in natural settings, communicating with our horses, building trust, interdependence, practicing empathy, teaching, learning, and understanding. Cognizant riders know connection means something to the horse as well, it means life. New beginnings and connections for both horse and rider are incredible experiences
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A Purpose for Horses - Being a trail horse can be a fantastic gig for any horse and is an excellent way to re-purpose an out of commission racehorse, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) mustang cull, a rescued horse, former breeding or show stock. Though there are breeds that seem more prevalent on trails such as mules, gaited breeds and quarter horses, ANY breed can be a suitable trail mount. There are over 350 breeds of horses to choose from, take your pick. Without public equestrian trails, many horses would not have a purpose.
Diversity – Age, ability, experience, personal heritage, and identity are not fundamentally restrictive. Fortunate are those who have experienced horses and trail riding at a young age. For others, it may not happen until later in life when they have the financial means to accomplish their dream of “the equestrian lifestyle”. Many riders will continue well into their 80’s. New to riding? It’s not hard to find an older, experienced horse who can safely accommodate learning curves. There are special saddles and tack that can be fitted to riders with varying needs, not to mention ramps and platforms to help riders mount. Horses are made in all shapes and sizes to accommodate riders of all shapes and sizes. The older I get the more I appreciate a shorter horse since it closes the gap between me and the ground if I need to tactically dismount. It doesn’t matter when an individual begins their journey. If there is a will to ride, there is most certainly a way! Continue reading Part III
Photo by D. Bird - 2020