“Ten Tips to Prepare For The Trail”
(Listeners’ Choice)
By Popular Demand we have re-published this episode. Each weekend we are choosing the most listened to and commented on episodes for you to enjoy.
This interview was previously published in 2018 Michelle O’Neill 3 (426)
About Michelle
– If you would like to know more about Michelle then listen to her previous chats
First Chat – 217 – Michelle O’Neill
Second Chat – 297 – Michelle O’Neill 2 – “Ten Tips to Find The Ideal Horse”
About This Episode
“Ten Tips to Prepare For The Trail”
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“Ten Tips to Prepare For The Trail”
Everyone loves to get out with their horse and enjoy the beautiful country side. It is great for both us and our horses to get out of the arena and ride somewhere different. But of course, with different locations, we will meet different challenges.
The thing with trail riding is that every time we set foot in the trail, there are thousands of things we can no longer control; other people, traffic, animals, obstacles, weather are all just some of the variables that can affect us much more on the trail than they would in an arena.
Here at Cherry Tree Equine we are lucky enough to have 2500 acres to play on every day, so we spend a lot of time out on the trail. To help you remain safe, here are our 10 top tips to prepare for the trail.
1. Be Prepared for Surprises
– Groundwork, groundwork, groundwork
– Expose your horse to scary things on the ground; plastic bags, logs, tarps, tyres
– This is safer and gives you more control
– We have a built a trail course just for this purpose
2. Practice Obstacles at Home
– Once your horse is good with things on the ground, practice under saddle
– Use your imagination; eg if your horse doesn’t like water, make a puddle
– Make sure you start small and safe; you are trying to build both yours and you horses confidence
3. Do Your Brakes Work?
– How good is your one rein stop?
– Is it second nature to pull on only one rein, or do you panic and pull on two when things go wrong
– Practice the one rein stop till it becomes a habit
4. Can You Mount from anywhere?
– Can you mount, comfortably, from the ground?
– If not, can you get your horse to stand quietly against a log, fence or rock while you do?
– If not, time for groundwork and training at home
5. Does Your Horse Like Groups?
– If you have only ever ridden on your own, it is possibly not a great idea to make your first trail ride one with 100 other horses
– In a group you have no control over the other people or their horses
– Start by riding with a group of friends or good horsemen who will support and understand you and your horses needs
6. Pick Your Friends Wisely
– The people you ride with will decide if you have a good day
– No hoons allowed!
– If you are inexperienced in trail riding, ride with people with experience
– Make them aware of your concerns before you go riding so they are prepared
7. Does Your Horse Need Slippers?
– Shoes or boots may be a necessity
– Enquire as to the type of ground if you don’t know where you are going
8. Check Your Equipment is Functional and Safe
– It is a bad feeling having to walk a long way home after your gear has broken!
– Does your saddle fit?
– Will it stay still going up and down hills?
– If your gear clean so you do not rub you or your horse?
– Have you thought of using a mecate?
– Common Sense
9. Make a Plan
– Basic safety first; where are you going, with who and for how long
– Tell people who care about you what your plan is
– Ring when you arrive
10. What If?
– Is there mobile reception where you are going?
– Do you need an emergency beacon?
– Make sure you carry these on you, not your horse
– Have you discussed with the group what to do in an emergency?
Time Stamps
01:12 – Background
02:18 – Introduction
05:21 – 1. Be Prepared for Surprises
07:11 – 2. Practice Obstacles at Home
08:40 – 3. Do Your Brakes Work?
11:50 – 4. Can You Mount from Anywhere?
14:58 – 5. Does Your Horse Like Groups?
18:55 – 6. Pick Your Friends Wisely
23:57 – 7. Does Your Horse Need Slippers?
25:30 – 8. Check Your Equipment is Functional and Safe
29:05 – 9. Make a Plan
30:55 – 10. What If?
34:27 – Contact: see details below
Michelle’s Contact Details
Phone: 02 6454 3030 or +61 2 6454 3030
Email: info@cherrytreeequine.com.au
Website: www.cherrytreeequine.com.au
Facebook: Cherry Tree Equine
Music
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