Staying Safe On The Trails

By Sarah Gee
©Voice, March 2006

There’s nothing quite like hitting the trail with your favorite mount on a nice sunny morning or afternoon. Communing with nature from the back of a horse is an outstanding way to spend a day. However, like most recreational activities, trail riding involves some inherent dangers. Even the best-trained horse can be unpredictable, and no one can control the actions of other trail users or the wildlife that makes its home on or around the trail. Horses spook and horses loose their footing. Bicyclists come out of nowhere and deer bound across the trail with absolutely no warning. The potential for on-the-trail accidents is limitless. Keeping that in mind, this article will attempt to shed some light on some basic trail safety guidelines.

First off, make sure that your horse is suited for the trail. Your horse should have enough experience for the type, size, and length of ride. Additionally, make sure that he is properly conditioned for the type of ride you’re going on. Over-fatigued horses tend to loose their footing.

It’s also important to inspect your equipment before setting out. Ensure that it is in good repair, fits your horse and yourself, and is properly adjusted. There’s nothing quite like having a girth or stirrup leather break as you’re heading up a steep incline. Also, an ill-fitting saddle will cause pain to your horse and most horses will try to avoid pain by running, bucking, rolling, etc. Likewise, if the saddle doesn’t fit you, you’ll be in for one miserable ride. Every trail rider’s equipment list should also include a helmet. Head protection is nothing to scoff at, whether it be from low hanging branches or rocks on the ground. People fall off horses all the time and it just makes sense to protect your braincase.

If you’re going on a group ride, consider how your horse acts when surrounded by strange horses. If he kicks, tie a red ribbon in his tail to warn other riders to keep their distance. In the same vein, respect the other horses in the group by not running up on them and passing quietly and at a safe distance. If you must stop on the trail, give advanced notice and seek out a wide spot where you can pull to the side and let the other riders pass safely.

Whether alone or in a group, you should always try to stay alert on the trail. Watch for low hanging branches, large rocks, boggy areas, and other natural hazards. Also keep an eye out for wildlife and other trail users. Pay attention to your horse’s body language. If his ears are pricked forward and his muscles start to tense, chances are there’s something on or near the trail that he’s not too sure about. Tuning in to your horse will often give you a bit of advanced warning on a spooky situation.

Alone or in a group, it’s also important to know how to read a map and a compass. If you do run into problems and need someone to come assist you, it’s really hard for them to do so if you can’t tell them where you are. Additionally, if you’re planning on spending a lot of time in unfamiliar areas, investing in a global positioning system (GPS) may be a good idea. Available in just about any sporting goods store, a GPS unit can pinpoint your location, using latitude and longitude, within about 80 feet. However, because they depend on clear access to satellites, GPS units may not work in thick wooded areas or deep canyons so you should still be familiar with that map and compass.

In addition to the map and compass, there are several trail riding essentials that no rider should be without. The following list, while not comprehensive, provides a decent starting point –

• Cell phone. To call for help, or to phone home.
• Pocketknife or multipurpose tool.
• Whistle. More audible than a yell for getting help.
• Flashlight. In case you get caught out after dark.
• Lightweight wind and water-resistant pullover. You never
know when the weather will change.
• Bandanna(s). You can use them as emergency compresses,
hankies, sweat mops, a quick and easy equipment repair, or
as a means to tie something to your saddle.
• Gloves. They keep your hands warm and they protect
them when handling rocks, branches, brush, or wire.
• Large plastic bag. Works well as an emergency poncho or
as a ground cloth.
• Water bottle(s).
• Hoof Pick. For dislodging rocks, etc. from hooves.
• Small roll of duct tape. For emergency repairs.
• Roll of bandaging tape. To wrap wounds.
• First-aid kit. Should include bandages, antibacterial
cream, etc.
• Rope halter, unless you use a halter/bridle combination,
and lead rope. In case you have to tie your horse on the trail.

While you can easily put all of this stuff into your saddlebags, you may want to consider carrying a few things in a well fitting fanny pack. After all, there’s always a chance that you and your horse will part company on the trail. The cell phone, pocketknife, whistle, flashlight, bandana, and large plastic bag are all good candidates for the fanny pack. You should also consider including your map and compass, a small bottle of sunscreen, a juice box, a granola bar, and a small pack of facial tissues.

No one wants to think the worst will happen to him or her, but everyone should at least consider the possibility. It pays to be prepared and by following the simple guidelines above, you can give yourself the peace of mind of knowing that you are prepared. That peace of mind will only make your trail riding adventures more enjoyable.

References:
Barakat, Christine, First Aid, Navigation Skills for the Trail at www.equisearch.com/horses_riding_training/trail/trailnav_062105/

Cooke, Sandra, Trail-Riding Essentials at www.equisearch.com/horses_riding_training/trail/EHR_trail_riding_030104/

Friedenberg, Lisa, Trail Riding Safety at www.paints-plus.com