teaching a trail horse to go alone

[Fancy]

I would like to trail ride in the morning, since I no longer work. There are several parks close by that have easy, well-marked trails. The thing is, almost all of the people I know aren't available during the day. I would be riding solo. Of course, If I went out, I would call Mr. Fancy and tell him I was going, and call him again and tell him when I was on the ground. My cell lives in my belt pack. Hopefully, that's enough security.

My real question is, how do I know when my mare is ready to go out solo? I've noticed that when we go out with a group and one of the group is a horse that leads, she lets that horse go first. But when Mr. Fancy and I went out together today, she was happy to lead both going out and coming back. So, do I just gut it up and do it and see how it goes?

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[Robyn]

You have two options, go it alone or move closer to ME!

Seriously, the precautions you mentioned are probably all you need. Just take it slowly to see how your mare reacts and have a good time. Some of my best rides have been alone. There seems to be a better connection to my horse, probably because I'm more focused on him and he's the only one I have to talk too!
Robin

[JackSprats Mom]

Is there somewhere close you can try first of all? If you're nervous maybe have hubby come with you on a bike.

Or ground drive her out first and see how she is :yes:

If not, jump on a go :winkgrin:

[Fancy]

Is there somewhere close you can try first of all? If you're nervous maybe have hubby come with you on a bike.

Yeah, I can go down my own street. Only 1/4 mile, but at least it's out of our pasture.

Robyn, I'm afraid that Wisconsin is a bit far for me to go---but thanks so much for the offer!

GTD, I did a *LOT* of things in my youth that I would never dare to do now. I think I thought I was immortal. Well, THAT question has been put to rest--I am not now, nor have I ever been immune from injury or death. I just didn't used to know it.

As I said in my other post, Mr. Fancy and his boy Jack came on a trail ride with us today, and my girl did just fine. In fact, she led almost the whole way. For her, this is a first. That's why I'm thinking she's ready for something a little more ambitious.

[Simbalism]

I often end up riding by myself. Just moved to a new barn and, after a few weeks of letting my mare get used to her new 'digs", am getting ready to hit the trails exploring in the new area. When I first started trail riding my mare, I lead her on the trail so I could see how she would act(can we say timid old rider). I was much braver and unaware in my youth. One thing I have done since I am usually by myself riding around home, I added a large dog tag with horse's name, my name,phone number to the ring at the front of my saddle. I also wear an arm band (like eventers) with ID and medical info, just incase I am not able to use my cell phone.

[tbtrailrider]

I would like to trail ride in the morning, since I no longer work. There are several parks close by that have easy, well-marked trails. The thing is, almost all of the people I know aren't available during the day. I would be riding solo. Of course, If I went out, I would call Mr. Fancy and tell him I was going, and call him again and tell him when I was on the ground. My cell lives in my belt pack. Hopefully, that's enough security.

My real question is, how do I know when my mare is ready to go out solo? I've noticed that when we go out with a group and one of the group is a horse that leads, she lets that horse go first. But when Mr. Fancy and I went out together today, she was happy to lead both going out and coming back. So, do I just gut it up and do it and see how it goes?

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:


When I first started riding Banjo at my old place we stayed on the property, but that got boring quick. At the time I lived in a very horsey area (hunt country),but didn't know anyone , I just took off down the road one day. In retrospect hand walking the route would have been a good idea beforehand,as I had to get off and lead him past horse eating monsters,i.e stumps, dark spots in the road, and esp. cows more than once. We still ride alone in the new place, I have yet to find a trail buddy.When I do I'm sure it will be interesting..Banjo is a TB and pretty forward going. Likes to gallop. I like to gallop.
So my advice would be to go for it, but walking on foot with your mount is a good idea, before heading out astride.
Cheryl:cool:

[Auventera Two]

Just jump on and go! :winkgrin:

But of course you can take my advice with a grain of salt. I'm crazy and don't mind trail riding alone. Last night I hopped on the Morgan pony bareback, in shorts and sandals, (but yes, I had a helmet!) with a hackamore and took off down the road alone. But maybe I should mention she hasn't been ridden in a year, and while I was trying to get on her, she spun around and bucked, but I thought, what the heck, she's only 13.1, not too far to fall! It was touch and go the first few minutes but she settled into a nice trot and did great. When it comes to trail riding, I pretty much just - go.

Like GTD said - you can't see the world chasing your tail in the arena. The trail is so fascinating and magnificent. So go on hon and "Git R Done!"

(Hey, you inspired me to change my signature line! lol)

[Swale01]

I had my OTTB on a 400+ acre property that we could "trail ride" around - it was woodsy in parts and had roads, ditches, etc, I think it was legitimate 'trail riding' for training purposes...and I was nervous about riding out on the property solo but he had absolutely ZERO issue when I tried him, I had really been worried for nothing. In fact, I quickly grew to enjoy it solo more than in a group - he was more attentive to me, was actually more willing and cooperative without the distraction of other horses, and it felt more like bonding time for the two of us.

[Auventera Two]

I agree Swale, I've found I enjoy being alone more than in a group. My mare is much more attentive, and isn't concerned about who is behind or who is in front. She just goes where I point her. I stop when I want, gallop when I want, etc. It's really nice to go alone, although I do enjoy riding with friends ocassionally too. I'm not a total hermit crab. :winkgrin:

[Hannahsmom]

I added a large dog tag with horse's name, my name,phone number to the ring at the front of my saddle. I also wear an arm band (like eventers) with ID and medical info, just incase I am not able to use my cell phone.

These are both GREAT ideas!

[Mtn trails]

I like riding along too, I can go where I want, move out at a faster gait if I want, stay out as long as I want, etc. but there are times when I like to ride with friends too. In my experience, I've found that horses respond better when you take them out alone, they have to rely on you for their security and I have found that they are less likely to bolt or spook when alone. Go have fun with your horse, life is passing you by!

[Huntertwo]

When I bought my mare, she was pretty good about going out alone. Actually does better alone as she tends to pick up the spookiness in the other horses if we go out in a group.

But, I just went a little further each day to her comfort zone and turned around and came back. I didn't just let her spin around and come home. But *I* made her stand for a few seconds and then let her turn around.

I also find constant talking or even singing helps soothe their nerves.

Good luck with your horse.:)

[Prieta]

I used to just hop on my mares and go for hours and hours at any time of the day. I never thought about getting hurt despite one of my mare's tendency to buck me off every now and then. I was just so very eager to get on and GO!

Now, I'm much older and am more conservative about riding. At times, I truly do wish that I have this mindset that I had when I was younger so I could just GO! However, I being older I can relate to the OP's concern...right now, I walk with my current mare out for footwalk out of home to allow ourselves to connect. Like what Huntertwo suggests, I've been riding to the point where either one of us becomes uncomfortable and we'd stop there before heading back on home.

[Wind]

I am happy to see this topic as I have been going through the same thing. I moved to a new area, got a new horse last year (OTTB who has now been off track 3 years and pretty calm for an OTTB, a very sweet boy). I still have my old 3/4 Arab (who I have taken out alone for 17 years). I have always been very independant and had no problem in the past before I moved in either riding by myself or with other boarders. I now have my own small farm. Have been riding the OTTB (with great success out on different trails) with my neighbor and her daughter. One problem - I came to the realization that my neighbor and her daugher are very inflexible about what time they want to ride, it's their time or no time (their perogative). So, I was missing out on great riding. I never used to be that way before; I always used to love the solitude and independence in riding alone.

I felt really bummed out last week when I realized my neighbor (who will not ride alone at all) will not adjust her ride time. My husband told me, "Just get on him and go, don't wait around to fit somebody else's schedule all the time." So I did. I live in a quiet area with a dirt road to ride on. There are cows and other critters around. Had a wonderful time, and will continue to do so. I will progress to riding in the woods also. It's something I need to do because I need a horse that will either go out alone or ride in company. And if my neighbor's schedules and mine meet fine, if not - now I know I can ride out alone with my new boy.

[matryoshka]

I LOVE riding alone. Just think, you don't have to worry about somebody else's skill level, when they want to trot or canter. No slowing down or speeding up to match the other horse. You can listen to nature, sing to your horse, talk to him/her about your problems or ideas! It's also fun to ride with others, but you are really missing out if you never try it alone.

People think I'm crazy, because like GTD, I rarely think twice about going out alone. The second or third ride I did on my OTTB was alone on a trail. Sure, he acted up. I soothed him. At one point I was prepared to jump off when he started rearing and bucking a bit, but I hung in there and he settled down. His big problem was confusion. He'd never been out alone, ever. He also wasn't used to going bitless. We were going to have to face going out alone at some point, and I elected to do it sooner than later.

I came back exhilerated, only to get a talking to about being irresponsible and a verifiable nut case. While I have no argument about the nut-case thing, I wasn't being irresponsible. I was training my horse. The options were to try to find an experienced riding partner with a calm horse or to go alone. I wasn't about to invite an inexperienced trail rider or horse to go along when I knew my boy would likely have at least one hissy fit! Now I have to get him used to going out in groups. :lol:

If you or your horse get nervous on the trail, sing. I can't remember anything but Christmas carols and the Star Spangled Banner, but my horses don't seem to care. Singing will keep you breathing, and your horse will at least partly focus on you and not on potential spooks on the trail. :D

If you haul to a trail, practice loading and unloading by yourself before you go. I load my horses while standing next to the ramp so I can close the butt bar as soon as they are on. If your horse is used to you leading him/her on, they have a chance to back out before you close the butt bar. Some horses stand there quietly enough for this to work, but I worry about what they'll do in the few seconds it takes me to walk back and put up the bar.

[dm]

Also, put your cell phone in a place where you are less likely to land on it if you fall. I don't think I've ever fallen off a horse and landed on the front of my body, so that's where I would put it. Same thing with the arm band cell phone carriers--I would put them on the front of my arm, rather on the back or side, since it wouldn't be as protected against the impact in the other places.

I like the idea of an arm band with contact stuff, medical stuff, etc. A fanny pack with ID could also work this way. Again, I would probably be more likely to put my fanny pack in front of me.

Cell phones don't get a signal where I do most of my riding. It's also too far away (I have to trailer out) to use walkie talkies/2 way radios. Does anyone have any experience with satellite cell phones? I've looked around the internet--they are expensive! But, I might consider a basic one if it wouldn't put me in the poor house with unexpected fees and would actually work where I ride.

[alysheba]

Yep, I'm going to agree-jump on and go! You never know..your mare may enjoy the time alone with you. I can tell Avatar likes our walks together.

If your timid about it, maybe just take her out on a lead to see how she does.

Good luck! And please wear a helmet. :D Oh, and getting a dog collar tag w/your name and number on it and putting it on your horses halter/bridle is a good idea to when your riding alone.

[Fancy]

Maybe. OTOH, maybe not! I just read the newest Trail Safety thread, wherein a lady was pulled off her bicycle and killed. Perhaps I'll be more diligent in finding somebody to ride with.

[BklynCwgrl]

Hi all...I'm new to this forum. Glad to see a whole section devoted to the joys of trail riding!!!

I can never seem to find anyone who wants to go riding for as long as I like to go out. As a result, I usually go myself. I'm thinking of getting a dog who can go the distance with me so I'm not ALL alone. the dogs that I have can't go the distance...too big and too thick!

I wish I could find someone reliable who would go every weekend for a walk, trot, canter, ride for about 3 or 4 hours.

Anyone live in SoCal??? :)

[matryoshka]

Welcome to COTH BklynCwgrl! Enjoy the trail riding forum!! Lots of good info here. :)

[Fancy]

Yes, welcome! Enjoy! P'haps you could start small and train up a companion or two? Three-four hours could be pretty daunting for many people.

[BklynCwgrl]

Yes, welcome! Enjoy! P'haps you could start small and train up a companion or two? Three-four hours could be pretty daunting for many people.


In fact, the horse I have now isn't ready for that kind of distance either. She's a 3 year old paint/tb. I'd love to post a picture, but have no idea how. I actually started her out alone before I took her with anyone else. I thought that would be the way to ensure that she will go alone. She has no problems going alone. I was afraid at first. I never had such a young horse. But aside from some typical 3 year old antics, she's a really excellent trail horse. My husband is doing training level/1st level dressage with her also. Anyway...by fall, she'll be able to go distance, if I can!

[Fancy]

Does anybody else think that 3 is pretty young for a long trail ride? If she were mine, I might wait a year or so.

[Prieta]

Brklyncwgl,

I used to have a dog going with me all the time! She was part Standard Poodle and whatever else - she never got tired even after two or three hours of riding with me. Perhaps, like the horses, lighter weight dogs might do better at trail riding with you?

[grayarabs]

I ride alone and love it. My horse and I do get nervous and I also started singing - made up our "trail song". Singing over and over "we are very, very brave" "the birds are a'singing" "the leaves are a'falling" and so on.
We are not brave by any means - but somehow thinking it/singing it helps.
I have not been able to ride out for some months due to work on the creek by flood control - and will make our maiden voyage to the "new look" probably next month. I know my horse will wonder what has happened to our trails - the ones he had grown used to - the first part - all the trees knocked down, etc. I am trying to prepare for this - thinking clicker training and/or Tteam stuff by LTJ. Sometimes my horse gets bug-eyed (hard eyes?) and I want him to soften, relax and listen to me - or focus away from whatever has him buzzed. I can pretty much get his attention with a carrot - so always carry some with me - and want to work on clicker training so he will be thinking "what do I need to do to get that carrot" ie calm down, focus on me, etc. Do others use CT on the trail?

[alysheba]

Does anybody else think that 3 is pretty young for a long trail ride? If she were mine, I might wait a year or so.

Depends on how much in hand trail work was done (to condition the horse mentally for the trail, as well as physically), and how much the rider weighs. Also depends on the pace of the ride.

If the horse hasn't had much experience on the trail, I would wait another year. If she has had experience, than it would come down to the weight of the rider and the pace of the ride. A QH/TB would be a good sized horse. She could handle it.

[paint hunter]

I pretty much agree with Alysheba. However, I also add in to take account of the terrain. I lived for 5 years in the Twin Cities (on loan from CA) and found trail riding to be a whole lot different there. For one, you lack significant elevation changes in MN. I can remember riding at Lake Elmo on the east side and it was completely flat. A walking ride for 2 hours put little stress on the horses. Now out here in the SF Bay Area I'm going up and down hills continuously. Just finished a two hour walking ride on my 4 year old and he handled it well but I probably wouldn't have tried it a year ago.

Every case is different and a lot depends on the horse, the speed and the terrain. Personal opinion is to err on the side of caution. On the other hand can't AERC horses start competing limited distance (25 miles) at the age of four?

By the way BrklnCwgrl, my guy is also a Paint/TB cross. Would love to see a picture of your guy. I love the cross! Of course, my guy is 16.2 hands which hardly makes him "mounting-friendly." No NATRC for him since I need the top of a picnic table to get on.

Alysheba, I hear it is a little toasty today in the Twin Cities. We had our 109 degree temps last week. However, I do miss the 4 pm thunderstorms.

[SweetLatte]

Perfect timing, I just took my mare on her first solo trail ride today and she did pretty well. She was a little more attentive and her walk a bit quicker than normal, but I really enjoyed having her all to myself. Once she's more confident on her own, I'll be able to work on the things that I can't work on while in a group. For the most part, I'm for the "just get out and go" group.

[Mtn trails]

I also agree with Alysheba on the age of the horse and conditioning. I took my 3 year old mustang on a pretty long ride that was almost continual climbing the first half. Of course there were lots of rest breaks along the way but she did just fine and took a long nap in the shade when we got to the destination. Yes, she was tired when we got back but then, so were the older horses as well. She had a bath at the river and a good long rest and was ready to go the next day. Mustangs are tough and very strong, they have to be to survive in the wild but any horse with appropriate conditioning would be able to handle a 3+ hour ride.

[BklynCwgrl]

Hi all. I don't know how to post pictures on this forum. If someone can tell me how to do it, I will be glad to post pics of my little girl.

She is about 15 hands...built like a thoroughbred...fortunately with the mind of the QH side! She's been under saddle since she's been 2 1/2. Not overworking...just training. I won't tell you what I weigh :winkgrin: but I will say I'm not fat! LOL I'm not too big for her by any means.

As I said, my husband is doing dressage with her, so she gets court work about once a week and I trail ride her once or twice a week...on an average of 6 to 8 miles per ride. Our terrain is fabulous for conditioning...sandy washes/trails and easy elevation. We don't do a difficult pace...mostly walking and some trotting. I am very cognizant of her developmental stages. I've asked the vet when he thought she would be ready for somewhat tougher rides and he said towards fall/winter. At that time I will increase the pace of the rides and then the distance.

By the way...she turned out to be such a terrific horse that we just purchased her full sister. This little girl looks like she's going to be at least 16 hands. She will be a great dressage horse.


Anyway...if someone tells me hwo to upload pics...I'd be delighted to show you pics of ALL my babies!

[MissBri]

Many ways to teach them to go alone. here are a few examples - Brave, not so brave, weanie.

1. Just do it - short rides at first, increasing the duration
2. start out with a buddy, split off for a bit, and rejoin your buddy. increase the duration of the split.
3. Hand walk the trails for a bit. Then hand walk out, ride a bit, hand walk back. Ride out, hand walk, ride, hand walk back. Mix it up alot.


to condition - lots of hills - lots of trot work.

[BklynCwgrl]

When I first started taking my 3 year old out, she started to do typical 3 year old stuff. Having no prior experience with that behavior (my previous horses were all older and more experienced) I was afraid and I didn't know what to do. She would decide she was going home...and refuse to go forward. When I would try to make her go forward, she'd back up..she'd back into trees and start kicking the trees...with me on her and my head in the branches!!! It was lovely!!! She'd decide to turn around on a steep hill...when I didn't feel I had the room to fight with her. I was sooo frustrated!!!!

One time I had my husband walk behind us...not even on a horse. He walked behind us and every time she started her antics, he would tell me exactly what to do! It was the best lesson I ever had. ON THE JOB TRAINING!!! Since that time I feel like I can handle pretty much anythng she throws at me...and as a result, she's turning into a great little gal.

[Prieta]

Was your husband a horse person?

I had to ask that because my DH, the non-horsey Geek would read up on literatures on horses and would tell me what he'd learn. :eek: Even I had to take him out on training with me, he'd remember what he'd read and would share them. He still refuses to ride! But, he adores our horses!

[BklynCwgrl]

Was your husband a horse person?




My husband is a dressage rider/trainer. We're a mixed marriage...I'm strictly western trail...he's dressage :lol: :lol:

[Huntertwo]

My husband is a dressage rider/trainer. We're a mixed marriage...I'm strictly western trail...he's dressage :lol: :lol:

And your family approved of that marriage?? lol

[Huntertwo]

This thread got me thinking. Even thought we try out best to de-sensitize horses for the trail. Are there just horses that simply are too worried or skittish to go out alone no matter what we do?

Its sort of like people, some are laid back easy going and some are alway anxious and nervous.

I had one a few years ago and no matter how hard I tried to make it a good experience, he just did not like it.

[BklynCwgrl]

And your family approved of that marriage?? lol


They figured if he could put up with me it didn't matter what kind of riding he does!!! :D

[Prieta]

Your marriage is AWESOME! I wanted to marry a horsey man but...my husband is good. BUT, your husband is a dressage trainer! That is AWESOME!
I'd love to go into dressage but I have not been able to find a trainer who can make accomodations. Have fun with your husband and your horses! :D

[BklynCwgrl]

Your marriage is AWESOME! I wanted to marry a horsey man but...my husband is good. BUT, your husband is a dressage trainer! That is AWESOME!
I'd love to go into dressage but I have not been able to find a trainer who can make accomodations. Have fun with your husband and your horses! :D


You know...it's such a waste because I have no interest in really doing dressage...and he's such a great rider/trainer. I have learned a ton...and am a much much MUCH better rider since I met him. He has taught me ALOT. Both about riding and about horses in general.

[matryoshka]

Huntertwo, I think you have a good point. I have an OTTB mare who is currently out on a breeding lease. I bought her to do eventing with, before I realized my hip couldn't take that kind of riding. So, I went back to my first love, which is trail riding. While she did become a good trail horse, she never seemed to enjoy it. It took some of the fun out of it for me. Plus, she has a very active walk that is really tiring for the rider. I took her trail riding quite a bit, but I missed the feeling of partnership on the trail. Maybe I'm just picky, though.

BTW, this mare just made the main mare book at an RPSI warmblood inspection. If she could only realize that now she has a chance to be a brood mare instead of a trail horse, I think she'd be very relieved. I hope she likes being a momma. :) I'm very excited, because I wasn't sure her trot would pass muster. Her walk was her highest score. :lol: It may look good, but it doesn't feel good for hours on the trail! :eek: She's in foal to a stallion named Nassau for 2007. Sport horse prospect, not endurance or anything. Can't wait to see the baby!

Another OTTB who has fancier bloodlines (and actually raced) has taken to the trails like a natural. He enjoys himself and is therefore fun to ride, even though he's not for the faint hearted. I like that he always wants to get to the top of the next hill and see around the next corner. He seems game for whatever the day may bring. Now I just have to convince him that there are no crocodiles hiding in the wide stream at Fair Hill (and that it is bad manners to buck while walking to the trail head). I've got still another OTTB that won several races and is super on the trail. He even likes the water. It doesn't matter how long he goes between rides, it's as though he was ridden yesterday. Quiet, smart, nice fast walk. What more could a trail rider ask for? Too bad he isn't sound enough for competion. His knee is mostly okay but needs to be treated gently.