Hello,
My husband encouraged me to fulfill my dream to own a horse. He was looking forward to purchasing his own as well so that we can trail ride. An accomplished horsewoman at the barn told me that "you'd never catch me trail riding because so much can go wrong". Yikes! I know my husband would be disappointed, but he'd ride out back through the trail anyway. Would it be a disservice to my horse as well? I really want a relationship with the horse more than I do the thrill of a ride. Truthfully, it still scares me. Maybe this will come in time, but her comment made me question myself. Thanks for the advice.
Kathy
My husband encouraged me to fulfill my dream to own a horse. He was looking forward to purchasing his own as well so that we can trail ride. An accomplished horsewoman at the barn told me that "you'd never catch me trail riding because so much can go wrong". Yikes! I know my husband would be disappointed, but he'd ride out back through the trail anyway. Would it be a disservice to my horse as well? I really want a relationship with the horse more than I do the thrill of a ride. Truthfully, it still scares me. Maybe this will come in time, but her comment made me question myself. Thanks for the advice.
Kathy
While I do not consider myself an expert in anything to do with horses, I've had hundreds of hours in the saddle on trail rides and just riding in general and what I can tell you is, with a "willing partner" type horse (the kind of horse that is gentled and desensitized,) used to the trail, and used to most anything you will experience together, is relatively safe. Especially on trail rides, the horses learn the trail, they learn the way there and the way home. On these experienced horses, you are quite safe. There's always a chance something can go wrong, but if the horse knows the trail and is seriously gentle to the point kids can ride, it really safe as it can be. I'm speaking of commercial type trail rides, where there is a "trail boss" or "wrangler". I've only had a couple of instances where something went sort of amiss, on these types of rides, not necessarily "wrong." In these instances, the horses protected me!
To me, it is all about having the right horse with the right training.
A "green" horse, (one that hasn't got that much experience or hasn't had that much riding,) takes a bit more experienced hand, and even then it is still safe if the rider knows what they are doing and how to handle their horse. Sure something unexpected could happen, sometimes it does, depending on the situation and your experience, you must determine if you can handle it. Don't let anyone push you into doing something you are not comfortable doing! The horse will sense your feelings and mirror them.
I'm sure others here will give much better advice than I could. I personally value safety above all else. Riding, in general, can be a scary proposition if you are unsure of yourself or your horse. I would say put many hours in the saddle in a controlled environment and learning your horse and how to handle him/her before taking out onto a trail you've never been on. Get your confidence up, and then go with experienced riders, with experienced horses. Again, safety first. The arena in a controlled environment is where you can build your trust in your horse and your horses' trust in you.
I'll be interested to see what others have to say on this as well.
All the best to you and your horse!
Tara
.
My point is, life is dangerous & even hiding in our houses is no guarantee of safety. Trail riding ( known as 'going for a hack' in Britain ) is the most basic form of riding. The person who you spoke to is in a small minority - the vast majority of riders spend more time out on the lanes, the hills & fields than they do in an arena. It hurts just as much when you fall off in the schooling area. Like most activities, you can lessen the chances of things going wrong by being sensible. Don't just ride off into the horizon. Go with someone, tell someone roughly how long you intend to be away & where you think you'll go. Unless your a confident, competent rider choose a sensible mount, not to hot-blooded. I assume you picture is you with Jack - he looks like a sensible sort. For the first few times take a lead line & if you get nervous have your companion put Jack on it. Being wary & concerned is a good thing at our age - but don't let some wet blanket type person steal joy from your life. Jack is a good sort & is lighting up your life. Don't shackle your dream. Don't mute what joy Jack ( & the fun of trail riding with your husband ) can bring to your life without trying it first. Horseback riding is a wonderful way to enjoy the countryside - the wildlife don't recognise you as human on a horse so you see things you wouldn't otherwise.
.
My Bella gave me 2 foals, Kirk & Holy Moley ( coz she's Bella's miracle - Montys fault. He say Holy Moley when something works better or quicker than expected. Bella fractured a knee during her pregnancy & against the odds, per our vet, gave me a perfect filly foal that she then went on to raise to 6 months ). Sadly, at that point, November 2014, we lost Bella. Last summer Jordan & I started Kirk - Jordan sat on him bareback about 15 times before I brought out a saddle & sat on him myself. He was 6 then, born 2013 & never showed any negatively! Actually, he behaved as though he knew this was what he was born to do. Equines are incredible, they put up with all our guff, our mistakes & still trust. My advice, in a nutshell, is - ignore the silly person, trust your relationship with Jack &, with the right help - give it a go. I'm not guaranteeing you'll love it - but I'd be surprised if you didn't & my best guess is Jack will love it too. Cheers, Jo.