This past weekend we (myself and 8 other people from the barn where I board) went on a trail ride organized by a local 4H club. We knew the ride would be about 2 hours long and we would be riding through the woods. Unfortunately, none of thought to ask (and the ride organizers neglected to tell the participants up front) that parts of this trail were EXTREMEMLY rocky and had some VERY steep uphill and downhill sections. We are all "weekend warriors" when it comes to riding and our horses are not used to these types of conditions. Not to mention, none of them are shod. Several of the horses got very sore feet and a few of us dismounted and walked a good part of the trail to avoid risking injuries.
Two years ago, we went on trail ride which ended up being 4 hours long and, again, had some pretty treacherous sections for novice riders.
I guess I've now learned it's my responsibility to ask what the trails are going to be like instead of assuming that the event organizers will tell participants up front what to expect!
Trail Riding Beef
Posted - 06/02/2009 : 09:02:27 AM
and a few of us dismounted and walked a good part of the trail to avoid risking injuries.