10 Essentials to Pack When Taking Your Horse Trail Riding
Water is a must, especially on hot days. “On hot days, you’ll need to consume more water to keep from getting dehydrated,” says Pavia, who’s also written “Horses for Dummies.” “Consider freezing one or more bottles of water that you’ll be bringing along. By the time you are ready to drink them, they will have melted. If you’ll be out all day, Pavia recommends packaging a lunch. “A saddle pack with an insulated compartment can keep it cool,” she says. If your trail ride is only a few hours long, she recommends bringing “some snacks, like nuts or a granola bar, to help keep your energy up.” On all-day rides, be sure to keep your horse fed and hydrated, too. “If you’ll be spending time at your trailer, hang a hay net and let your horse eat whenever he’s tied there,” Pavia says. “It will be hard to bring hay along on your ride, so you can allow your horse to graze when you take breaks.” As for water breaks, Pavia recommends finding out if there will be natural water available along the trail or at the trailhead. If not, bring your own water to offer to your horse before you head out trail riding and when you return.,Trail riding is one of the most fun activities you can do with your horse. It can be a relaxing break from schooling in the arena, whether you go for a short jaunt through the woods nearby or out to the mountains for an overnight equestrian adventure. Preparation is key to enjoying an hour, a day or a weekend on the trail. For starters, you and your horse need to be physically and mentally fit for the task. You’ll also need to pack the appropriate gear for the length of your ride. “Even if you’re only headed out for a couple of hours, you’ll want to bring some provisions,” says Audrey Pavia, director of region 2 of the North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC) and author of “Trail Riding: A Complete Guide.” “The amount you bring will depend on how long you plan to ride and the weather conditions.”
