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Horseback Trail Riding Checklist
The weather’s warming up & you’re itching to load your horse up & do some trail riding. Before you saddle up and head out to the great outdoors, here’s a checklist of essentials to make your trip safe & enjoyable.
Check over your truck and trailer
* Check tire pressure & wear
* Check your floorboards for rot & cracks
* Check gates and latches for damage
* Check your hitch for wear
* Check your brake lights and turn signals
* Look for any sharp edges or rust holes
Check your horse over – your horse should be able to:
* Be tied safely
* Stand calmly when being tacked up
* Go forward, backward, left, right & most importantly, stop on command
* Cross water, bridges or fallen trees if you anticipate any of those on your ride
* Load and unload from the trailer easily
* Be in good enough shape for the length of ride and terrain
What to bring with?
* Map of where you’re going, noting parking areas for trailers
* Copy of Health Papers if required and a Trail Pass
* Clothes appropriate for the weather that’s been forecasted
* First aid kit for you & the horse
* Tack that’s been thoroughly checked over along with extra reins, cinches, halter & lead lines
* Fly spray for the horse, bug spray for you.
* Water & hay, buckets & hay net
* Cooler with water & snacks for you
* A friend or cell phone – let someone know where you’re going & when you expect to be back if you’re going alone
Trail riding can be fun & relaxing. Using this checklist can make it stress free.
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