Christy Wood

Steep hills will challenge you on tough trails; to prepare, find hills of varying size and slope where you can practice riding them slowly and deliberately.
Horseback Trail Riding

Taming Tough Trails

Here’s obstacle work to prepare you for rugged trail rides and ‘extreme’ challenges. Bonus: It’s loads of fun!

Credit: Photo by Kristen Reiter The author on her registered Appaloosa mare, Dollar.
Your Stories

On the Chief Joseph Trail Ride

ApHC’s celebrated ride offers excitement, scenery, and memories of a poignant history. This horsewoman, who details her 2014 ride, wouldn’t miss it.

Credit: Photos by Tom Marshall Desensitize your horse to your parade costume, too. Here’s how I prepared Dude to accept the animal skin that’s part of the Nez Perce Indian garb we wear in parades and for legacy (costume) classes in Appaloosa shows. If your horse trusts you, you can—given enough patience—get him to accept almost anything.
Western Horse Training Tips

De-Spooking Tips to Parade-Proof Your Horse

These de-spook strategies will train your horse to be calm in a parade, plus they’re excellent desensitizing for any horse.