Trail

Awareness in these five areas will keep you and your horse safe on the trail.

When done properly, an L-shaped back-through in a trail pattern should look almost effortless. Acing this type of maneuver requires hours of practice, teaching your horse to back with ease and cadence while listening to a combination of your hand, leg, and seat cues.

Use this approach-and-retreat method to train at home or to get your horse over an obstacle on the trail.

Glide down the trail on the back of a smooth-gaited horse with our guide to eight great destinations.

Learn when it’s time to turn around on the trail and how to remain your horse’s “herd leader” in challenging situations.

Discover history and beauty in Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

Follow these expert trail-tack guidelines for optimal safety, fit, comfort, and control.

Learn to open and close a trail gate without dismounting for safety, efficiency, and control.

Try a new approach to a familiar trail obstacle.

Sidepass an ‘L’ with your horse’s hind feet inside the obstacle.

Julie Goodnight explains how to use a rope halter on the trail.