RSS
Home
Riding on the road
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Riding in the spring can be difficult between the rain and mud, access to an indoor riding arena is helpful but only for the lucky few. One option is to ride along the road. Staying safe and keeping it interesting is important.
It is best to drive or walk the desired path before getting out there on a horse. Be sure there are places to get off the road should a car come along. Try to pick the least traveled roads. Roads with a lot of curves cause drivers to slow down, but be sure there is room to get out of their way. You will also need to be very aware of approaching traffic, since they may not see you. Flat open roads are pretty useful because there is plenty of visibility for both rider and driver. Check for loose dogs and other animals that may distract or scare the horse along the way.
Once the route is planned out, be sure the horse is ready for the adventure. The horse should not be afraid of cars or dogs. If the horse is afraid of cars, try to stay off to the side of the road where the horse doesn't have to be as close to the cars. Always keep and eye and an ear out for approaching traffic. If a car approaches from behind the horse, turn the horse to look at it before it passes. This way the car is not sneaking up behind a horse. It is good to get the horse used to the sound of car horns, because you never know when a non-horsey neighbor is going to honk and wave.
Dogs can be a problem as well. Often they can be ignored, but if they are following the horse, turn the horse to face the dog and walk towards it. Dogs will usually back away from a horse that is facing it and it gives the horse confidence to face a dog and to make it move away. It is also a good beginning practice for working cattle, should the opportunity ever come up.
Pavement can be slick and horses with shoes are more likely slip than horses that are barefoot. It is best to keep to a walk unless you are certain that your horse will not slip. To make the ride more productive you can practice a lot of moves on a quiet road. You can work on walk-halt-walk transitions, walk–trot-walk transitions, backing, leg yields, half passes, roll backs and some turns and circles. Be sure to stay off of private property and farmer's fields. Riding on the road can help to prepare the horse for a show season, or just get in shape for the trail riding season. It is important to always be aware of traffic, have fun and to stay safe.
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
