Trail Riding Info
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Trail Riding Info
Horsemanship
The horse
The goal of trail riding is harmony with the horse and nature!
The horse always comes first. We train to be led and relieve the horse as often as we can, by walking stepp mountain tails up and down. ts needs and physical and mental abilities are always given priority. The trail riding horse is kept in a species-appropriate manner, is well cared for, cooperative and well rideable. The horse has a suitable saddle and is equipped with hoof protection appropriate to the terrain. We recommend using green Composite Horseshoes like Duplos in the mountains.
https://equinehoofsolutions-usa.com/
To make it as comfortable as possible for the horse, we ride with a Parelli or rope halter and continuous reins with a breaking point and snaps at each end.
In place of the leather strip I use Zip Ties and the holes are at list 1/2 inch apart. My straps are 3 inch long and doubled over.
The pad is wrapped in a blanket that we can wash in the river if necessary. We use neoprene straps with an external center seam because we haven't had any chafing or pressure points in 20 years.
If my saddle doesn't allow for a second rear girth, I use a tail strap or crupper, so that I can tighten the front girth as loosely as possible. With a breast plate of course.
sportsmanship
People
As riders we generally have the right of way. Except for me pedestrian always come first.
We greeting him - and pass him at walking pace.
On a narrow mountain trail I take the lower (the valley side) because my horse will not freak, if someone is above him. And chances are slim, that the hiker pushes my horse down the mountain side. I know that the rules in the US are different.
We are Cavaliers (Gentlemen) and behave accordingly towards riders and other trail users.
Horse Manuer
The picturesque villages of Switzerland are happy to welcome us as horse-riding tourists. But not necessarily the manure that our horses leave behind. It is therefore a good idea to take two garbage bags with you so that our manure fertilizes the roses and not the asphalt.
Riding the city
Sidewalks may not be used and if they are, the apples must always be removed. Bicycle paths may be used in the US, in other countries they are off-limits.
Naturship
Respect
We respect the farmers’ property and do cut switchbacks on the trail.
We adapt our pace to the terrain and stick to horse trails wherever possible
We carefully close gates that we open and respect hunting times and the swork of foresters and hunters.
Since we usually need hay or grass for the horses anyway, the farmer / Rancher is our best friend, even for overnight stays.
If permits are needed in parks we get them and adhere to the park rules.
Trail Rules
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The horse comes first.
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Inform the team about your horse
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You are solely responsible for your horse and equipment.
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Be ready and on time and wait until everyone is ready to ride off.
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We ride as a team.
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Hold your position at a walk, trot and canter.
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Keep your distance from the person in front of you.
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Horses do not die of thirst if they have to go without water for two hours.
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The guide or wrangler is in charge.
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If one has to take a leak, all go taking a leak.
Western Lore
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Stories from your neighbor's past should not interest you.
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You discuss problems with your neighbor when you can see the whites of his eyes.
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You shall not speak evil of any enemy, nor shall you give up on him if he gives up.
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You should not be ungrateful.
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You shall not take away from anyone anything that does not belong to you.
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You should be ready to help, support the weak and women, and defend them against everything and everyone and not tolerate that even a hair on their head should be harmed.