By Nicole Fava

Let’s face it: most of us are guilty of spending the majority of our riding time in an enclosed space. Arena riding tends to be more productive when it comes to training our horses and practicing for shows. However, we need to remind ourselves that there is so much more to riding than those two things!

trail riding

Trail riding is a great way to supplement your arena work an ensure that you and your horse are mentally fit for all kinds of situations. Here’s a list of reasons why you should hit the trails more often.

1. Trail Riding Teaches Independence

I always encourage my students to try trail riding at a young age. It is easy for a rider to depend on arena fences to help control their horse, and I like to avoid that dependence early on.

Trail riding teaches independence, as the horse is under your control and your control only. Open spaces can often test our horse’s respect for us as their rider, and can make us aware of communication issues that we need to work on.

Once you improve this communication with your horse and can go outside of the arena with ease, your confidence as a rider will surely improve. You’ll feel much less dependent on an arena, and more dependent on your own skills.

2. Trail Riding Relieves Stress

We all know that riding reduces stress, but I personally find that hard training and show preparation can be stressful in their own ways. Why not take the pressure off and explore the trails? Trail riding can be quite scenic, and allows you to enjoy different scenery that you might not be able to access by car or bike.

horseback riding

And as you could imagine, trail riding can be a source of stress relief for your horse too. Instead of carrying themselves collected and engaged as you might ask of them in the ring, your horse can stretch out and relax in a natural frame. It’s important to let our horses be horses as much as possible, and trail riding allows this.

3. Trail Riding Desensitizes Your Horse

Trail riding presents its own sets of obstacles that you might not find in an arena setting.

Creeks, ponds, downed trees, rocks, and wildlife are a few things that you might come across. If you are trail riding in more of a city setting, be prepared for cars, bikers, runners, and loud noises.

If you are unsure of how your horse will react to these new sights and sounds, have a confident horse lead the way. A steady lead horse teaches your horse not to panic and is bound to make them more confident on future trail rides.

And remember – always wear a helmet, especially when riding a horse that is new to trail riding.

benefits of horse riding

4. Trail Riding Builds Muscle and Stamina

Endurance horses spend a lot of time on the trail, and you’ll notice they are incredibly fit as a result. Trail riding, particularly hills, can help build muscle in your equine partner. When going up a hill, try to “two-point”, or stand up in your saddle to make it easier for your horse to climb.

When going down a hill, sit back and push your feet out in front of you.
If your horse is new to trail riding and hill work, be sure to introduce them to it slowly!

If you’re lucky enough to keep your horse at a facility with trails, try to make trail riding a part of your weekly routine. I usually give my horses one day of hacking or trail riding per week.

If you do not have direct trail access from your barn, try to haul out with riding buddies a few times a month. You and your horse are bound to appreciate the change of scenery! Happy trails!

Horseback Therapy: The Benefits of Trail Riding