And here we are coming out after sunrise at the ranch, and the fog is still hanging low over the fields, and the horses are licking their tails, waiting to have breakfast. One of my more recent riders, who thinks he has the place, scowls at the long shaded path. "What if she spooks out there?" she inquires, stroking her mare. I grin. And all riders know that place where you are no longer in the pleasant level arena, but in the actual world of roots, mud and mystery.
That's the beauty of horse riding Seattle. The roads in these parts are beautiful evergreens and running brooks, and obstacles here and there that will try you and your horse too. However, when you are ready to go beyond the stage of staying on, and actually riding the trail with rhythm and confidence, there are techniques that can actually make the difference. We will now see what horse and rider must be lined up to get trail riding easy and natural.
1. Start with Communication—Your Horse Reads You More Than You Think
Trail riding begins even before you get to the trail. Unless your horse believes in you, that first squirrel or cracking tree-branch can put you both in the air.
Your Body Does the Talking
Before your legs or your reins speak, your seat does. Relax, have your hips move in the movement, and breathe in and out. Horses sense tension the way radar does. When I teach horse riding lessons in Seattle, I always teach them- "When you stiffen, your horse will think there is something to get worried about." Be easy and your horse will be easy.
Reins and Legs, Not Brakes and Gas
Advice, not inhibition, in the trail. Steer and balance with your legs and avoid pulling or kicking. When you're horse riding Seattle's mixed terrain mud, rocks, maybe a random dog off leash this kind of light communication keeps things smooth.
2. Learn to Read the Trail—Seattle Terrain Is Its Own Teacher
Seattle trails are erratic. One minute you are on a smooth pine path, the next on a hill so slick that you have to keep pulling yourself up or on a puddle so large you would have to row a canoe across it.
Going Up and Down Gracefully
Going uphill? Bend forward a little, and allow your reins and have your horse stretch his neck. Heading down? Bend down, pull back, and sit straight. I have seen so many riders lean too far forward on down-slopes and have a horse trying to slow them down and to keep them in check, never pleasant.
Dealing with Natural Obstacles
Logs, puddles, and even random joggers occur when you are on trail riding Seattle trails. Don't rush through it. Take your time, have your horse have a look around, and give them time to sort things out. Experience gives you confidence your experience, and that of your horse.
3. Keep Your Head in the Game—The Mental Side of Riding
Trail riding is not only what your body does, but it is what is going on in your head. Horses feel your emotions. They will sense it immediately in case you are stressed or distracted.
Stay Ahead, Not Behind
Good riders anticipate. Observe the trail, be aware of branches, variations of footing, or instances when the ears of your horse are flicking forward then he is telling you what he observes. Catch those cues early. It is a sidestep and a jump of surprise.
Practice in Real Settings
We also have lessons out of the arena at my ranch, out into the actual horseback trail-riding settings. We pass little creeks, we push our way through the foliage and cope with what nature presents us. It is the only surest method of earning trust and educating riders to understand that the uncertainty is no cause for panic, it is a part of the ride.
4. Balance Freedom with Control
Here's the tricky part. Your horse must be allowed to gallop freely on the trail, and yet you must be the silent leader. Excessive control and you cause tension. Any less and things may come undone in a short period.
Let the Horse Think a Little
It is all right sometimes to leave your horse to find out the footing. Trust their instincts. They're built for this. Lead them, but do not micromanage them. Horses that are trusted tend to remain relaxed and more receptive.
Every Trail Is a Lesson
I call them all mini training sessions. Inclines are to be used to develop muscles, crossings of water to develop confidence, and long easy stretches to develop rhythm. Trail riding is not only recreation but a joint movement.
Finding the Rhythm
On any good trail ride, there comes a point where everything falls into place-the horse has its ears unwrinkled, you are firmly seated and all you hear is the sound of the hoofs and the beat of your heart. That's when horse riding Seattle really feels special.
Your horse is interpreting the wind, the ground, and yourself. And when all the links are made, then no longer is it about technique it is about connection. You may be riding the local trails in the areas surrounding me or you may be going way out into the woods but that is what makes us want to go back.
The trails in Seattle will make even the skilled riders fall. They also teach the most valuable lessons, however, how to trust your horse, change the balance and have fun riding, bumps and all. The next time you saddle up for horse riding Seattle, don't worry about perfection. Slack the shoulders, stretch, and have the trail teach you something.
Due to the fact that by the end of the day it is not what matters but rather it is the honesty in which one rides.