How Trail Ride Businesses Can Elevate Their Horsemanship
There's a preconceived notion in the equestrian world that trail ride businesses are on the lower end of the horsemanship spectrum. This stereotype paints the image of worn-out horses, walking the same path day in and day out, with little regard for their training or well-being. It's time we change that narrative.
At Ocean View Stables, located just minutes from the vibrant San Francisco Zoo, we've striven to shift this perception and have woven the essence of true horsemanship into every trail ride. Here are some insights and practices any trail ride business can adopt to elevate its horsemanship game.
Prioritize Continued Training:
A trail horse is not just a 'follow-the-leader' type. These horses, like any other, can benefit from ongoing training sessions. This not only makes the rides smoother for guests but also engages the horse mentally and physically. Remember, a well-trained horse is a happier and more responsive one.
Foundation Training: A trail horse set up for a beginner should, above all, be calm and reliable. Before a novice ever sets foot in the stirrup, that horse ought to understand basic cues, respect personal space, and respond to subtle pressure. Equally important, the horse should be desensitized to potential trail surprises, have good ground manners, and be conditioned to carry a rider safely through varied terrain. For a beginner, it's not about having a horse that knows fancy moves, but one that offers a safe, consistent, and trust-filled experience.
Desensitization Work: To prepare a horse for trail environments, it's about building trust, communication, and confidence between the horse and handler long before you hit the trail. Start with groundwork, exposing the horse to various stimuli in a controlled setting, always working from a foundation of respect and understanding. When it comes to desensitizing for beginner riders, it's not about numbing the horse to the world, but teaching them to respond calmly to uncertain situations, always ensuring the horse's experiences are positive, and they feel secure with the guidance they're receiving.
Advanced Training Sessions: horse can be highly trained and still be appropriate for a beginner, but it's all about building the right foundation. It's not about limiting the horse's education but about ensuring that he responds to cues in a calm and predictable manner. A well-trained horse can discern the difference between an experienced hand and a novice one. As for balancing the horse's interest and safety for beginner riders, it's about consistent and fair communication. A horse should always be curious and engaged, but never so much that he becomes unpredictable. Challenge him just enough to keep his mind active, but always prioritize safety and clarity in your communication.
Rider Training: It's not just the horses that need training. Offer brief sessions for riders, especially if they're beginners, to understand basic commands and how to handle the horse during the trail. you don’t have a lot of time with your guest before they go out, but saying something like, “First, breathe and relax; your horse will feel every tension. To steer, think of your reins as an extension of your arms, and guide the horse's head gently in the direction you want to go. For stopping, sit deep in your saddle and gently pull back on both reins. If you want to move, use your seat and legs, not just your feet. And remember, if the horse isn't listening, it's usually because we're not being clear or consistent. Stay calm, be assertive but not aggressive, and always prioritize safety.”
2. Rotate and Rest:
It's imperative for horses to have adequate rest and not be overworked. A well-rested horse is more alert, responsive, and less prone to injuries.
Routine inspection of horses health: Every hand in a barn should know that a horse tells you everything you need to know, if only you'll listen. A horse's eyes, ears, and demeanor speak volumes about its health. Ensure they've got fresh water, good hay, and a clean shelter. Watch their movement; a limping horse is not just being lazy. And always remember, the better you know a horse, the quicker you'll spot when something's off. It's about feel, observation, and respect. Care for them as partners, not just tools.
Balanced Diet & Hydration: Monitor the diet of each horse to ensure they're receiving the right nutrients. Also, keep a consistent hydration schedule, especially during active days or hot weather.
Proper Grooming: Regular grooming is not just about aesthetics; it helps in checking for injuries, infections, or parasites. Plus, it can be a bonding time for the horse and handler.
Adequate Rest & Rotation: Just as humans need rest after work, horses do too. Ensure that each horse gets adequate downtime and isn't overworked. Have a rotation system in place so that no single horse is overburdened.
Mental Stimulation & Play: Horses are intelligent creatures that need mental engagement. Incorporate toys, playtime, and free-roaming sessions to allow them to just be horses, keeping them happy and mentally healthy.
3. Engage in Varied Activities:
Trail horses can do more than just trail rides. Engage them in different activities. At Ocean View Stables, our horses are also involved in kids' camps, horsemanship lessons, and clinics. This variety keeps them engaged and breaks the monotony of routine.
Natural Horsemanship Techniques: Emphasize the importance of understanding horse psychology and behavior to foster a partnership based on trust rather than dominance. Using methods that work with the horse's nature instead of against it leads to a more responsive and willing equine partner. I suggest you look up the book "Think Harmony With Horses" which illuminates the profound bond between horse and human, emphasizing a holistic approach to training rooted in understanding, mutual respect, and intuitive communication.
Consistent & Clear Communication: Ensuring that commands are consistent and clear reduces confusion for the horse. This consistency aids in quicker learning and reduces stress for the horse. Ray Hunt, one of the foundational figures of the natural horsemanship movement, would emphasize the importance of understanding the horse's perspective. For Hunt, being consistent and clear wasn't about dominance but about communication. He would likely explain that every interaction with a horse is a conversation, and just as in any conversation between two beings, clarity and consistency are paramount. For the horse to understand what is being asked, the handler must be clear in their cues and consistent in their expectations.
Avoidance of Harsh Punishments: Make the right thing easy and the hard thing difficult. The horse training principle of "making the right thing easy and the wrong thing hard" is rooted in natural horsemanship, emphasizing working with a horse's inherent instincts rather than against them. By offering rewards like verbal praise or releasing pressure when a horse displays desired behavior, and introducing mild discomfort or maintaining certain pressure for undesired actions, trainers tap into the horse's natural inclination to seek comfort and avoid discomfort. This approach, applied with consistency and patience, builds trust between the horse and handler, as the horse learns that responding correctly brings comfort. Such a method not only establishes a robust bond but also ensures the horse's mental and physical well-being during training.
Positive Reinforcement: When I talk about positive reinforcement in horse training, I'm emphasizing understanding, patience, and the power of observation. Positive reinforcement means recognizing and rewarding the behaviors we desire in our horses, helping them make a positive association with a particular action or behavior. One of the core principles I stress is the importance of timing: you need to reward the horse precisely at the moment of the desired behavior to ensure clear communication. I've always believed that horses will do more of what they find rewarding and less of what they find uneasy. By using positive reinforcement correctly, we can build a stronger bond with our horses, encouraging them to willingly cooperate and participate in training. It's all about understanding the horse's perspective, recognizing their efforts, and offering them a positive outcome for their desired responses.
Regular Training Refresher Courses: Even well-trained trail horses can benefit from periodic refresher courses. This ensures that they remain well-behaved with riders of all skill levels and also provides a variety in their routine to keep them mentally stimulated.
4. Foster Genuine Connections:
A trail ride shouldn't just be about hopping on a horse and following a set path. Encourage riders to connect with their horses. Provide brief lessons on understanding horse behavior, reading their body language, and basic horsemanship skills. This not only enriches the experience for the rider but also fosters a sense of respect towards the horse.
Rider Safety Briefings: Before every trail ride, brief all participants on basic safety measures. This includes proper mounting/dismounting, holding the reins, and what to do if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe during the ride. First, always approach a horse with calm confidence, letting them know you're there with a soft touch or voice, never sneaking up on them. Respect their space, watch their body language closely for signs of discomfort, and always move around them deliberately and predictably. Remember, your energy affects them deeply, so be the calm, assertive leader they're looking for.
Understanding Horse Body Language: Educate riders on the basics of horse body language. Recognizing signs of relaxation, stress, or agitation can help riders respond appropriately, ensuring a smoother experience.
Basic Riding Techniques: Even for short trail rides, teaching riders about correct posture, balance, and simple commands can greatly enhance their experience and reduce potential miscommunications with the horse.
Interactive Workshops: Consider offering workshops that delve deeper into horsemanship. This could cover topics like grooming, tacking, or more advanced riding techniques, allowing frequent riders to progressively improve their skills.
Providing Educational Resources: Supply riders with pamphlets, book recommendations, or online resources to further their equine education. Encouraging self-education can lead to a deeper appreciation and understanding of horses. I alway suggest to anyone wanting to better their horsemanship or to understand horses better to buy "True Horsemanship Through Feel" which delves into the deep connection between horse and rider, emphasizing the importance of understanding and harnessing the power of 'feel' to foster mutual trust, respect, and effective communication.
5. Holistic Horse Care:
Proper nutrition, regular vet checks, and understanding each horse's unique needs are fundamental. Invest time in building a bond with each horse. Their health, both mental and physical, is paramount to running a successful trail ride business rooted in genuine horsemanship.
Natural Feeding Practices: Emphasize the importance of providing horses with a diet that mimics what they'd naturally eat in the wild. This could mean pasture grazing, providing high-quality hay, and ensuring they receive the necessary minerals and vitamins.
Regular Health Check-ups: Implement routine health check-ups that not only focus on vaccinations and de-worming but also holistic treatments like equine massage, chiropractic care, and acupuncture where necessary.
Herbal Remedies & Supplements: Highlight the role of specific herbs and natural supplements in supporting equine health. Discuss how they can address specific issues, from digestive health to anxiety relief, without relying on pharmaceuticals.
From my military background, I learned the value of discipline, respect, and understanding. These principles aren't just limited to human interactions; they translate seamlessly into the realm of horsemanship. As I transitioned into entrepreneurship with Ocean View Stables, these principles became the bedrock of our operations.
Horses are majestic creatures, deserving of our utmost respect and care. As trail ride business operators, it's our duty to ensure that they receive the highest level of horsemanship. By integrating these practices, not only will the business thrive, but it will also set a gold standard in the industry.
In the words of the legendary horseman, Tom Dorrance, "The horse is a reflection of the rider's ability." Let's strive to ensure that reflection is one of mutual respect, understanding, and exceptional horsemanship.