The aim of trail riding is for you, your horse, and others with you, to have lots of fun on the trail ride, and return safely.
For the purposes of this writing we will divide trail riding into two categories; Working Trail and Pleasure Trail. While both may have many things in common there are differences that do separate them...such as length of travel, type of terrain etc. To start, we will talk about pleasure trail, although you may notice that there will be examples taken from working trail. As well we will dispense with the “stable riding trail rides” which are governed by the business , ranch, etc. that run them. In this category we will address the pleasure trail that includes such events as club rides, charity rides, training and clinic rides. The general aim of a trail ride is meant to be a ride for enjoyment as opposed to one of necessity. A comfortable pace should be maintained to allow for socialization and rubber necking (scenery, wildlife etc.), based on the abilities of the riders and the horses. In a perfect world each trail ride should have a Trail Boss, Drag Rider, and a number of Out riders, that would be dictated by the number of Free Riders. (Free riders are those that are there for the ride, but not affiliated with the management of the ride.)
