12/10/2024
Just a trail rider. Just a trail horse.
Sure. Ok.
That trail horse that can collect, round and carry a rider without harming themselves. But not for one hour. And not in a controlled groomed arena. But for long periods of time, out in any conditions. Ok sure. Go ahead and think that trail horse is less-than.
The trail horse who can leave their comfort zone of home and herd. Alone with their rider, or in a group of known or unknown horses and not be thrown off balance. But sure- call that trail horse less than the micromanaged arena horse that needs specific conditions to perform.
You know, ONLY the trail horse that can come in from turn out, get tacked up, and be safe and excellent in their skills without any preparation. Sure. Tell me again that you just want to trail ride.
People get very seriously injured or k*ll*d when they take a lackadaisical stance on trail riding. Thinking itβs what riders who are βNot that seriousβ do. And the academic, competitive riders often look down their nose and sneer at the scruffy trail warriors.
Once had a client say to me βI was confused about you. You knew all this stuff, had all these skills, but chose to trail ride, not competeβ.
Iβve never been interested in pageantry. And I believe a properly developed trail horse, with skill and finesse, to be the finest example of training at its penultimate potential. Especially if the horse loves that too. Thatβs a horsemanship home run.
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