19/08/2025
Props to the "just a trail horse." Not only are they expected to have an extremely sound mind, but they are also expected to do a tough job physically! Trail horses are working in uneven terrain all the time! Also, they are frequently carrying a rider up and down hills. That is hard work!
"I just want a trail horse."
This is the request we most hear.
Ask for just a trail horse, and you'll be shown the most broke horse on the place. The trail horse has to perform in the hardest setting imaginable: the real world.
They might not run down the arena and slide 25 feet, spin a hole in the ground, or do flying lead changes.
They might not get down in the sand to cut a cow in front of them.
They might not explode out of the box at full speed to catch a steer.
They might not jump a full course clean in front of hundreds of spectators.
But...a trail horse will walk off after 2 hours in the trailer in a completely new place. A trail horse is expected to stay broke with time off and only go trail ride when you have time. A trail horse will walk down the trail, through the brush, over a bridge it hasn't seen before. A trail horse will ride past bikers, runners, dogs, and every other thing under the sun. All without batting an eye.
The trail horse takes hours of time to train. Trail horses are expected to walk down the trail calm and relaxed no matter the situation, whether it be in the back country or through a busy city. One of the hardest things to teach both kids and horses is to slow down. It's easy to go fast, and any horse can run. But to stay calm and controlled, to walk, takes skill.
Appreciate the trail horses for what they are, just the best.
