| There are lots of options for great summer | | | | area, food bars, bottled water, waterproof |
| vacations, but if you own a horse or horses, you | | | | matches or lighter, flashlight and tissue. Other |
| might be considering a Trail Ride. Trail Riding is a | | | | things that are a good idea to include would be |
| great way to enjoy your horse, nature, and the | | | | spare reins and tack, leather pieces for tack |
| company of friends. Along with all the fun of a | | | | repair, a compass, flagging tape to mark your trail |
| trail ride, there can be some hazards and | | | | and a whistle to call for help, if needed. There are |
| challenges. Things like lightening, the sudden | | | | many remote areas where a cell phone won't |
| appearance of a rabbit or deer, a washed out | | | | work. |
| bridge or your horse's refusal to walk past | | | | Before starting your trip, make sure your truck |
| something she's not used to seeing. You can't | | | | and trailer are in good condition for travel. Protect |
| anticipate everything that may come your way, | | | | your horse's legs with shipping boots or pillow |
| but you can start out as prepared and well | | | | wraps. If your horse throws his head you will |
| equipped as possible. Here are some great tips to | | | | need a head bumper also, and take along a light |
| help you have a safe trail ride. | | | | blanket for travel in colder areas. |
| Plan ahead. Study any trail maps, plan your route | | | | Once you're on your way, stop frequently to give |
| and if you're traveling any distance, make | | | | your horse a drink, check his covering and body |
| arrangements for overnight lodging and trailer | | | | temperature and feed. Also, be sure and check |
| parking. Talk to the appropriate park rangers, trail | | | | your trailer hitch and safety chains to make sure |
| guides or riding clubs about the local trail conditions. | | | | nothing has loosened during the drive. |
| Keep an eye on the weather forecast. | | | | With a little planning ahead a trail ride will be a |
| Put together a pack of essentials to take on the | | | | great way to spend some leisure time this |
| trail ride. Things to include should be a map of the | | | | summer. |