Whether you embark on your next trail ride with the intention of relaxing in nature, letting your horse decompress from arena work, see new sights, or put both of your skills to the test in rugged country, take time to evaluate your horse’s fitness level first. For some riders, a leisurely stroll down a trail is enough to bring you contentment and joy. Others seek out more rugged terrain and crave adventure and new country.
Regardless of your trail riding goals, I’m going to give you a few things to look for when evaluating your horse’s fitness for trail riding—and how to choose a trail horse that fits your needs.
When purchasing a trail horse, I recommend you take certain factors into account. Here are some tips to determine your goals and objectives with this horse and guide your buying process so you end up with a partner that fits your needs.
BEFORE YOU BUY
One of the first things to do before horse shopping, is