Comments on: Hill-Riding Safety

By: Robin Stice

Robin Stice — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:53:49 +0000

Thoughts for Jan on horses rushing downhill. We have a small trail riding business in the mountains (steeper than hills). I have trained young and re-trained many middle aged horses for our trail rides. Some failed due to physical problems. Always have a qualified vet check out a horse that that continues to have problems as once in a while the reason is physical. Rushing down hill can be caused by not enough experience and the horse being out of shape. It takes a lot of muscle control and the muscle needs to be developed. Last year an 11-year-old Tenneesee Walker joined us from the flatlands. To be MY wrangler horse he had to learn to walk the pace of a quarter horse. That he did. Down hill was another story. He had no control of himself without me on him, so I walked down the extreme steep hills swinging my long reins behind my back commanding him, “behind”. I also stopped about three times on each decent. For a month, I rode him about three times a week about six miles with a third mile of steep decent on each ride, which I walked. He built muscle and confidence. If the horse becomes sore, it will create more problems. After a month I rode the steep part half way down, made him stop and then I did the walk routine. At first he wanted to sidestep a bit with my weight on and he protested because he had been spoiled. If he threw a fit, the former rider quit. We went slow. Within two months I could ride the whole ride.

By: Building a Loop: Part 1 – America’s Horse Daily

Building a Loop: Part 1 – America’s Horse Daily — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:44:44 +0000

[...] to the house, and we gather cattle in the mountains or take them to brandings. We ride up and down hills and through the rocks. It makes them better riders because they are in balance. Then roping is [...]

By: Saftety First! – America’s Horse Daily

Saftety First! – America’s Horse Daily — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:02:24 +0000

[...] when their legs rub against the saddle leathers, and you’ll have a little extra protection if you trail ride through [...]

By: STEP on Up – America’s Horse Daily

STEP on Up – America’s Horse Daily — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:02:14 +0000

[...] weather brings warm days that are perfect for you and your horse to go trail riding. But many riders are left scratching their heads about where they can [...]

By: Jan

Jan — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:42:14 +0000

I was hoping you might be able to give me some advice on Descending hills. My mare wants to RUSH down, I make an effort not to use leg pressure, giving her her head, sitting in the middle of the saddle. But she still wants to rush. She will do this on trail rides in groups and riding @ home. I have noticed she even does it while in the pasture ( we have a lot of hills ) Thank you for any advice and for your time.
Jan