Trail / General
Intermediate
30 min
Trail Navigation: Path Following at the Sitting Trot
Focus: Trail Skills, Steering, Confidence
Equipment: Access to trail or varied path
Step-by-Step Instructions
- On a trail or planned path, practice navigating turns, narrow passages, and terrain changes.
- Look ahead to where you want to go. The horse follows your eyes and body position.
- For tight turns around trees or rocks, use inside rein and outside leg to guide the horse's body.
- For narrow passages, keep your legs on and your eyes forward. The horse should sitting sitting trot through without hesitation.
- Practice halting at scenic overlooks or rest points. The horse should stand quietly.
- Take 30 minutes to ride a varied path, practicing all your steering and control skills.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Looking down at the path instead of ahead, which drops the horse onto the forehand.
- Not using leg aids to support the horse through turns and narrow spaces.
- Letting the horse choose the path instead of you directing the route.
- Rushing through narrow or challenging sections instead of taking them slowly.
Variations & Progressions
- Ride the same trail in both directions for a different experience.
- Practice leading the group on the trail for independence.
- Add trotting sections on straight, safe trail segments.
Tip: Good trail riding is an art. A skilled trail rider uses leg, seat, and eye to guide the horse through any terrain smoothly.
