SWA
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- Nov 30, 2002
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Hi,
Well, I need to first apologize that I totally FORGOT my camera yesterday afternoon, when we went out with the horses on the local Forestry Trails. I'm so sorry! We saw lots of pretty birds, beautiful Florida scenery and just had a really nice time out in some of what Florida has to offer as "Wilderness".
Sure wish ya'll could have been here!
Anyways, a couple folks came with us that had never been trail driving before and while out talking, some things came upon us that was always sort of like "second hat" to "us" because we have been out on trail drives for so many years now, that we just thought it was "in general" that folks who had horses always just knew already...but in this instance, they were total newbies to trail driving and did have a couple very mild "scares" that were at least "learning experiences" for them at best.
I wish I had known they had never been out on trails before because I could have offered a little advice from similar experiences that have happened to us over the years too, and that could possibly have helped to minimize their fears as they occurred. I felt so helpless for them at the moment these things happened, and was kicking myself for actually had taken for granted that these things can happen.
THankfully, they were experienced with horses...just not "out and about" with them...if I'm making any sense. I mean, they knew about horses and all...just not "the elements of exposure" that are on a very broad scale when you take to trails with them, as opposed to just driving/riding them around your home in your own riding rings or at shows, etc. Anyways, THANKFULLY, they were only mildly affected by things that happened for them yesterday, because they at least did know about horses... but had they been new to horses in ADDITION to taking to trails with them...it really could have made for turn for the worse overall.
Taking horses to trails, whether they are out in neighborhoods where there's children playing, riding bikes, bouncing balls...playing with their family dogs, and traffic...or whether they are out on Forestry trails where there's stray dogs, deer, birds that fly out of the brush or overhead swooping down to protect their nesting zones...and bears....
Well, it brings in a whole new area of "safety hazzards" that are not so commonly known or considered, I guess, as I must have always just assumed.
So while we were all out we all got to talking about safety tips, and they said they learned some things they never even thought would be of concern and was thankful for the advice.
Although we could only share with them of "our" experiences, I know there are many more MUCH more experienced trail drivers/riders out there that could likely offer a much wider spectrum to consider where safety is concerned.
That said... here are a few safety tips that came about yesterday for us and our "newbie friends". I'd be grateful if you all might like to offer your safety tips as well. Hopefully, TOGETHER, we can spread at least some sort of awareness that would be helpful to others...
1. I think this one is possibly THE MOST important to start off with... and that is...if at all possible ALWAYS have at least ONE riding/driving partner along with you. If you don't have someone that can go with you, try to keep your trips short and close to home or familiar surroundings to your horse. But, if taking to longer outings, try to have at least ONE partner along with you, if not more. The more, the merrier, right?
2. We never have had occassion to actually use a driving whip or riding crop on any of our horses (EDITED TO SAY: not in a "whipping" sort of manner), but we ALWAYS have one with us, (Edited to say: and we find them useful...) for just such occassions as when a dog might come charging out. Wether it's a stray out on forestry trails, or someones family dog in your local neighborhood, MOST of the time, if you just POINT your crop at the dog, and say with a firm tone... "STAY"...that will "ususally" deter them from their charge. Sometimes they can be a little more insistant where you might actually have to wave your crop to get their attention. Most dogs will have the sense to stop there. Unfortunately, in the case of ferrel strays, you may have to use it for your and your horses protection. Fortunately, we ourselves have not had to...but you just never know, so it is always at least a good tool to have along on your outing.
3. I carry a hook on my jeans belt loop where I have a pocket knife, hoof pick, and a spare string of rope (usually a hay tie), because you just never know when something might brake on your harness/bridle/saddle riggings and you may have to "make do" with things till you can get back home for proper repairs. The hoof pick comes in handy too, in case your horse picks up a pebble or twigs, etc. Trail debris, you just never know what they might pick up. I once found a bent beer bottle cap wedged in the "V" of the frog so tight, that if I hadn't had the pick with me, my mare would have had to walk with that in her foot all the way till we got home. She likely would have been really sore by then, because we were a pretty good ways out. I was able to get it out though when I first noticed her walking sort of "tender" like she had picked something up, and it was wedged really tight, but I had my pick and was able to take care of the matter then and there, and we were able to enjoy the rest of the afternoon without further incident.
4. I always have a spare bungee (or when I can remember anyways
) on the footboard of my cart. Where I strapp in a spare halter/lead, where we can switch from the harness bridle while resting. This is for the longer trip outings. I also carry a small water bucket. If taking trails where there's a creek or river running through, I can give them water while resting. If none available, I always bring bottled water for them...again, this is for longer outings, and if the weather is hot out at the time.
5. For most hazzards out on trails, it's usually a good idea to "desensitize" your horse too, if possible. There are always new things for them to see, that they don't see everyday in their own home surroundings. Like as mentioned above (whether they are out in neighborhoods where there's children playing, riding bikes, bouncing balls...playing with their family dogs, and traffic...or whether they are out on Forestry trails where there's stray dogs, deer, birds that fly out of the brush or overhead swooping down to protect their nesting zones...and bears.... and other wildlife, depending on your region). Also, trash cans, if in neighborhoods, can seem awful suspicious to horses that don't see them everyday. Especially, if they have plastic bags or loose tops that can blow around on a breezy day. Just, basically, try to imagine the things you yourself will encounter if out on a trail hike...and take that into consideration for a horse that's never seen those things or heard those noises...and if possibly try to imitate them for them, and OFTEN, where they are learning to react to them as if they are normal every day encounters for them, and hopefully that could reduce their chances of bolting on you out of their otherwise natural fears.
Ok, I do have more ideas to share, but my hands are starting to hurt from typing all this so far.
So, hopefully, some of you can share more helpful tips for trail outings out in "The elements" they'll encounter beyond their pastures and riding rings.
Warmest HUGS to you all, and HAVE FUN out there...but KEEP SAFE! Ok?
Well, I need to first apologize that I totally FORGOT my camera yesterday afternoon, when we went out with the horses on the local Forestry Trails. I'm so sorry! We saw lots of pretty birds, beautiful Florida scenery and just had a really nice time out in some of what Florida has to offer as "Wilderness".


Sure wish ya'll could have been here!



Anyways, a couple folks came with us that had never been trail driving before and while out talking, some things came upon us that was always sort of like "second hat" to "us" because we have been out on trail drives for so many years now, that we just thought it was "in general" that folks who had horses always just knew already...but in this instance, they were total newbies to trail driving and did have a couple very mild "scares" that were at least "learning experiences" for them at best.

I wish I had known they had never been out on trails before because I could have offered a little advice from similar experiences that have happened to us over the years too, and that could possibly have helped to minimize their fears as they occurred. I felt so helpless for them at the moment these things happened, and was kicking myself for actually had taken for granted that these things can happen.
THankfully, they were experienced with horses...just not "out and about" with them...if I'm making any sense. I mean, they knew about horses and all...just not "the elements of exposure" that are on a very broad scale when you take to trails with them, as opposed to just driving/riding them around your home in your own riding rings or at shows, etc. Anyways, THANKFULLY, they were only mildly affected by things that happened for them yesterday, because they at least did know about horses... but had they been new to horses in ADDITION to taking to trails with them...it really could have made for turn for the worse overall.
Taking horses to trails, whether they are out in neighborhoods where there's children playing, riding bikes, bouncing balls...playing with their family dogs, and traffic...or whether they are out on Forestry trails where there's stray dogs, deer, birds that fly out of the brush or overhead swooping down to protect their nesting zones...and bears....
Well, it brings in a whole new area of "safety hazzards" that are not so commonly known or considered, I guess, as I must have always just assumed.


So while we were all out we all got to talking about safety tips, and they said they learned some things they never even thought would be of concern and was thankful for the advice.
Although we could only share with them of "our" experiences, I know there are many more MUCH more experienced trail drivers/riders out there that could likely offer a much wider spectrum to consider where safety is concerned.
That said... here are a few safety tips that came about yesterday for us and our "newbie friends". I'd be grateful if you all might like to offer your safety tips as well. Hopefully, TOGETHER, we can spread at least some sort of awareness that would be helpful to others...
1. I think this one is possibly THE MOST important to start off with... and that is...if at all possible ALWAYS have at least ONE riding/driving partner along with you. If you don't have someone that can go with you, try to keep your trips short and close to home or familiar surroundings to your horse. But, if taking to longer outings, try to have at least ONE partner along with you, if not more. The more, the merrier, right?

2. We never have had occassion to actually use a driving whip or riding crop on any of our horses (EDITED TO SAY: not in a "whipping" sort of manner), but we ALWAYS have one with us, (Edited to say: and we find them useful...) for just such occassions as when a dog might come charging out. Wether it's a stray out on forestry trails, or someones family dog in your local neighborhood, MOST of the time, if you just POINT your crop at the dog, and say with a firm tone... "STAY"...that will "ususally" deter them from their charge. Sometimes they can be a little more insistant where you might actually have to wave your crop to get their attention. Most dogs will have the sense to stop there. Unfortunately, in the case of ferrel strays, you may have to use it for your and your horses protection. Fortunately, we ourselves have not had to...but you just never know, so it is always at least a good tool to have along on your outing.
3. I carry a hook on my jeans belt loop where I have a pocket knife, hoof pick, and a spare string of rope (usually a hay tie), because you just never know when something might brake on your harness/bridle/saddle riggings and you may have to "make do" with things till you can get back home for proper repairs. The hoof pick comes in handy too, in case your horse picks up a pebble or twigs, etc. Trail debris, you just never know what they might pick up. I once found a bent beer bottle cap wedged in the "V" of the frog so tight, that if I hadn't had the pick with me, my mare would have had to walk with that in her foot all the way till we got home. She likely would have been really sore by then, because we were a pretty good ways out. I was able to get it out though when I first noticed her walking sort of "tender" like she had picked something up, and it was wedged really tight, but I had my pick and was able to take care of the matter then and there, and we were able to enjoy the rest of the afternoon without further incident.
4. I always have a spare bungee (or when I can remember anyways

5. For most hazzards out on trails, it's usually a good idea to "desensitize" your horse too, if possible. There are always new things for them to see, that they don't see everyday in their own home surroundings. Like as mentioned above (whether they are out in neighborhoods where there's children playing, riding bikes, bouncing balls...playing with their family dogs, and traffic...or whether they are out on Forestry trails where there's stray dogs, deer, birds that fly out of the brush or overhead swooping down to protect their nesting zones...and bears.... and other wildlife, depending on your region). Also, trash cans, if in neighborhoods, can seem awful suspicious to horses that don't see them everyday. Especially, if they have plastic bags or loose tops that can blow around on a breezy day. Just, basically, try to imagine the things you yourself will encounter if out on a trail hike...and take that into consideration for a horse that's never seen those things or heard those noises...and if possibly try to imitate them for them, and OFTEN, where they are learning to react to them as if they are normal every day encounters for them, and hopefully that could reduce their chances of bolting on you out of their otherwise natural fears.
Ok, I do have more ideas to share, but my hands are starting to hurt from typing all this so far.


Warmest HUGS to you all, and HAVE FUN out there...but KEEP SAFE! Ok?

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