6 Goals for a Horseback Riding Trip

Know your goals for travel before you load up your horse and hit the road. Here is a list of some of the most common reasons to travel with your horse. I hope these help you get started on your next exciting adventure with your best buddy on four legs.

1. Showing

   – For this one it is good to set multiple goals since being ready to show takes commitment. Start with your end goal which could be anything from getting to your local show to winning at the top of your discipline. Find a coach that has the experience to help you reach your goal. You are going to spend a lot of time with your coach so choose one that works for you. Ask them about their program. Speak to their students. Ask what their students have achieved. You are looking for someone that not only excels themselves but wants to coach. One way to find a coach is to go to your riding discipline’s association website and look for a listing of riding professionals. If they don’t have a list contact them by phone or email and ask for referrals. To me this quote says it all “Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their champion character.” T.A. Armstrong. National Reining Horse Association http://nrha1.com/findapro ,  American Quarter Horse Association https://www.aqha.com/journal/resources/learn/find-a-trainer/  Eastern Pennsylvania Reining Horse Association http://www.eprha.com/trainers/ .

2. Attend training clinics, Work with new Trainers, and Learn a new riding discipline

   – This is my favorite type of trip. A fresh set of eyes can go a long way to improving your riding. The format is focused on acquiring new skills for you and your horse. Even if you don’t bring your horse with you, what you learn will make you better. To find these venues you could check with Horse Associations, friends, and on the web. http://cha-ahse.org/store/clinics.php,  https://aqha.com/journal/resources/learn/ride-the-pattern-clinics/searchresults?keywords=clinics

3. Weekend away with friends

   – Today’s hectic life makes it hard to find time to spend with friends. Doing a weekend get away with your horse and friends combines two of your favorite things into one. That being said choose your trip and the friends wisely. Everyone needs to be on the same page when it comes to the activity you will be doing. Select what you want to do and have each person in the group responsible for different aspects of the trip. This will divide up the work and also get a commitment from everyone before you head out. State, Local and National parks provide great destinations for a weekend with friends.

4. Trail riding and Camping

   – There are so many ways to enjoy trail riding from progressive rides that tour an area and overnight in different places as you go. Stationary rides that provide a home base from which you venture out each day. There are also wilderness rides, pack trips and camping on a trail ride. These provide that truly back to nature feeling. Whichever way you want to trail, do it safely. If you have never trailed before go with someone that has experience. Trail riding requires planning so everyone has fun and stays safe. I have included the follow links to help you plan your next trail ride. https://www.aqha.com/riding       https://www.trailmeister.com/trails

5. Dude Ranch, Guest Ranch, and Working Ranch

   – These provide the chance to feel like a cowboy or cowgirl. The offerings at each will vary but many provide experiences that take you back to ranching roots. The experiences range from working cattle, roping, horse drives, trail riding, riding lessons as well as other activities that are unique to their area. This kind of vacation tends to be an all-inclusive remote locations. Do your wish list of activities before booking your trip. Call and speak to the ranch personnel. You want to feel comfortable with them and what they offer before you commit to spending a week or more in a remote location. http://www.duderanch.org/ http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/10greatplaces/2013/08/08/best-dude-ranches-north-america/2633115/      http://www.top20ranches.com/

6. Travel to another country

   – Going native on horseback is truly a unique way to experience a new country. When planning this kind of trip consider using a travel company that specializes in travel and equestrian vacations. This will be especially helpful if you don’t speak the language in the country you want to visit. One thing I learned when traveling in Europe has an American is that our idea of standard amenities does not match and Europeans’ idea. So ask questions about what the accommodations include. One big surprise was that private bathrooms are something you have to arrange for. http://www.iexplore.com/articles/activity-guides/horseback-riding/top-10-europe   http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/03/travel/horse-treks/

 

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The information presented here is for reference purposes only and not intended as professional advice or support. As with any equine pursuit, it is your responsibility to practice safety at all times.

Thank you to Peggy McGee for all your editing skills.