This kind of plays off the last post of Yellow Brick Road.

People who trail ride often are pretty aware of their surroundings, footing, and horses sense and sensibility.

For some this will enlighten them, for some this will call to mind things they do, and don’t even think about, or perhaps they do.

When I saw my friend approach the vine I went to yell out Stop!, but I was too late.  She let the horse (who has never been a hunt horse) walk right into the vine and got it caught between her front legs, placing it up against the horses neck.  It was a teaching moment, but with all that was going on I didn’t stop to explain what she did wrong.  We also didn’t discuss it when we got back to the barn.  There were horses to take care of and nerves that needed calming before instruction could reach the brain and be retained.

So two days later, when we knew that everyone was alright, we discussed what could have been done differently.  I asked her if she noticed that whenever I came to an overgrown area I stopped.  I would say to Zoey, okay let’s think about this.  I would find the best way to travers the area and then proceed.  Zoey is used to us doing this, because we were always going through some tough territory when we Fox Hunted.  She just stands and waits until I give her the okay and then she proceeds with caution, but no hesitation.  She trusts me.  What a wonderful thing.  My friend said she had noticed, but didn’t think a whole lot about it.  She will now.

I explained that when you get to thick brush, vines, holes, or other foreign objects, it’s best to just stop and reason the safest way through.  Never go towards the hanging part of the vine,  look for where it is either attached to the ground or laying on the ground.  There is always the chance that the horse will kick it up with its hoof, but usually they will just step over it.  Some vines will break with the push of the horses strength, but the Tarzan type will just pull you off.

Now holes can be a different story, especially here in Florida.  We have Turtle holes that have tunnels.  They do not leave a big pile of dirt like the ground hogs up north, so you really don’t see them coming up as you approach with any speed.  Now when you’re galloping and you come upon one, it’s a good idea to see which way the front door is facing, because if you step on the wrong side you may collapse the tunnel and break your horses leg.  Desert and I missed the hole, but he stepped in the tunnel and we flipped.  No one was hurt, but it was scary and we learned which side of the hole to go on next time.

Thick brush can be a problem, because you don’t always know what’s underneath.  There may be buried wire fencing that will entangle you, or a downed tree to fall over.  Or possibly a hole.  Or something sleeping there hiding from the noon day sun.  It’s quite a surprise when a turkey flies up or hog runs out in front of you.  Or for that matter, a cow that was sleeping and you suddenly appeared.  When they jump up from hiding, I guarantee your horse will notice and respond.

Make sure the person and the horse in the lead always has a good brain.  If the leader spooks or gets caught, the other horses will react, so will the people.

Being a trail blazer is fun and challenging, but it can also be dangerous.  Be alert, cautious, and also be prepared for the worse.  If it doesn’t happen, great! it was a successful day of fun and adventure.  But if it does, you were a good leader and you won’t be taking a trip to the ER.

Happy Trails!