Trail Etiquette & Spooking - What to Expect

There are many rules of etiquette, written and unwritten, to navigating the trails. Know what they are so you can be prepared before you hit the trails to ride successfully.

Who yields to whom? How do you navigate passing another group? Who has the right of way? What should I carry with me in case of an emergency? What should I carry on my person, and what can go in the saddle bags? If you do not know the answer to one, or all of these questions this clinic is just for you! In a fun and relaxing manner we will look at all the ins and outs of successful riding on the trails, public and private.

How about you and your horse? Do you lack confidence on the trails? Are there obstacles that you are always worried about encountering? Does your horse have a habit of kicking, biting, bolting, or charging? Is your horse more comfortable in the front of the group, or in the back but wish you could ride in multiple positions in a group? Perhaps your horse does not like riding in a group at all? These are all pitfalls that we will troubleshoot to set you and your horse up for successful rides.

Spook!

Does this trouble you more than anything? Are you constantly wondering, what will my horse spook at this time? Or perhaps, I hope we don't encounter such and such, my horse just can't handle it, neither can I!? Always on guard and riding tense because you're trying to brace for the spook? At this clinic you will discover the root problem to your horse's spooking problem. You will also learn how to ride the spook to keep yourself safe, first and foremost, as well as how to help your horse recover.

Bottom line, we want to come along side you and your horse and help you ride in God's country successfully and with confidence. There are no pre-requisites or expectations at this clinic. You may be a seasoned rider who needs some help with a specific problem, or you may be new to trail riding and need assistance to understand all aspects of it.

Meet your clinician!

Greta Cummings has been an equine professional since 1995, working in a variety of disciplines and has ridden in many different terrains in Iowa and the mountains of Colorado. Her expertise and experience has helped hundreds of riders and their horses over the years. To learn more about Greta and her Training and Teaching methods click below:

Biography

Cornerstone Horsemanship Program

There is a saying in the horse world that is heard a lot: "My horse is just a trail horse." Most rider think that because they don't perform with their horses, then they don't need a lot of training. Nothing could be further from the truth. Show, or performance horses don't normally have to deal with uneven terrain, with outside influences like wildlife and unknowns around the bend. They don't usually get crowded in tight places or encounter others going different ways in the same area. There are more variables a trail horse needs to be prepared for and trained in how to respond than your average show/performance horse. The trail horse needs to be one of the most broke horses in the equine industry. Let us help you get you and your horse ready for anything.

What all is included?

• Classroom Time with a round of Trail Feud (like Family Feud, only for trail riders)

• Arena work of "How to Ride the Spook"

• Introduction to the trails

• Home Cooked meals daily

• Trail ride through the beautiful countryside

When you arrive the evening before we start, you'll be welcomed with a homemade meal and a chance for fellowship, giving us the opportunity to get to know each other and settle in.

We will start our clinic off the following morning with a classroom session where we will play Trail Feud. We will also discuss the psychology of the spook.

Our horsemanship time will be both in the arena and out on the trails. We will instill the foundation of what how we need our horses to respond to our requests before getting out in to the wide open. You will also learn how to ride the spook if it shall arise while you're riding. Most times this clinic is held at River Valley Horsecamp where they have an obstacle course just outside of the covered arena to take the horses on to test skills and ability before we go out on the trails.

Once we hit the trails we are going to take is slow and easy. We will not be rushing anyone. There are several games on horseback we can play to help both horse and rider get comfortable in the group. We will also address problems as a group which will aid you when you are riding in a group and a horse or rider may need some help, or perhaps you need to go back to these tactics to help you and your horse. No matter the situation, we will work to help you be equipped to handle a variety of situations while riding.

Homecooked meals are provided daily. In addition to a welcome supper, we will provide Bruch mid morning and an early dinner after horsemanship and a break. Before you pack up and hit the road to home again, we will make sure your bodies are fueled with a good breakfast.

We hope you will join us! Visit our Event Page to see when the next Trail Etiquette and Spooking Clinic is scheduled. Perhaps you would like to host at Trail Etiquette & Spooking Clinic. To learn more about hosting a clinic visit our Clinic Page.

May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

and the horses you ride, from our barn to yours.