[welshysaint]

I would like to take Tate outside the 'four walls' of our farm..
allthough his an excellent trail horse and I have taken him out on trails.. with other horses - I would love to go out on my own with him..

What things do you do, and what tips can you offer when taking a horse out on his own..?

[Reitpferde]

I completely understand. I took Sir Henry on his first trail ride last Spring with my boyfriend (on foot) and another friend on horse back. He did so well, I decided to take a little risk and take him by myself. It was wonderful. Beautiful trails, my handsome boy and I. Talk about bonding!! Aside from the obvious: helmet, etc. I took a cell phone with me. I called the BO when I left the barn and called her when I got back. I let her know, that I was planning on being out for about 45 min.

[Buckshot]

Let people know where you're going, when you expect to be back, and take a cell phone and leave the number with the BO.

Have fun!

[guess who]

Yeah I agree. Make sure you wear a helmet and good footwear.
Take a cellphone and let somebody know how long you plan on being out

[Finallyownhorse]

I ride out on my own all the time. Be sure to wear a helment and keep your cell phone ON you. Not in a saddle bag, or anywhere on the horse.

I also let someone know I will be out riding. Usually my hubby. I call him at work and say I am going riding and tell him what area I will be riding in. Then I call him when I am done.

Good luck!

[Chester]

Make sure someone knows the route you will be taking and stick to it, no matter how interesting a side track may look.

[bnwalker2]

I always ride on my own, I just make sure that everyone knows where I'm going to be and how long I plan to be gone, and I always keep my cell phone on me just in case.

[Trace]

Start small - a big part of how sucessful you will be is how confident you are.

Start with a small ride - turn back and end the ride on a positive note. Even if the ride is down the road and back - you did did it and you did it on your own.

You need to let someone know which route you will be taking and approx how long you will be gone.

Carry your mobile.

Good luck - you will do fine!!!!!!

[Beeks]

Are you talking about how to get your horse to move out without a fight? Many horses hack out fine with other horses, but alone, are total nightmares.

If this is the case, then I suggest baby steps. Like Trace suggested. Your horse has to have confidence in you or he will want to be back with the herd. Out alone with him, he will be looking for you to be the herd leader and if you cannot ride with confidence, it will not be fun.

[Arrow]

Lots of good advice already. I'll add--YOU be relaxed, he'll pick up on that. And though you should carry your cell on your person, have the number on the HORSE--if you two part company, whoever catches him can call you. I would take it really easy until I felt completely comfortable--walk only for the first couple of rides.

If you come to trouble spots, always calm the horse down instead of letting him get worked up. If he won't cross a stream or go over or around something--take a rein in each hand and keep his nose pointed forward no matter what--if he spins, spin him the other way until he's facing forward. As him to move forward quietly, then wait, let him think. Ask again, and wait. When facing trail obstacles, I think it's better to keep the horse facing forwards above all else and quietly ask him to move on--outwaiting the horse on the trail, giving him time to decide to obey works better than circling or backing etc.

Have fun! Be sure to update us and let us know how it goes!