Northwest Recreation

There’s generally a bit of cowboy or cowgirl in all of us.  In the northwest, there is more than ample opportunity to experience some of the best horseback riding in the world and get that cowboy or cowgirl out.  As an experienced rider, I have definitely found that out through personal experience.  Riding up the slopes near Big Sky, MT and horse camping at Coral Pass, WA–it’s been an exciting way to enjoy nature!

If you are already interested in horses, keep checking back for trails and camping places to stay at.  If you are new to riding, here are some tips to work up to the point to heading out on the trail:

• Ride often with instruction:  Take lessons from a reputable and knowledgeable horse person. Trail riding is completely different than going around in circles in an arena.
• Horses are unpredictable.  No matter how experienced you are, things happen on the trail.  Horses spook, tear away from picket lines, and throw riders.  You MUST have the knowledge to deal with all of this.
• If you own horses already, remember that they are not automatically ready for the trail.  Horses become uncertain, irritable, and prone to spooking in new places. Start small, train your horse carefully, and work up to larger trails slowly.
• Remember that new runners can’t run a marathon in a day of training.  Likewise, horses must be conditioned and toned for trail riding.

Out of all the recreational activities, I have yet to find a more potentially dangerous and technical sport in which to engage in.  Do your math and figure out if you have what it takes and the resources and resolve to trail ride before you grab a horse and take it out on the trail.  Trail riding is one of the best things in the world, but it also doesn’t happen overnight.

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