News & Tips

Fall trail riding

Nearly everyone likes to see the magnificent fall foliage. What better way to observe nature's beauty than from horseback?

Trail riding is the number one horse activity. But horses need to be prepared for trail riding. Stockdale's has all the feed, animal health products, and accessories you need to get your horse ready to ride this fall.

Consider these tips for safe, enjoyable horseback riding:

• Cooler days make rides less strenuous than in the hot, humid summer. But horses unaccustomed to being ridden all day or for a weekend over strenuous trails can be at risk. If you usually ride in flat, sandy areas, several hours of rougher mountain trails can fatigue your horse.
• Have your horse properly shod. Shoes wear out quicker on rocky trails than on sandy ones. You don't want to be miles from camp when a horse loses a shoe.
• Bring hay and grain that your horse is accustomed to eating. If your horse is finicky, adding a fruit-flavored powder, such as cherry or grape, gets them accustomed to drinking different water. With new water, just add your horse's favorite flavor.
• State law requires that horses of different owners have a current negative Coggins test when co-mingled. Most horse owners like to ride in groups and often trailer their horses together.
• Don't tie horses to trees; they'll eat the bark. Most managed areas specify where and how you may picket horses.
• Some areas may require permits to camp and ride. Always check first.
• Although insect pests are less of a problem in the fall, bring along bug spray for you and your horse anyway. Also pack a first-aid kit for both you and your horse if you're riding for several hours.
• Wear easily seen, bright-orange clothing, especially in the hunting season.