Horseback Riding Yosemite National Park

If you'd like to explore the splendor of the Sierra Mountains, try horseback riding in Yosemite National Park in California. Regardless of your experience level, there is something for everyone with guided trail rides, multi-hour and multi-day camping trips and even pony rides for the kids. Following are some of the great horseback riding options available to you at Yosemite National Park.
At the Park's stables in Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows and Wawona, you can choose from two-hour, four-hour and all-day very reasonably priced trail rides. Rates start at $35 per person for a two-ride ride and cost about $70 for all-day rides. You should note that all day horseback rides require a three-person minimum. If you'd like to find out more and to make reservations for rides at one of these locations, call Valley Stables at 209-372-8326; Tuolumne Meadows Stables at 209-372-8427; or Wawona Stables at 209-375-6502
For a more of a back-country horseback riding experience, you can sign on for one of High Sierra's Camp and Saddle Trips. These four, five or six day excursions head out from the Tuolumne Stables and take place during the months of July through September, weather permitting. On one of these adventures, you'll be led by professional, experienced guides and packers who will entertain you with folklore and points of interest throughout the trip. They also take care of everything for you - they pack all the food, gear and feed for the animals. Another engaging part of this journey is that your personal items will be carried through the trails on pack mules. Prices start at around $550 and range up to about $875 depending on the length of the trip you choose and you can even request customized rides. Contact Yosemite Stables by calling 209-372-8348.
With Yosemite Trails, you can take a one or two-hour long horseback ride through the awesome, scenic loop of the Sierra National Forest to get a really up close and personal experience with nature. If you'd like to spend a little more time in the saddle, you can opt to take a 5 1/2 hour trip that includes a ride though the Mariposa Grove within Yosemite Park. In addition to the rest of the park's splendor, you'll also get to see the incredible 2,000 year-old Mariposa trees. It's recommended you bring a lunch on this one. Prices for these three rides range from $30 to $80 - which ain't bad!
Yosemite Trails also offers lead horse rides for children under the age of 7. Your child's horse will be led around the stables by one of the park's qualified wranglers for around $20 for 15 minutes. For more information, you can call Yosemite Trails at 559-683-7611.

Related articles

• New Years in Yosemite - Yosemite National Park, CA (travelpod.com)
• Vernal Falls of Yosemite - Yosemite National Park, CA (travelpod.com)
• Where's the bears? - Yosemite National Park, California, United States (travelpod.com)

Some Basic (But Important) Horseback Riding Tips

Even if you are an experienced horseback rider, there might still be a few things you could learn to help make your ride safer and more enjoyable. Especially for novice riders, there are definitely lots of things to keep in mind to not only enhance the pleasure of your experience, but also for safety reasons. Following are some tips to help you prepare for your ride.
* Always check your equipment thoroughly and make any necessary repairs before you head out. Take along some string, a pocket knife and strips of leather because if your tack fails, you might be able to make at least some temporary repairs enabling you to ride home instead of walking.
* Avoid riding alone, especially for younger and beginner-level riders. If you have even a minor accident and you're alone, you could end up in serious or possibly life threatening situation. Also bring along a cell phone or walk-talkie.
* Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. If it's too warm for long-sleeves, bring along a lightweight jacket that will protect you from scrapes and sunburn. Covering your arms and legs will also help to keep the bugs from biting you.
* Take some bug repellent with you. Insects flying around your face and your horse can really be an annoyance. Keep in mind that most animals don't like the sound of aerosol spray cans, especially close to their ears. Purchase repellent in a small plastic pump bottle or in a lotion version. This way, you can apply some repellent to your face and hands and also on the horse's face and ears.
* Wear hard-soled boots with a small heal. Try to avoid wearing boots with deep arches or large treads because they can cause your feet to get caught in the stirrups.
* Wear protective head gear because not only can a riding helmet provide protection in the event of a fall, but you might also encounter tree branches or other hazards along the way.
* Wear sunglasses to help provide protection against ultraviolet rays and dust or dirt that can fly up and get in your eyes.
* Bring one of those compact, waterproof ponchos with you. They are small enough to fit in your shirt pocket and are good to have in case of a sudden rain.
* Fanny packs around your around your waist are okay for smaller items you want to take with you, but don't wear a back pack because they have a tendency to throw off your balance and can also get caught in tree limbs.
By following a few simple guidelines you'll have a much nicer ride and a happier horse too!

Article Written By J. Foley
Horse Whispering Secrets

Related articles

• Horseback riding in central NJ? (ask.metafilter.com)
• Cowboy lessons (bbc.co.uk)
• Kaley Cuoco Talks About her Accident (sugarslam.com)
• Ask Mr. Outdoors: Who's Got the Right-of-Way? (kitsapsun.com)
• An Airbag for Equestrians (neatorama.com)
• Moab 2010 (dooce.com)
• Hold your horses: Western or English riding for the absolute beginner? (news.nationalpost.com)

Horseback Riding in Hawaii

There are lots of places to go horseback riding on the beautiful island of Hawaii. You can choose from trails through its exotic, untouched mountains and valleys with fabulous waterfalls and scenery to privately-owned, horse ranches and stables with beautiful landscapes. Following are two options where you'll no doubt experience the horseback adventure of a lifetime.
Top of Waipio
Top of Waipio is located on a ridge way above the Waipio Valley, where you will find some of the most breathtaking scenery on the Island of Hawaii. This area remains untouched as the sugar cane companies have restricted access to it. You can only get to the overlooks by horseback, foot, ATVs or mountain bikes. Helicopters are not even allowed to get close the rim of the base of the valley!
On horseback, you will ride for two and a half hours through lush, open fields where you'll encounter cows, sugar cane, wild flowers and views of the magnificent Haleakala volcano, twenty-five miles away. You can also opt for a fantastic five-hour Hidden Waterfall ride. This includes the same beautiful experience of the shorter ride, but continues back along the stream that feeds into the Hi'ilawe Falls. You will ride deep into the rainforest and encounter a series of smaller waterfalls and secret pools. You can tie up your horse and hike down to a very private waterfall which spills into a stunning, ginger-lined pool. Then enjoy yourself as you picnic and swim in this hidden, magical place. For more information on this heavenly adventure, go to www.waipioridgestables.com and click on the horseback riding link at the bottom of the page.
Dahana Ranch
Dahana Ranch provides safe and fun horseback rides and activities and prides themselves on their 'Aloha' spirit. They offer several different riding options and welcome families with children as young as three-years-old. You can take a one and half hour, open-range 'Ranch Ride' which covers about four miles of spectacular territory where you'll encounter cattle, sheep, horses and more including fantastic views of the Mauna Kea and Waipi'o Valley. They also offer a 'Range Station' ride for the more adventurous. You can get as loud as you want helping to move their herd of Brahman crossbreds across the ranch. Dahana Ranch accommodates riders of all skill levels but does offer a two-hour Advanced Ride tailored for owners and competitors with lots of freedom on open land. They are open seven days a week with rides daily and by reservation. Visit them at www.dahanaranch.com.
For a full list of locations where you can go horseback riding in Hawaii, visit the Alternative-Hawaii website's Sports and Recreation / Horseback Riding page at http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/activity/bisrhb.htm.
Article Written By J. Foley
http://abouthorses.net

Related articles by Zemanta

• How Many Calories Are Burned During Horseback Riding? (brighthub.com)
• Jennifer Garner: Horseback Riding with Russell Brand! (justjared.buzznet.com)
• A Pit Stop a Day (Day 14): Grand Teton Horseback Ride (pitstopsforkids.com)
• Hold your horses: Western or English riding for the absolute beginner? (news.nationalpost.com)

My Review Of "Horse Training Secrets Revealed”

“Horse Training Secrets Revealed” is a guide that will help you quickly train wild and viscous horses. The guide consists of three parts or separate guides. These three are: “How To Tame and Train Wild and Vicious Horses", “The Horseman's Guide and Farrier Horse” and “A Course in Horsemanship.”

The guide called "How To Tame and Train Wild & Vicious Horses" was actually written in the late 1800s. In this book you will learn about how to tame and train a wild horse in an easy, natural and gentle manner, and the fool proof way to build a connection with your horse. This method was taken from a long lost European manuscript from 1811.
You will also learn the "Three Fundamental Principles" to tame your horse.

The book includes valuable knowledge on removing the horse’s fear of certain objects which is important. You will learn how a horse really decides if an object is safe or dangerous, and things like how to stable a colt without a problem.

The book explains why using a rope halter on an unbroken halt is not a good idea. You will learn what is the best type of halter to use and the right way to use it. Most people don’t know about which sense is the most important one in a horse. This book will teach you about it. There are also many other topics included in this book.

In The Second guide called "The Horseman's Guide and Farrier" you will find great household remedies for a lot of different problems. These remedies are used by master horse trainers.

 In this book you will find remedies that have been used effectively for treating over a dozen horse related diseases. It also includes a recipe made by the author for “Horse Powder" which according to the author will "cure more diseases than any other medicine known”. His recipe can be used to cure diseases like Hidebound, Distemper, Fersey, Colds and all lingering diseases which may be appear from blood or lung impurity.

With help of “A course in Horsemanship” you will learn how to make decisions by “reading” the horse. It also includes information on how to teach good behavior and the one thing that most people get wrong about the habits of horses.

“Horse Training Secrets Revealed” has been put together by Craig Perish and it explains in great detail how you can properly train your horses. The book comes with three bonuses that you should check out. The price of the package is $37.77 and there is an 8-week money back guarantee as well.

To Find Out More Of "Horse Training Secrets Revealed" Click Here!

Related articles by Zemanta

• Dave mcmahon gentle horse training review (slideshare.net)
• How to train a young horse - gentle horse training (slideshare.net)

Horseback Riding In Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California is home to quite a few facilities which will help to fulfill just about any of your equestrian interests. There are parks, stables, horse centers and two of the finest horse racing tracks in America. It is a very horse-friendly county with many residents owning their own horses. If you'd like to take a horseback ride and don't have the pleasure of owning your own, there's some great places you can go to rent horses.

Griffith Park in Los Angeles has become known for its great trails and stables in and around the park. The trails interweave through every section of the grounds and you can ride to each attraction, including the Park's zoo, by horseback. You can also take a trot up to the park's highest point which is 2,500 feet above the city, for a stunning, unobstructed view of Los Angeles. There are watering stations along the way and beautiful gardens to enjoy. There's even plenty of space take a spirited gallop.

At Griffith Park, you can rent a horse and ride without an escort, Western style. The stables are very accommodating; helmets are not required and basically anything goes in the way of attire. Griffith Park Horse Rentals is open 7 days a week from 8 am until dusk and has a wonderful selection of horses to choose from. It's only $15 for the first hour with a $30 deposit. Every other Friday night, they offer one and a half hour group Western BBQ trail ride for $40. For more information, call 818-841-4024.

The Sunset Ranch Hollywood Stables are located in scenic Beachwood Canyon, right under the Hollywood sign, on the Hollywood side of Griffith Park. You can take part in one of the night-time horseback riding caravans to a wonderful Mexican restaurant situated inside Griffith Park and return to the stables around midnight. They also offer riding lessons, lunch rides and horse rentals at very competitive rates. You can call Sunset Ranch Hollywood Stables at 213-469-5450 or 213-464-9612.
Just two blocks south of Riverside Drive is the Circle K Stables on Mariposa. They're open all year from 7:30 am until dusk, except for Christmas day. They also sometimes offer special evening rides. You'll pay only $15 dollars for the first hour and $10 for each additional with a $25 deposit. Their phone number is 818-843-9840.
Will Rogers State Park is located west on Sunset Boulevard. The park has polo fields, equestrian trails and a delightful, circular stable. They don't rent horses, however you are welcome to bring your own and ride their trails. They also offer professional instruction if you're interested in taking lessons. The information number for the State Park is 310-454-8212.

Related articles by Zemanta

• 10 Great Places to Go Horseback Riding (abcnews.go.com)

Horseback Riding In Florida

There are a number of places throughout Florida where you can go on trail rides and horseback riding camping trips. In addition to the stables and ranches, you can obtain a permit to visit one of the beautiful State Parks that offer accommodations for both riders and their horses. Following are a few places that might be of interest to you.

Windmill Ranch in North Florida is a 30-acre ranch that is family-owned and offers horseback riding trail rides starting at only $30 per person. The great thing about this ranch is that you can take a guided or unguided ride, whenever you like. They also offer a summer horseback riding camp for kids ages 8-17, and all campers are offered private daily riding lessons, unlimited horse back riding, swimming and field trips. Additionally, they have regular, adult campsites and cabins available and you can even bring your family pet! Windmill Ranch's web address is www.robinsfurryfriends.com.

Whether you want to go on a one-day ride or a complete equestrian camping trip, Crystal River and Citrus County have beautiful public lands available to their horseback riding residents and guests. The Withlacoothie State Forest in Tillis Hills has a horse stable that accommodates 20 horses and offers one and two-day riding trips. They also provide 37 camping sites and 47 miles of trail for you to ride. Since these are public lands, you'll have to obtain a permit first so call 352-394-2280 for more information. If you're interested in utilizing one of the stables, you can contact the Florida Department of Forestry at 352-796-5650.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has horseback riding trails on both the Flying Eagle and Pott's Preserve. Flying Eagle has nine miles of horse trails and Pott's Preserve has 12 miles of marked trails that even allows horse-drawn buggies with a permit. There is no charge overnight camping, but you will need a permit. To find out more about horseback riding on Pott's Preserve, call 1-800-423-1476.

If you're looking for an old-style, western cowboy experience, the town of Davie in south Florida might be a place you'd like to visit. Davie has become a very popular spot because of its old-west image, including an authentic-style, wooden Town Hall. They also have a rodeo arena and several western-themed saloons. Davie has set aside trails for horseback riding along its major thoroughfares so for information on taking a leisurely and informative horseback ride through Davie, Florida, go to www.floridasavvy.com.

Related articles by Zemanta

• 10 Great Places to Go Horseback Riding (abcnews.go.com)
• A Wild Western Guest Ranch Vacation & Equestrian Experience in Southern Utah (prweb.com)
• 2010 Pitzer Ranch Spring Sale (mccarronequine.wordpress.com)
• You: Horse riding in the south of France (guardian.co.uk)
• Pennsylvania State Park Great for Weekend Getaway (backpacking-trips.suite101.com)
• Vanessa Williams & Daughters Bond on Horseback (celebritybabies.people.com)
• Why the best of the best of the best? (lazyorganizer.com)

Colorado Horseback Riding

There are many beautiful horseback riding ranches and resorts in Colorado. Whether you're an experienced rider or just starting out, you'll be sure to find one that is accommodating to your level of skill and interest. Following are a couple of places you might want to check out.
The North Fork Ranch was established in 1985 and is located along the serene North Fork of the South Platte River. Very close to Shawnee, it is about an hour's drive from Denver and one and one-half hours from the Denver International Airport. They are a 520 acre ranch that sits at an elevation of 8100 feet and is connected to the Pike National Forest, Lost Creek Wilderness and Mt. Evans Wilderness.

North Fork Ranch offers a wide variety of activities including all inclusive vacation packages. There is something for everyone with horseback riding, trail rides, hiking and other activities such as fishing and rafting. Additionally, the activities extend well into the evening with hayrides, campfire sing-a-longs and square dancing. They also offer several children's activities that include pony rides, a petting zoo and a kid's rodeo!

You choose from several different horseback rides led by one of their experienced wranglers through the stunning mountains and valleys of North Fork. Riding options including a Lunch on the Trail Ride, a Champagne Brunch Ride and an Overnight Pack Trip.  They even start with an orientation and instruction for their inexperienced guests who haven't done much horseback riding.

The ranch prides itself on providing a safe and fun atmosphere and welcomes families with children of all ages including infants. They also offer lower seasonal weekly package rates during May 27 - June 24, and August 19 - September 2. Visit their website at www.northforkranch.com for additional information. You can also contact them by calling their toll free number at 800-843-7895 or email at info@northforkranch.com.

Academy Riding Stables in Colorado Springs offers one, two and three hour rides along the scenic trails of the historical Garden of the Gods. The stables are open year-round and provide guided leisure trail rides for riders of every level of experience. They are very customer-oriented and even have professional cowboys that will match you with a horse that best suits your abilities. Children under 8 are welcome to ride and the stable provides pony rides for the younger ones - they even get to choose their own pony!

Academy Riding Stables recommends that you make reservations and you can get to their website at www.academyridingstables.com. They also have a toll free number you can call which is 888-700-0410 and you can email them at arsriding@adelphia.net.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Dude Ranch Vacations! (bbtraveler.wordpress.com)
• A Wild Western Guest Ranch Vacation & Equestrian Experience in Southern Utah (prweb.com)
• Vanessa Williams & Daughters Bond on Horseback (celebritybabies.people.com)
• Sultan native among best shots on horseback (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• CINDY LESTER AND CHRISTINA RUDE: The Hunt Is On (kitsapsun.com)
• Spanish Colonial Living: San Rafael at Portales Coming to Phoenix Area (prweb.com)
• 3 months before any direct impact after rhinoplasty (realself.com)

Horseback Riding Lessons

If you've invested in a horse of your own, want to take riding lessons so that you can visit the stables and go riding with some previous experience or even if you're planning a horseback riding vacation, horseback riding lessons are a definitely a good idea, especially for the beginner or novice rider. But even if you're experienced in certain areas, you might want to go further still and advance your skills by training for competition riding or racing.

There are several different kinds of horseback riding lessons you can take, depending on where your interests in the sport lie. There are clinics devoted to every age group and include training for ranchers, competition riding, lessons for the recreational rider and even classes on learning how to deal with problem horses. You can take one-on-one or group lessons or special classes taught by internationally renowned horseback riders.

The length of the lessons will vary and but most are normally for around one hour or so. Usually, when you arrive for your lesson, you will be given an initial assessment of your skills. Then the you and your instructor can evaluate what goals you want to reach and set up the type of lessons you'll need based on that information.

Here are a few different categories of horseback riding lessons available, based on levels of experience, to help you determine which area you fall under.

Beginner: A person who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot (set the pace) and does not canter (cantering is slower than a galloping pace, but faster than trotting).

Novice: A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting the horse without assistance, can apply basic aids, is comfortable and in control at a walking pace and who can ride for a moderate length trot and short canters.

Intermediate: A rider who has a firm seat (balanced and comfortable in the saddle), is confident and in control at all paces including posting trots, two-point canters and gallops, but does not ride regularly.

Strong Intermediate: An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable being in the saddle for at least six hours a day.

Advanced: A rider who encompasses all of the above skills in addition to an independent seat, soft hands (light but commanding control of the reigns) and who is capable of handling a spirited horse in open country.

There are numerous horse stables across the United States and internationally that offer lessons at various levels. Browse around online to find one in your area, and be sure that you choose an instructor who you feel comfortable with so you can get the most out of your learning experience.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Good Transitions- Trot to Canter (piaffedreams.blogspot.com)
• The Equestrian's Guide to Reaching Your Goals (altitudebranding.com)
• Stubborn as a ... dressage champ?; Rider says her mules are like 'rideable border collies' (bendbulletin.com)
• Writers and Riders (piaffedreams.blogspot.com)
• Steps To Training A Horse (slideshare.net)
• Steps to training a horse - gentle horse training (slideshare.net)
• Thirty-Fourth Annual Hunter Trials at HPA (guavabee.com)
• You: Horse riding in the south of France (guardian.co.uk)
• Noses take about 6 weeks to strengthen after rhinoplasty (realself.com)

Horseback Riding In Maui

It's common knowledge that Maui, Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on earth. But in addition to the fantastic tropical atmosphere, fabulous food and wonderful culture, there are also great options for horseback riding.

Ironwood Ranch is located atop the western Maui Mountains, high above the busy resort area. They claim to have the best string of horses available in the entire region and specialize in smaller group rides. There are also private rides available upon request and you can even have a horseback riding party on their grounds if you like. They offer a wide variety of horseback riding options and can accommodate families and individual riders of any experience level. The ranchers will specially select a horse for you that matches your riding style and ability and even offer smaller, gentle horses for children. Choose from several different tours and ride through the pineapple fields and Ironwood Forest while enjoying spectacular views of Maui and its neighboring islands. Visit Ironwood Ranch's website at www.ironwoodranch.com.

Haleakala on Horseback offers two exciting, 'House of the Sun' guided horseback trail rides into the largest, dormant volcano on Earth - the Haleakala. They provide experienced guides that narrate the trip, giving you all sorts of information on the fascinating history and geology of Haleakala in addition to the rare plants and animals found there. Take the eight-mile Haleakala Crater Ka Moa O Pele Junction Ride and descend down the soft slope of the Sliding Sands Trail, 2500 feet to the crater floor! It's about four hours of incredible scenery and there is no prior horseback riding experience necessary. Plus, you'll be given a wonderful lunch when you reach the bottom. Go to www.mauihorsebackriding.com for more information.

Mendes Ranch is an actual working cattle ranch situated in the heart of West Maui. Ride the range into the base of flourishing, green valleys where you'll take in breathtaking views of the flowing waterfalls of the West Maui Mountains. Afterward, ride along the waves of the beautiful shorelines. They have a two-hour morning ride which starts at 8:30 am and an afternoon ride beginning at 12:30 in the afternoon. At the end of each ride, you'll be offered a generous, Azeka-style feast for an additional fee. The ranch is closed on Sundays and the minimum age for riders is 7 years old. Their web address is www.mendesranch.com.

Lahaina Stables is nuzzled in the slopes of the West Maui Mountains. They offer several riding options including a two-hour morning ride, three and a half lunch ride and a remarkable, two-hour sunset ride which they highly recommend, especially for experienced riders. They welcome families with a minimum age requirement of 8-years-old. Get more information at www.mauihorse.com.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Dude Ranch Vacations! (bbtraveler.wordpress.com)
• A Wild Western Guest Ranch Vacation & Equestrian Experience in Southern Utah (prweb.com)
• 3 months before any direct impact after rhinoplasty (realself.com)
• Maui's high life (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Enjoy site while you summit Haleakala (bendbulletin.com)

Horseback Riding Boots

The types of boots you choose to wear when horseback riding can play a big part in the level of enjoyment you'll get during your ride. Boots come in a wide variety of styles and are designed in several different categories. One thing for sure is to always choose a boot with a smaller heal, lower arch and no deep treads so that you can avoid getting your feet stuck in the stirrups. Here's some background on the types of boots that are available.

All Terrain Riding Sneakers / Barn Boots

If you like to stop and hike a little during your day out riding horses, these are a good option to consider. This type of shoe is a cross between comfortable sneakers, paddock boots and hiking shoes. Barn boots, as they're also called, are lightweight, breathable and very durable and will give you stability along with comfort. Most are made with waterproof materials for both men and women, and are also ergonomically designed with special soles for improved cushioning and air circulation.

Paddock Boots

Paddock boots are easier to deal with than the taller style of riding boots and they're also much safer than riding in your favorite pair of old sneakers although just as comfortable. They are available in zip-up, lace-up and pull on styles and also provide you stability while you're on the ground as well as in the stirrups.

Tall Riding Boots

Riding boots that are taller at either knee or a little over in length can not only protect your legs, but also come in dressier styles because they are common attire worn by sporting and competition horse riders such as jockeys, equestrians and polo players. They are usually designed with appearance, comfort and performance in mind and are available in an extensive variety.

Field Boots

When the weather isn't so nice outside, throwing on a pair of field boots can alleviate the work of having to clean and/or condition your regular riding boots. They are designed to be very durable in addition to comfortable and are a very popular choice for riding or taking care of your horse during nastier weather conditions.

Western or 'Cowboy' Boots

The great thing about cowboy boots is that they are genderless and ageless, worn by men, women and children. This type of boot has been around for centuries and although they come in an enormous variety of styles and designs, are still made with the same basic working concepts in mind. The lower heel, smooth sole, height of the boot to protect your legs and convenient finger loops make them easy to pull on are still today, the most popular choice of boot for western-style horse riders.


Article Written By J. Foley

Tips for responsible horseback riding in nature

By CHUCK MYERS; McClatchy-Tribune

Published: 04/14/1012:10 pm | Updated: 04/14/1012:11 pm

Some people like to roam the wilderness aboard all-terrain vehicles. Others tackle challenging hills and slopes on mountain bikes.

But as one special group of outdoors enthusiasts will tell you, nothing beats navigating trails on horseback.
As with hiking or camping, Horseback riding on a nature trail involves some key dos and don'ts, which are designed to keep riders and foot traffic safe, and protect the integrity of the natural realm.
The nonprofit organization Tread Lightly! offers the following guidelines for responsible horseback riding:
- At trailheads or staging areas, park vehicles and secure horse in a manner that provides a safe distance between the horses and passing traffic.
- Riders should match their skill level to the temperament and ability of their horse. Less experienced horses and riders should ride behind more "trail-wise" horses and riders.
- Travel responsibly and stay on designated roads, trails and other areas open to horse use.
- Ride single file to reduce trail damage.
- Don't cut switchbacks (a turn on a trail).
- Spread out in open country where there are no trails, rather than following in each other's footsteps. This riding method will disperse impact and avoid creating a new trail.
- Comply with all signs and respect barriers.
- If you are "ponying" a horse (leading one horse from the back of another), go slow and never take a loose horse on the trail.
- Buddy up with two or three riders to reduce vulnerability if you have an accident.
SOURCE: Tread Lightly!

Related articles by Zemanta

• Ride Horses in 3 weeks after Rhinoplasty (realself.com)
• Spectacular Cabin Location (niebruggestudio.com)
• Passion on the Sand (thevalleyvoice.org)
• A Wild Western Guest Ranch Vacation & Equestrian Experience in Southern Utah (prweb.com)
• Turkey's new trekking route (guardian.co.uk)
• Bed-to-bed hiking trial coming to Oregon (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Sultan native among best shots on horseback (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Noses take about 6 weeks to strengthen after rhinoplasty (realself.com)
• Wild, Wild West: SUV Occupants Brawl with Equestrians (laist.com)

Head over hoofs about vaulting

16 Jan 10 @ 11:47am by Stacy Thomas

NICOLE Stapleton and Nicole Collett travelled to Germany last year for horse vaulting and now have their eyes set on the United States.
The two are spending one weekend a month training in Canberra with an elite squad in preparation for the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in October, with practice increasing in the lead-up to competition. Germany is at the top of the horse vaulting world. It is the country the rest of the world looks up to.
The aim of the elite squad is to cull its members down from 18 to 10 and attempt to qualify for this year’s games.
This will be the first time Australia has sent a team for vaulting because it’s the first time the country has had the calibre of riders to go up against the rest of the world.
There are less than 15 vaulting clubs in Australia, with Oakville-based Stapleton and Collett major hopes for the games.
“Vaulting is my passion,” Stapleton said. “At first it was a bit of fun combining horseriding and gymnastics.
“Now I have a dream to go overseas to train and compete.”
The duo is training with Sydney Vaulting Group and Hawkesbury Vaulting Club.
The next big event is the state championships in April at Horseworld Maraylya.
Vaulting is a competitive discipline where gymnastic and dance elements are combined and performed to music on a cantering horse.
* HORSE mad? Combine horse riding with the grace of dancing, strength of gymnastics and love of music.
Vaulting is gymnastics on horseback and participants don’t have to own a horse to learn the fine art.
Children as young as six begin by learning basic gymnastic skills on the mat and barrel.
Then they put their skills to the test on a slow horse.
As their skill and confidence improves, the horse progresses to a canter.
Hawkesbury Vaulting Club will be holding a twilight open session where visitors can see a variety of demonstrations, including one by a 2010 World Equestrian Games hopeful.
There will also be opportunities for visitors to try some basic skills on the barrels, as well as face painting, barbecue and stalls. Details: 0407949826 or 45765208.
It will be held on Saturday, January 30, from 3pm to 6pm at Kinlew Equestrian Centre, 477 Sackville Rd, Ebenezer.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Show Jumpers Need Skill, Time and Money (nytimes.com)
• Selecting The Right Youth Horse (Skelly) (slideshare.net)
• Sultan native among best shots on horseback (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• International Equestrian Federation approves new anti-doping program (sports.espn.go.com)
• If you spent $70K on a horse YOU ARE NOT REAL (nytimes.com)
• Gig Harbor Horse of Dreams (kitsapsun.com)

Equitrekking’s PBS TV Series Launches Equitrekking Travel Featuring Exceptional Equestrian Vacations

Equitrekking, the Emmy Award-Winning Public TV series that is broadcast to tens of millions of viewers on PBS and international networks, announces the launch of Equitrekking Travel [www.EquitrekkingTravel.com]. This new enterprise will allow individuals and groups to enjoy in person the horse riding vacations they could previously only see on the popular Equitrekking television series. The riding vacations will take place at featured locations and many will be led by the same guides who have appeared on Equitrekking's programs.

The Equitrekking series is the first televised travel series to explore the world on horseback. Host Darley Newman travels off the beaten path, riding horses with local people to get an in-depth look at an area's natural surroundings, culture and history. Viewers, after watching these riding vacations in televised form during the last four seasons, have repeatedly asked how and where they might have the same equestrian experience. Thus, Darley decided to launch Equitrekking Travel as a forum through which viewers and their friends can also enjoy Darley's favorite equestrian trips, vacations that include horse riding with local guides as well as other activities featured on Equitrekking.

As Darley has often said, "when you explore a place on horseback, you ride with local people who can show you the best of their area. This is my favorite way to travel. I learn tons of things that aren't found in any guidebook."

Now viewers of Equitrekking who have dreamed of riding horses in locations where Equitrekking has gone will be able to actually experience what they have seen on the show. Darley has handpicked the sites that have been selected so far for Equitrekking Travel, because they offer accessible vacations that accommodate travelers with varying budgets and riding skills, including beginners and their non-riding companions. Horseback riding is an exciting, eco-friendly way to see the world and traveling with a local guide makes these journeys very special.

Riders may participate in unique adventures like riding with the Bedouin in the desert in Jordan, cattle round-ups at a working ranch in New Mexico, cross country training in Ireland, a pack trip in the Canadian Rockies or Alaska, natural horsemanship at the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, trail riding America’s National Parks in Utah and more. These new travel offerings include visiting magical Petra, exclusive access to Jordan’s Royal Stables, sightseeing in bustling Istanbul, fly-fishing in Wyoming, golf at Mount Juliet and castle tours in Ireland and Wales.

“I, like many Americans, own a small business, have family obligations and work a lot, so I know how important it is to have a good vacation when you have limited time,” said Darley. “I really worked to include riding vacations that encompass diverse, full travel experiences and allow those who wish it, some respite from the trappings of modern life. Some trips include city stops in Montevideo or Amman, so if you travel all the way to Uruguay or Jordan, you can ride at an estancia with working gauchos or in the desert with the Bedouin, as well as visit the major sights. On some of my chosen wilderness and ranch adventures, you can leave your cell phone behind -- because it won’t work anyway -- and so really get away from it all for a few days or a week.”


The original, first-hand travel blogs, photographs and video from the best of the 35 Equitrekking episodes on EquitrekkingTravel.com, along with in-depth trip itineraries allow travelers to learn about where they are going before they get there. In the coming weeks, the EquitrekkingTravel.com site will be enhanced with a Trip Finder that will make searches for vacations based on dates, riding skill level and location even easier. 


Trips featured on EquitrekkingTravel.com can be booked by Equitrekking Travel’s preferred provider of travel services, Julie Snyder. Julie is an award winning "Virtuoso Travel Agent" as well as an experienced, enthusiastic equestrian. Julie can arrange all aspects of the vacation, including airfare, rental car, additional vacation days in cities and activities for companions who do not ride.

Continually updated, the Equitrekking Travel Deals page features Last Minute Deals on equestrian vacations, Special Events that include access to high profile equestrian competitions at Spruce Meadows and the annual Calgary Stampede. EquitrekkingTravel.com Deal’s also feature Special Departures to train with an Olympic Dressage Rider in Spain or ride America’s National Parks in Utah. The Best Picks section of the website further categorizes trips to help visitors narrow their search. The Equitrekking monthly newsletter features these special deals, along with travel articles and vacation updates. Darley’s Blog on EquitrekkingTravel.com highlights helpful tips on how to pack and prepare for an equestrian vacation, based on Darley’s expertise in riding the world.

For more information, visit EquitrekkingTravel.com.