When my family first approached me about a day on horseback … let’s say that I was a bit taken aback. It had been quite some time since I had been on a horse, even though I grew up around horses. So I turned to a few of my horseback riding pals that just happen to be experts on the subject. After reviewing all their advice and my own experience, I have come up with a few of my top tips for having a glorious day horseback riding and making memories with your family.
Where to Giddy Up
Find a place that knows their horses and what they can handle. Some horses don’t mind a novice like possibly yourself to take the reins. The build of the horse can also decide the body type that works best in their saddle. Horseback riding at Rockin’ M Ranch in Jackson, Wyoming is one of the places that really knows their horses. They take into consideration the body type and experience of the rider before matching it with the appropriate horse.
If you wonder just how experienced of a horseback rider you are considered to be, take a look at this article on Writing Horseback to spot if you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced.
Do I Need Chaps?
Do you need chaps? Well no not really, unless you are an experienced rider and wear them regularly. Per Nancy Brown of Writing Horseback, “Purchase riding boots ahead of time and break them in BEFORE your trip. Wear clothes that offer range of motion, especially on the upper body so arms may move freely.”
My tip is to not try to relive your day of riding in your youth. I decided to pull out my old riding outfit and it was not quite as comfortable as it was when I was a teen—many moons ago! So feel free to put on your cowboy hat, but you can leave home the heels. Bottom line is that almost anything works that covers both your legs and your feet.
What Should Tag Along
The first thing that one can’t take along is your pet, unless they and the horses are extremely trained to be around each other. Please contact the ranch before letting your pet tag along. Another thing you may not want to bring is your largest camera lens. Yes, I found this out myself. Galloping and a huge camera around your neck is not the most pleasant experience. So leave the scenery for your eyes unless you are stopped for a break. There will be plenty of time for photos at the beginning and end of your ride.
Definitely bring a bottled water and ask your guide if there are saddle bags for rides longer than one hour. Bring a carrot or apple to reward your horse AFTER the ride. Always check with your guide to see if horses are allowed an apple or carrot first. Sometimes they prefer to put the apple in their feed bin so no hand feeding. (We want you to keep all of your fingers.) “Listen to your guide and enjoy the ride. There’s nothing better than seeing new country from the back of a horse,” says equestrian travel expert Nancy D. Brown.
Listen to Your Horse
Our guide enlightened us on the characteristics and tricks of our own horses, then he said to be sure and listen to the horse. If they are taking a slightly different route up or down a hill, they may just be looking for their best footing. The horses will take care of you. Just be sure to be the boss. If they want to eat grass all the time, give in only when not moving. If the dandelions look really good that day you will never make it down the trail! Also ask your guide about rubbing and patting them during your ride. Some horses may get confused by different commands and others will lap up the praise. So again, bottom line: listen to your guide AND your horse.
Your Best Friend
Let your best friend be not only your horse for the ride but also your guide. Be honest with them about your riding ability; wranglers do their best to match riders with the proper horses. Per Darley Newman of Equitrekking, her best tip is to “Never, ever lie about your riding abilities or lack of them, so one ever gets matched with a horse that out matches them.” Your guide also knows lots about their own trails, so listen up and you may not only be educated but amazed.
Family Time
Realize that outdoor adventures in amazing surroundings can lead to some remarkable family time. My family rode from Wyoming to Utah up and down some incredible peaks. Making memories like these with your family are priceless.
Latest posts by Ava Roxanne Stritt (see all)
- How to relax in the Canadian Rockies - December 5, 2019
- 8 great reasons to check out France’s Alsace region—lavender fields included! - November 22, 2019
- 7 reasons Charleston is the best new place to unwind - November 4, 2019
Travelocity compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.
Thanks for including my tips in your glorious day of horseback riding. Rockin’M Ranch looks wonderful. Will have to try it out next time we visit Jackson, Wyoming!
My pleasure! You are a horseback riding expert! My expert!
Thanks for including my tips! Riding is such a great way to see the world, so excited this helpful content may inspire more folks to saddle up!
Thanks for sharing your tips with me! Hopefully one day we can saddle up together and inspire more people to ride horseback!
I appreciate your work , thanks for all the interesting posts.