How to Train a Trail Horse

Whether you want to train your horse for competitive trail classes, long distance endurance trail rides or just pleasant rides around the neighborhood, you need to lay the proper groundwork and prepare the foundation first. A good trail horse is both cautious and fearless, and able to go just about anywhere with confidence.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Lead rope
  • Saddle
  • Bridle
  • Burlap sacks
  • Logs
  • Tarp
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Put the halter and lead rope on your horse and take him to a small enclosed area like a corral or round pen. Rub his body with a burlap sack, plastic bag or similar item. Back off as soon as your horse stands his ground and reacts confidently. Continue rubbing him all over his body until he no longer reacts with fear.

    • 2

      Put a tarp on the ground and place rocks or bricks at each corner to hold it in place. Lead your horse over the tarp, with you going first and your horse following you. Many horses will react with fear to this at first. Reassure your horse with a pat on the neck, then encourage him to try again. Reward your horse with a kind word and a pat when he crosses the tarp confidently. A tarp is a good training tool for a trail horse, since to him the blue of the tarp looks similar to water.

    • 3

      Place the bridle and saddle on your horse and mount him. Ride him as you normally would, being sure to take him around and show him new things. Riding the horse through your yard if you can is a good exercise, since it will introduce him to things he has never seen before, such as swing sets, patio umbrellas and backyard pools. Reassure your horse as he passes each potentially frightening object.

    • 4

      Create an obstacle course using logs, landscape timbers or similar items. Do not use PVC piping or plastic--those items are too light, and your horse could slip on them. Place the logs at varying distances and walk your horse over them. Create boxes for your horse to walk through and over, changing the design each day to give the horse a new challenge.