Summer Trail Riding Tips

Once you’ve decided it’s time to toss your saddle over your beloved horse’s back and head out for some riding in the sunshine, you’ll need to make sure that you’re doing everything you can to ride safely. Trail riding is an enjoyable activity for you and your beloved animal, but it’s essential that you take some important steps to ensure the safety of you, your horse and anyone else you might encounter on the trail.

Double B Trailer Sales, with locations in Centerville and Hurricane, has all the horse riding tips and horse trailer information you need to have a safe and successful summer of trail riding with your favorite steed.

Inspect The Trailer

You own a horse trailer because it provides you with a safe and convenient means of transporting your animal to and from various locations. This is why it’s so important to do an inspection on it to make sure it’s road-ready. Check the tire pressure with a gauge so you can air up tires to the manufacturer’s recommendations, reducing the risk of incurring a blowout. Never ride on bad tires or on tires that have objects embedded in them or low tread.

Test out your brake lights so that you know whether they work correctly. You want to be able to signal your turns and lane changes when necessary so other drivers know how you’re moving and can accommodate you on the highway.

Finally, you’ll need to thoroughly clean out your horse trailer and ensure that it’s well-ventilated and comfortable so that your animal companion can ride safely to your destination.

Pack Necessary Supplies

Your next step will be to pack everything that you and your animal need to have a safe and comfortable ride along the trail. You'll both need a good supply of water to stay hydrated in the heat and through the exertion to avoid becoming dehydrated. Take lots of breaks to let your horse drink water and get a few sips in yourself as you ride.

Take some steps to protect yourself against the weather, too. Sunscreen is a necessity, and you may apply some to the pink spots on your horse’s face since these places are more vulnerable to the dangerous UV rays put off by the sun. Because the weather can change quickly, it’s also smart to bring a poncho and a hat to keep yourself dry in a sudden storm.

Pack a first aid kit that’s well-stocked for both you and your animal. It’s easy for both of you to injure yourselves on a trail ride, so being able to tend to those wounds until you get back to the city and can see a veterinarian or a doctor will be helpful.

Stay Cool

No mammal can really tolerate excess heat very well. Try to plan your trip strategically to avoid the hottest parts of the day, which are around mid-afternoon. Early morning before noon and later in the evening when the sun is lower on the horizon will be the best times to ride. If the entire day looks too hot, you may want to reschedule entirely.

Outfit yourself in light-colored clothes that are breathable and loose to allow for air flow so your sweat evaporates better. Cotton and linen are great summer fabrics for this. To keep cool, you can also dip a bandana in water and tie it around your neck. Take plenty of rest breaks in the shade so you and your horse can cool down.

We hope our guide helps you to enjoy all your horse riding adventures this summer! Still in search of the perfect horse trailer? Stop into one of our dealerships in either Centerville to the north or Hurricane to the south to tour our available selection of horse trailers for sale. Double B Trailer Sales is conveniently near Salt Lake City, serving all of Utah, including the cities of St. George, Cedar City, Washington and Ogden.