GET INVOLVED

Ready to become a "horse person?" Learn how to get involved as a rider, volunteer, advocate or savvy spectator.

Horse Trail Riding - Horse Riding & Horse Trails

Top Trail Riding Stories

Journal photo

Seven Things to Teach Your Trail Horse

Here are the seven things to teach your horse to keep your trail outings as harmonious and enjoyable as possible. ... MORE
Photo America's Horse Journal

A Guide to Summer Horsemanship Clinics and Vacations

Horsemanship courses and clinics at a ranch are perfect for singles, couples, friends, the whole family or even corporate retreats. ... MORE
Rancho De La Osa Cowgirl Camp. Photo Equitrekking.com

Equitrekking.com Launches Travel Deals

Check out exclusive dude ranch bargains and specials on horseback riding vacations. ... MORE
Winter Trail Riding. Photo Darley Newman and Equitrekking.com

Dude Ranch Winter Riding Opportunities

Horseback riding in a winter wonderland. If you thought ranching holidays were only a summer vacation think again, for winter is a magical time to visit a ranch. ... MORE
Winter riding

Ride Through Winter

Dan Aadland writing for The Trail Rider discusses how to ride safely during the winter. ... MORE
Photo America's Horse Journal

What Do I Take on a Trail Ride

Here are tips from the AQHA to help you have fun and stay safe horseback riding. ... MORE
Courtesy Horse&Rider magazine

Fall Trail Riding Tips

From clearing brush to trail footwear selection, we offer tips from two experts who'll keep you on track. ... MORE
Photo Katherine O. Rizzo/The Equiery

Ride Your Horse in Washington, D.C.

This fall, head to Washington, D.C., and ride through the rich history of our nation’s capital. Here’s a list of upcoming trail rides, plus overnight stabling in nearby Maryland and Virginia. ... MORE
Preserving our trails for the future is possible with a little planning. (Journal photo)

Being a Good Steward

Horseback riding can be even more enjoyable when you’re helping protect and share the land. ... MORE
trail riding wyoming

Dude Ranch Directory

Plan your next Western vacation with this definitive list of 253 North American guest ranches. compiled by Christine Larsen for American Cowboy magazine. ... MORE
saddle, circle y mesquite trail

Buyer’s Guide to Lightweight Trail Saddles

Check out these lightweight, comfortable saddles specifically designed for trail and endurance riding. ... MORE
trail-riding-sierras

Horseback: California’s Sierra Nevada

Strike gold on this multi-day ride that mirrors Yosemite’s beauty (minus the crowds). ... MORE
Courtesy Topo50 Ranches

Ranch or Beach Vacation?

To beach or not to beach? That is often the question ­­­– at least when it comes to finding a great value vacation. But when it comes to getting the most for your bucks, could a western horseback riding holiday be the better option? ... MORE
Photo 1A

Handling Hills with Julie Goodnight

Top clinician/trainer Julie Goodnight teaches you how to sit securely as you ride up and down hills. She’ll also help you gain control of your horse’s speed, no matter what the terrain. ... MORE
Courtesy EQUUS magazine

Riding on the Beach

Riding on the beach is a "bucket-list" item of many riders, and with good reason. But if you decide to try riding it, here are things to keep in mind. ... MORE
Vegetation along trails is more than scenery to your horse—it's a potential snack. ©EQUUS Magazine

Break Your Horse’s Trail-Snacking Habits

A horse who eats on the trail isn't paying attention to his rider. Here's how to redirect his focus. ... MORE
Courtesy EQUUS magazine

Conditioning A Horse for Long Summer Rides

Medical Editor Mathew Mackay-Smith, DVM, addresses an EQUUS reader's concerns about equine conditioning in preparation for long summer trail rides. ... MORE
trailridingHRsq

Double Your Riding Hours

Ride on an AQHA trail ride or in a Trail Challenge and rack up the hours in the Horseback Riding Program! ... MORE
Courtesy Topo50 Ranches

MyHorse Daily Releases Free Guide on Dude Ranches

July 12, 2012--The guide shows what you need to play cowboy (or cowgirl) on your cattle-driving, horseback-riding vacation. ... MORE
You can avoid summer’s extreme heat by hitting high-altitude mountain trails. However, note that high altitude promotes rapidity of change. Be prepared for all increments of weather, from hot to cold, dry to wet, sleet, wind, and snow.  Photo by William J. Erickson

Prepare to go Trail Riding on the High Trails

Avoid summer’s extreme heat by hitting high-altitude mountain trails. Here’s how to cope with mountain-riding weather. ... MORE
Use the light of the full moon to guide you during night trail riding.

Trail Riding Safety Tips

Follow these trail-riding safety tips, whether you ride your horse during the day or decide to go night riding. ... MORE
Wagonhound Trail Ride. AQHA photo

Riding the Wagonhound

Wagonhound Land and Livestock in Douglas, Wyoming, hosted the 2011 ride benefitting the American Quarter Horse Foundation. ... MORE
Let your horse drink from water sources along the trail or near the camp to conserve the water you’ve hauled in. Photo by Kent and Charlene Krone

Be Water-Wise on Your Next Horse Camping Trip

Don’t leave home without considering your horse’s water needs. Here’s what to plan for, plus hauling, watering, and use tips. ... MORE
Couple-Trail-Ridingsq

Quick Fixes for Broken Tack on the Trail

Here is advice from the experts on the items to carry and how to use them to keep broken tack from ruining your trail rides. ... MORE
Courtesy The Trail Rider magazine

Camping with Horses

Horse camping allows you to ride on trails in areas you've always dreamed about. On your own horse, you'll be able to access thousands of miles of trails, from oceans to lakeshores, mountain meadows to desert sands, local open space to wilderness. ... MORE
first-aid-kitsq

On-The-Road and On-The-Trail Horse Vet Care

Asking questions and preparing are necessary before a trip, but it’s best to avoid a disaster in the first place by keeping emergency supplies on hand. ... MORE
To help prevent dizziness while crossing swift streams, look straight forward, vision fixed upon the spot on the far bank where you intend to leave the water. Dan Aadland

Water Crossing: How to Prevent Dizziness

Dan Aadland explains how to cross fast-moving streams with care. ... MORE
Stacy Westfall. Courtesy Trail Rider magazine

Westfall Horsemanship: Trail-Safety Tips

Stay safe while trail riding with tips and exercises from world champion horse trainer and top clinician Stacy Westfall. ... MORE
trail riding wyoming

Top Tips for Going on Cattle Drives

Learn when, where and how to ride like a real cowboy. From Top50 Ranches. ... MORE
The Grasslands. Photo by Jim Edmondson

Cool Horse Wins Hot Prize For NATRC

March 19, 2012-- Ken Wolgram and "Ice" won all four of the NATRC's top awards, including high point horse in the nation. ... MORE
Courtesy Trail Rider Magazine

Handle On-Trail Encounters

Keep your horse under control when encountering scary trail gremlins. By California trainer Robyn Spector. ... MORE
Ron-zaccagnini

Lions and Bears in the Wilderness, Oh My!

Colorado Game Warden Ron Zaccagnini gives advice on some things that you can do to minimize your exposure to danger with wildlife encounters. From MyHorse.com ... MORE
Courtesy America's Horse Daily

Spring Training

You may be ready for the trail, but is your horse? The AQHA has tips to prepare your horse mentally and physically. ... MORE
Courtesy American Quarter Horse Journal

Dude Ranch Vacations

Holly Clanahan explains how dude ranches make the perfect vacation for horse lovers. From America's Horse Daily. ... MORE
Riding DownUnder. Courtesy Travel by Carmen

50 Great Escapes: Riding Vacations

When you're ready for memorable R&R, a vacation that involves horses can be just what the fun-doctor ordered. ... MORE
AQHA Launches Trail Challenges

AQHA Launches Trail Challenges

Starting in 2012, The American Quarter Horse Association offers Trail Challenges, a new competition for recreational riders. ... MORE
Video: AQHA Trail Riding Program

Video: AQHA Trail Riding Program

It's time to get out and ride, and the AQHA Trail Riding program is a great way to start. ... MORE
World's Great Horse Treks

World’s Great Horse Treks

Darley Newman and Equitrekking.com discuss 15 of the world's greatest horseback riding trips for CNNGo.com ... MORE
Trail Riding Safety

Trail Riding Safety

Learn how to avoid seven sketchy situations on the trail--and how to get out of them as safely as possibly if they do catch you by surprise. From Horse&Rider magazine. ... MORE
New Horse Sports for the 21st Century

New Horse Sports for the 21st Century

Six growing sports offer hot new opportunities for Western riders. By Gavin Ehringer for Horse&Rider magazine. ... MORE
Once in a Lifetime Extreme Vacations--Not for the Faint of Heart

Once in a Lifetime Extreme Vacations–Not for the Faint of Heart

Riding through wild terrain--and herding cattle--is difficult enough, but if you’re looking for even more adventure and a once in a lifetime experience, check out these extreme rides. ... MORE
Trail Riding Safety Tips

Trail Riding Safety Tips

Read these trail riding safety tips to learn more about trail riding safety, whether you ride your horse during the day or decide to go night trail riding. From The Trail Rider magazine. ... MORE
Horseback Riding: Yellowstone National Park

Horseback Riding: Yellowstone National Park

A great way to explore Yellowstone National Park's wild side is on a guided pack trip. ... MORE
Trail Rides in 50 States

Trail Rides in 50 States

Looking for a trail-ridin’ good time worthy of putting on your calendar? We found one for you in your state—and beyond! From the editors of Horse&Rider magazine. ... MORE
horse-in-woods

Why Your Horse Gets Nervous in the Woods

If he's inexperienced at it, your horse might not enjoy rides on wooded trails as much as you do. That's because he can't see the situation and surroundings the way you do. ... MORE
AZ-trailriding

Cactus & Corrals: Trail Riding in Southeastern Arizona

Kent and Charlene Krone give a quick overview of eight destinations for riding in southeastern Arizona, plus a listing of four guest ranches, in this beautiful and varied land. From The Trail Rider magazine. ... MORE
top50ranches.

Unleash Your Inner Cowboy

Looking for an authentic Western riding holiday for this summer? Check out this sampler from Top50Ranches. ... MORE
darleyandkennymartin

The Mustangs at McCullough Peaks–History and Legend

Darley Newman of Equitrekking.com tracks wild mustangs in Wyoming. ... MORE
cattle-herding-darley2

Colorado Cattle 101

Darley Newman of Equitrekking.com tells us that cattle work can be fun, even for an English rider! Saddle up at a ranch and give it a try. ... MORE
dude interview

Video: Dude Ranch History

Learn about the history of dude ranches in America, including the Eaton brothers first ranch and the original "dudes." Equitrekking.com host Darley Newman narrates this educational look at the U.S. legacy of guest ranches and Western history, including interviews with modern ranchers. ... MORE
1 2 3