Trail riding that isn't just plodding along...

**keith** · 02-10-2006, 12:48 PM

I remember my first time riding as a kid maybe 7 or 8 years old. We went somewhere nearby (Southeastern Wisconsin) and I went out on a beautiful horse with one companion, a girl in her teens.

The guide was conversational. The horses amazingly well-trained. I rode bare-back. We talked and walked. Then we catered, then trotted. And back again through the gaits several times.

I wanted to experience a gallop. The guide coached me to bring my knees up high and tight and lean forward. As she instructed, I reached forward, reins still in hand, and took a fistful of mane in each hand, my elbows nearly touching my knees on the animals shoulders. And then we flew! What a phenomenal feeling, a ninety pound kid on a huge, sleek bundle of muscle and speed. That was the best ride I ever had.

Now, here's the dilemma. Does anyone offer anything but the slow motion trail rides, good for a brisk 2 mph pace at best? I go trail riding perhaps once a year, if I'm lucky. The animals are wonderful creatures, but it seems all one can do is muster a slow walk. You're doing very well if the horses don't stop to eat the plants along the trail.

Safety is important, sure. But where can you go beyond a pace that makes it difficult to stay awake in the saddle?

Regards,
Keith

Julie12345678 · 02-16-2006, 10:43 AM

Having my own horses I haven't had to "pay" to go riding for a long time. Except in Mexico and New York State and they let us gallop. I understand that feeling "been there done that" It's allot like being on a 4 wheeler and going fast yet DIFFERENT. But now I enjoy the plod and maybe just trotting. (ground gets harder every year lol) I can call a couple of places and post back here with websites etc.

jhanson · 02-24-2006, 07:28 PM

Jim went on a trail ride spring of last year up there and the trails were real aggressive and they did alot of fast paced stuff and hill climbing etc.
I guess I will ask him what their information is for sure.
My question is, are looking for something where they rent out horses? Because I believe this terrain required you to bring your own because of the difficulty of the course.
Shauna

**keith** · 02-24-2006, 07:45 PM

Guess I'll have to find a stable...or use Julie's horse!

Don't own any horses. Would like to find a place in Wisconsin (near the Dells would be nice) where they let you go!

Regards,
Keith

jhanson · 02-27-2006, 10:07 AM

He is going to do some calling but, apparently you can rent a horse there. The course is quite aggressive and really fun, his words were you "need to be an experienced rider at best!" We will post more as we find out! He also said that he would be willing to take you and rent you one of ours maybe come spring!
Shauna

talleyJudy · 03-01-2006, 03:01 PM

I learned of this place on PBS tv a year or so ago. It is in SD.

http://www.tinkerkennels.com/

I have a bit of a long, involved horse history but we have had no horses since '91.

Yet the one thing I would like to do before I die is to see a tall grass prarie from the back of a horse. The visual perspective from the back of a horse is one greatly appreciated by those of us only 5'0" tall.

So this year or next I am going out there; hopefully to just ride along on a hunt or if it's 'off season' along on a dog training scession.

PatW · 03-12-2006, 09:36 AM

In response to trail riding at riding stables, unfortunately, in many recreational rental facilities, people SUE if they get hurt. Therefore, if Riding Stables want to keep a business afloat, they must adhere to many laws, rules, regulations and pay high insurance costs. That is why horse rentals may cost upwards of $30 per 1/2 hr. Each year, Riding Stables are being put out of business because of lawsuits and laws and follow.
I think it is sad because many people now, do not get to experience the feeling of what it is like astride the back of a horse.
Not many wannabe cowboys have ever felt the breeze tickle their face, or the exhileration of sitting on top of a thousand pound animal and being in control. When it comes to galloping, cantering or loping - very few have experienced the rhythm and how it is not difficult to stay astride. Very few have felt the wind at their face or the freedom and power and the exhileration that becomes part of it. Blame lawyers.

talleyJudy · 03-12-2006, 02:27 PM

I have to agree with everything you have said, PatW. Back in the late '40's, early '50's there were at least three riding stables within 15 mils of where I grew up just NE of Detroit. Hourly rental was 1.50 and a lesson was 3.00
I was so lucky that my folks let me take riding lessons one summer. Those lessons served as a foundation to my going on to show for others on occasion, co-boarding, and finally owning my own horses for a period of time.
(Now that I'm all 'grown-up, which took over 60 years, I won't consider having any livestock that can't be 'shipped'. heh heh heh )

Actually, today is a whole different picture in that present society has become so litigious - no one will take responsibility for their own actions anymore or even seem to understand that all normal activity involves personal risk. So yes, it's the lawyers, and also the people that flock to the lawyers.