Trail riding

Fancy a big breath of fresh air? Do you want to discover the countryside while sharing that enjoyable moment with a horse and a group? Then trail riding is for you.

That said, it is better to have a good level of riding before you set off. It also helps to have excellent stamina and to be reasonably fit, because this is a discipline that is anything but restful.

In this article, discover everything you need to know about trail riding.

The principles of trail riding

Trail riding is a different way of discovering the beautiful regions of France or other countries when you are keen on nature and riding out.

Unlike the hack, which is ridden by experienced professionals, trail riding is a discipline that requires only a minimum of experience. Bear in mind that a trail ride takes place over several days, whereas a hack lasts three hours at most.

Likewise, on a trail ride the rider must be able to manage their horse in all three paces. In addition, they must be able to look after their horse properly for the whole duration of the ride.

As with the hack, only a qualified riding tourism guide — an ATE — is responsible for a trail ride and organises it. The ATE must therefore hold the relevant qualification for riding out.

Trail riding is generally done at walk, in order to spare the horse, which is travelling over several days. The ride is punctuated by stretches of trotting and a few canters during the day. La Sellerie Française offers the best riding accessories for a successful trail ride.

Preparing for a trail ride

A trail ride is an activity that has to be organised and prepared for. You need to plan the route, the equipment and the packing, as well as the horse, which is essentially the key to a successful and unforgettable ride.

Generally speaking, you have a more or less clear idea of where your ride will take place, since you will have chosen the region you want to discover. However, keep in mind that you cannot ride along every public road or every path on the route.

Some public roads are subject to regulations and others are closed to horses. You therefore need to understand that there are rules to be respected, as the horse is considered a vehicle in this situation. The ATE must therefore gather all the necessary information in order to prepare a good ride.

Don't forget to choose the right horse either. It is better to go for a horse that shows no fear of going out. It should be used to long hacks and trail rides, and therefore familiar with the outside world.

Your horse should not take fright at the sight of a plastic bag blowing about. Nor should it be scared when you take off your jacket, for example. It should also enjoy travelling in a group and be very sociable. That is why it is advisable to let the ride organiser, the ATE, allocate you the horse that suits you.