Horsin' Around
Summer is here and what better way to enjoy the outdoors than on horseback.
Trail riding can be a great experience as long as it is done safely, which includes wearing a helmet.
Owning horses for more than 50 years has taught Ruth Wetzel a thing or two about the dos and don'ts of horse safety.
Wetzel, owner of SonnyBlest Acres in Jefferson Township, has more than 30 horses at her stables. She owns four of the horses, one of which she is training for trail riding.
Wetzel said it is important to be aware of your surroundings while riding.
According to Wetzel, trail riding requires “a quiet, level- headed horse.”
That is because there can be unexpected situations, such as other animals nearby or the rustling of leaves that can spook a horse. Having a well trained horse can limit the chance of it getting spooked.
If a horse spooks, Wetzel said, “Stay in the saddle.” Try to regain control, and when it is safe, get off the horse.
Leading the horse and talking to it can calm it down until the rider can safely remount.
Ground manners are essential for taking any horse on a trail ride. Ground manners refer to how the horse interacts with those around it. They include listening to commands and handling a lead line.
It is important to have an animal that can handle being on a lead line and having the proper saddle.
Once the rider puts the saddle on, he should lead the horse around and tighten the saddle again. Horses will expand their rib cages when the saddle is initially put in place, causing the saddle to slip if it is not tightened again before the rider mounts.
There are many safety tips that riders should be aware of before they get on the horse. Wetzel advises riders stay in groups of two or more. In this way, if something goes wrong, someone will be able to go for help.
When on a trail with other riders, it is smart to leave sufficient room between horses. On occasion, Wetzel said red ribbons will be tied to the tails of horses that are known to kick.
Wetzel also suggests bringing a cell phone in case there is an emergency situation. Other items that can be useful on the trail include water, a hoof pick and bug spray for both horse and rider.Hedge clippers are also recommended for any overgrown brush.Groundhog holes can also be a hazard and can cause serious injury to the horse or the rider if he or she is thrown.Safety tips are not only for the riders, but also for the horses.Rides should not last more than three hours, especially in the summer heat. Riders should also be aware of how much heat their horses can take, and not let them eat with the reins in.“It is a bad habit,” Wetzel said.It also can be beneficial to hose down a horse with water after a ride. This will help cool them and help the rider see any scratches that the horse may have received.Trail horses should also be shoed. This will help protect them from the terrain.For horse owners who are interested in trail riding, North Park and Hartwood Acres in Allegheny County as well as Moraine State Park have trails.People who are interested in riding, but do not own a horse, have a couple options. The Flying W Ranch in Tionesta offers riding.“We have hourly trail riding on weekends,” ranch worker Nicole Saxton said.The ranch offers guided trail rides starting at $30 an hour. Riders do have to sign a waiver before they can get on a horse. Reservations are required.Rolling Hills Ranch in Bridgeville also allows people to ride its horses.“There are guides on the trail at all times,” Jeff Hoffman, manager at Rolling Hills, said.There is no reservation required and the cost is $25 an hour. Riders do not have to stay with a group and are able to ride by themselves.There also is a release form and a helmet waiver that riders must sign.According to Wetzel, riders should wear proper attire. This includes boots, long- sleeved shirts, comfortable jeans and a helmet.
Horse owners can ride trails at North Park and Hartwood Acres in Allegheny County as well as Moraine State Park.People who are interested in riding, but do not own a horse, can visit:The Flying W Ranch in Tionesta. The guided trail rides start at $30 an hour. Reservations are required.Rolling Hills Ranch in Bridgeville. Trail rides are $25 an hour.
