Trail Riding vs. Arena Riding

 Hello Centaurs!

At Bridle Ranch, we primarily ride in an arena.  There are several reasons for this, but today we are getting into the differences between trail riding and arena riding.

Let’s start with arena riding.  It’s a very good place to start.  :)

Actually, it is a very good place to start.  In fact, it’s where most horses are “started” or trained.  It makes sense in a very practical way.  If you have a horse that could take off in fear or defiance, keeping them in a small area is a good idea whether or not you are in the saddle at the beginning (or end) of a training session.  In fact, when doing something difficult with a horse, the recommendation is to start in a round pen.  It’s small enough to ensure you can keep the horse’s attention, but big enough that you can probably avoid getting run over in a bad situation.  

Beyond that, arenas are great places to work on higher level training skills.  They are predictable, flat (usually), and have a handy fence to help guide the horse.  It is a safe environment for both horses and riders.  It allows everybody to concentrate on practicing skills (or showing them off) without a lot of distractions.  

Sometimes we struggle with finding things to do in an arena.  Especially for those used to trail rides up in the mountains, or working cattle, it can seem ridiculous and confining to suddenly only ride in a small space on flat ground.  However, it does allow us to exercise our creativity, expand our riding skills, or build communication with our horses.

Trail riding is kind of a different beast.  Often, when people go on trail rides, it is a paid trip, with horses that are trained to stay on the trail, and riders are told to stick their horse’s nose on the tail of the horse in front.  There is walking, and talking, and seeing beautiful scenery, and not much else.  Other times, however, it’s Grandpa Joe who wants to take everybody up in the hills over yonder, and, “Don’t worry about Bess.  She’s got a bit of spunk, but you’ll be fine.”  Everything is great for the first half hour, and then Bess decides to start trotting or running your leg into every tree trunk she can find.  Maybe you end the ride on okay terms, or maybe everyone else starts trotting, which makes Bess think she needs to run and before you know it, you’re bouncing around on the back of this runaway horse and if you had time to think you’d be afraid for your very life (or progeny, if you’re a guy…).

Ideally, however, trail riding is amazing.  You and your horse have a good relationship, and practice being on a trail, and you do see some amazing views.  You can trot or canter through trees with confidence, you can gallop through meadows knowing that your horse will stop when you give the cue.  There are obstacles to navigate through, which adds to the fun of the ride.  Figuring out when to pick your way through a pile of logs, or instead approach at a trot and just jump it is part of the fun of a trail ride.  Sometimes there are streams to wade through and your horse decides to stop and splash for awhile.  One of my favorite things is going up a small, steep hill and feeling your horse lunge to make it up the bank.  You can take a picnic for a day trip, or bedrolls and make it an overnight extravaganza.  These types of trail rides make life worth living.

So, how do you know when to do which type of riding?  Is one better than the other?  

I firmly believe that both types of riding have their place in every horse’s life, and every rider’s.  Arena riding can help to make better trail rides, because your communication is better.  Trail riding expands a horse’s world, and helps them to be calmer and happier overall.  Arena riding tends to facilitate a sense of control and accomplishment.  Trail riding brings a sense of joy and wonder and adventure.  Do one to prepare for the other, and it doesn’t really matter in what order.  

Except at the very beginning.  That should probably be done in an arena, so your horse doesn’t run all over a mountain without you.

Smile and Ride!

-CR