Things You'll Need:
- horse
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Step 1
At one time my dad was a real horse whisper, but they didn't use that term at the time. We rode our horses together a lot and he taught me these tricks. Remember if you are out in the wild ridding a horse and if the horse gets hurt, you have a real problem. So I always took the long way, I loved my horses.
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Step 2
When ridding up a hill, give your horse some slack in the rains. I was going up a steep hill one time and was too close to the rider in front of me. She made a sudden stop, I jerked back on my rains, this pulled my horses head back, and I was hit in the jaw by her head. That did not feel good. Always keep a good space between you and the next rider, and never jerk on the rains while going up a steep hill, unless you want a broken jaw. I never ran my horses up a hill, I let them take their own speed.
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Step 3
Going down steep hills, I never ever run my horse down hills. Real life is not the same as the movies. If your horse is running down a steep hill and should slip, the both of you are going to get hurt, or worse. I always let my horse pick his way and I do keep my rains up over his neck, in case he should stumble. I have saved horses from going completely down by using this method. If he stumbles, I will pull up on the rains, pulling his head up, helping him get his balance back.
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Step 4
If the ground is wet and slick, you need to be extra careful. On a trail ride the horses in front of you have disturbed the ground making it more slipper. If possible move over a few feet and make a fresh trail. Remember to take your time and let your horse pick his way.
