The 31 days of August are some of my favorite of the year. The weather is generally warm and the high mountains are calling out for visitors.
In a change from the my usual August pack trip this month will have the TrailMeister visiting Benezette, PA with the Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Association for the Elk-Stravaganza on the 15th and 17th.
I love talking with equestrian groups across the country on how to Stay Found while riding as well as on the finer points of camping with livestock. This year has taken us from Washington, to California, Wisconsin, Oregon, and now Pennsylvania. Sometimes I think I’ve got more frequent flyer miles than saddle miles!
If you’d like to have the TrailMeister speak at your event, let us know and we’ll try to make it happen!
Visit us on Facebook and while you’re there please give TrailMeister a LIKE.
Have a great month on the trails with your favorite horse or mule!
Great Rides – Danville-Georgetown Trail System
Danville-G is home to not only nearly thirty miles of well maintained trails it’s also the site of the annual Tahoma Chapter BCHW prize Ride on the 6th of this month. Hope to see you on the trails this coming Saturday! For more information on Danville- Georgetown click here!
Trail Tips
Six Ways to Stay Safer in the Saddle
Following these six easy tips will help keep you safe so you can have a better time on the trail with your horse!
• Green riders and green horses are a bad combination – Choose a horse to match your riding skill level.
• Be honest with yourself, just because you want to be a great rider doesn’t mean that you are a great rider! The best and safest way to learn to ride (or learn to ride better) is with an experienced riding instructor or coach. Most of the best, and most experienced riders still make it a point to take lessons. There’s always something to learn.
• Wear a riding helmet. No, you won’t look like a cowboy. But then again the Marlboro man wouldn’t look quite so cool if he were in the intensive care unit of the hospital. Wear the cowboy hat when you’re NOT on your horse.
• Wear sturdy boots with little tread and a heel. You can also use safety stirrups or tapaderos. When things get “exciting” you don’t want to be attached to your horse. If your foot goes all the way through the stirrup you could be in for a very bad time. Trying to use your body as a horse anchor isn’t effective.
• Always ride in control. Just like cars and mountain bikes, things get more and more dicey the faster you go. It’s amazing just how fast an accident can occur.
• Leave an itinerary of your route and the approximate time you’ll be returning with a responsible person. Don’t make the folks at home worry if you don’t have to!
TrailMeister TV – How to Tie a Prusik Knot
If you know this easy to tie knot you love it. The Prusik is not only easy to tie it’s handy to the point of rivaling the Bowline. Make horse camping easier with this short video.
Know Your Knots – The Bowline
Since we’ve mentioned it we might as well re-visit the “King of Knots” Enjoy these EASY step by step instructions….
Riders Reviews – Da Brim Helmet Visor
Riding helmets are great tools for preventing traumatic injury but for relief from harsh glare or nasty sunburns on the back of your neck they’re not very good. Horse and mule riders have a better option with the Da Brim Helmet Visor. Learn why we like this great innovation….
TrailMeister Columns in Leading Equine Publications
- Event Searches – Not only will you find riding and camping areas on TrailMeister you can also find equine events and organized trail rides to enjoy! Click here to see EVERY event that we have listed.
TrailMeister does GLAMPING! – Glamour Camping that is! We’re much more than National Forests and State Parks! TrailMeister also lists the best Guest Ranches in the Nation. List yours now.
TrailMeister is the Official Trail Directory of these Leading Equine Organizations:
North American Trail Ride Conference – Enjoy the Dave Smith Fall Fiesta at the Brushy Creek Rec Area on Sept 13th!
American Competitive Trail Horse Association – Enjoy the Ride to Give Hope at Caesar Creek State Park in OH.
Back Country Horsemen of Washington – Ride with BCHW at the Tahoma Chapter Prize Ride at Danville – Georgetown on September 6th.
Wisconsin Horse Council – The Wisconsin State Horse Council (WHC) is here for “the horse” and the people who own them or simply love them.
The Upper Midwest Endurance and Competitive Rides Association – Compete and enjoy the 35th Annual Keweenaw Ride at the Marquette County Fairgrounds on the weekend of Sept 6th.
Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Association – Ride through history with the PQHA at the 15th Annual Gettysburg Ride on the 11th.
Backcountry Horsemen of California – We exist to improve and promote the use, care and development of California backcountry trails, campsites, streams and meadows. Join us!
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