Horseback Riding
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Our public lands have many trails that allow horseback riding. Many parks even offer stables and guides. Your experience with horseback riding should guide your decisions as to which trails to take so do be careful. You can explore parks in a unique way with horseback riding and experience the mode of transportation that was common among early settlers throughout the country. Also called Equestrianism, this outdoor sport offers physical fitness, the enjoyment of working with a beautiful animal and a way to see the outdoors that offers many advantages. You can travel trails for longer distances but you minimize your impact on the environment by not polluting with a motored vehicle. You can carry more supplies for camping overnight in remote locations. You can ascend and descend difficult trails that would require more effort on foot. Horseback riding promotes health. You will be physically tired after a long day of riding. But horseback riding also promotes good mental health through companionship with a fellow creature. Horseback Riding Tips and Ideas: - If you know months or weeks in advance that you will be doing extensive horseback riding, workout for the occasion. You will mainly be using your shoulders, lower back, abdominals and your legs.
- Do some basic research on how to handle a horse if you will be new to riding.
- Listen to your guide, they know the trail and they know your horse. After listening, make sure you are attentive and protective of your horse.
- Get a training video on horseback riding. Make sure you get the appropriate video which will likely be Western saddle riding. Even though you will need to take a beginners lesson if you are a rookie, watching the video can help you think through what you will be learning.
- Dress for horseback riding - good shoes, no sandles, long pants and ruggad wearning clothing.
Additional US Park Activity Guides
Autotouring
Biking,
Boating,
Camping,
Caving,
Climbing,
Educational Programs,
Fish Hatcheries,
Fishing,
Hiking,
Historic and Cultural Sites,
Horseback Riding,
Hunting,
Lodging,
Museums and Visitor Centers,
Off-Highway Vehicles,
Recreational Vehicles,
Water Sports,
Wildlife Viewing,
Winter Sports
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