Trail riding is a very popular equestrian activity, with millions participating every year. According to the American Horse Council, “the recreational horse industry contributes nearly $32 billion a year to the economy and supports the employment of over 435,000 Americans nationwide and involves 4 million horses.”
The benefits of trail riding for the rider include:
- Ability to enjoy the horse without the stress of competition
- Quality family time
- Ability to socialize with other horse lovers
- Opportunity to observe nature
- Exploration of new terrain
- Improve equitation
- Build confidence
- Relax
The benefits of trail riding for the horse include:
- Increased responsiveness
- Quicker recovery from distractions
- Practical environment to practice maneuvers such as backing, forehand and haunch pivots, leg yield, gait transitions
- Ability to better negotiate obstacles
- Better balance
- Improved muscling/conditioning
- Offers a change of scenery
