Tree branch etiquette for trail riders

Use this technique to protect your riding companions from a common trail hazard.
When riding through the woods in a group, take care to not fling tree branches into the riders following you.

Riding down an overgrown trail can mean encountering overhanging branches. Pushing past a branch isn’t difficult, but if you’re the lead rider of the group you’ll want to keep it from snapping back and striking the horse (or rider) following you. Here’s how to do it:

As you pass a branch that reaches out into the trail, put your reins in one hand to free up the other. Then, lift the branch straight up and over your head as you walk under it. Once you are past, do not hold the branch-—et it go immediately, so it drops behind your horse’s hindquarters as he continues down the trail. The goal is to move the branch up and down rather than forward and backward. 

If the rider behind you uses the same method, no horse will be subject to a flying branch to the face and everyone will have a nicer ride.

This article first appeared in EQUUS issue #453

Don’t miss out! With the free weekly EQUUS newsletter, you’ll get the latest horse health information delivered right to your in basket! If you’re not already receiving the EQUUS newsletter, click here to sign up. It’s *free*!

CATEGORIES
TAGS

Related Articles

mosquito-3860900_1920
Working donkeys with carts lined up in colorful streets of Marrakech, Morocco
A close up of a mosquito
mosquito close up photos
mosquito-3860900_1920
Working donkeys with carts lined up in colorful streets of Marrakech, Morocco
A close up of a mosquito
mosquito close up photos
Load More