Equitation and Balance Part 5 of Who Says A Trail Horse Isn’t A Performance Horse? By Trainers Jenny Lance and Angie Robinette-Dublin of www.LiveToRideHorses.com It seems that many folks believe that a trail horse is just a horse that doesn’t show. Many believe that a trail horse should be a lot less expensive to buy than a show horse. We at “Live To Ride” beg to differ! We believe a good trail horse is invaluable. We have talked a lot about the horse in our multi-part series regarding the trail horse, but you the rider are equally important! Even if you are not showing in an equitation class, you must still strive to be a centered, balanced rider. Did you know that if you are constantly leaning to the right (or left) that your horse will tend to drift to the right (or left) to stay underneath you? Your horse does not want to travel out of balance, does not want you to fall, and does not want to fall himself. If he continually has to move to stay with you, even though you aren’t aware of it, then you find yourself correcting your horse or getting frustrated at his “drunken sailor walk.” No matter how many trainers you talk to, most will agree that a most issues with our horse’s performance or behavior are rider or handler induced! Equitation and balance are extremely important on the trail because sitting deep and balanced with a strong core (not using your hands and your horse’s mouth for balance) gives you a much better chance of staying on should your horse spook, trip, or slip! Staying balanced over the center of your horse is also important when you are riding up or down an incline. Don’t over exaggerate leaning forward or backwards just because someone told you to. While climbing a hill or going down, look at the trees on either side of the trail and stay straight and centered in your saddle with the trees as you are traveling. If you pose too much weight on the horse’s forehand, he can’t use it as well. He can’t pick up his feet to climb uphill with your weight over his neck. Likewise, he can’t “sit” and pick his way downhill if you are leaning way back over his rump! Stay centered, stay balanced, and stay safe! Your trail horse is a performance horse and just like a performance show horse, learns patterns at home first. Practice in a safe enclosure at home. Once you are confident you have the control you need, then boot up and venture out to the beautiful wide-open spaces.