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All states · Your first trail ride

Your first trail ride

A first trail ride goes better when you know what to wear, how the group moves and how you may feel the next day. This page draws on Utah State University Extension, University of Kentucky equine programs and a children's hospital injury research center. This page is not medical advice, and it is not veterinary advice.

Clothing and footwear

Utah State Extension advises closed-toe footwear in sturdy materials with a correct fit, solid support and a slight heel. Avoid sandals, chunky soles and slippers. Nationwide Children's Hospital describes riding boots with a heel of at least 1 inch, a closed toe and a sole with some grip. Utah State says a slight heel helps keep your foot from sliding through the stirrup.

For legs, Utah State recommends full-length pants of sturdy, well-fitted material, with denim, canvas or heavy cotton as the best choices. Avoid shorts, leggings and silky fabrics. A hat with a brim, such as a ball cap or visor, helps against sunburn when you are not wearing a helmet.

Helmet

Utah State highly recommends a helmet certified by ASTM or the Safety Equipment Institute. It notes that bicycle and motorcycle helmets are not the same. At events it sponsors, riders under 18 must wear a helmet, and for adults helmets are usually optional but provided. For an organized ride, ask the host whether helmets are provided.

Nationwide Children's Hospital says to wear a helmet every time you ride, and that it should meet ASTM standard F1163 and fit correctly. It also advises replacing helmets every 5 years, or sooner if stored in a hot barn.

Before you mount

Utah State suggests stretching before mounting: shoulders, back, chest, core, hips and legs. If you normally use joint supports such as braces or cuffs, wear them and check with the ride leader first.

The University of Kentucky advises taking off all jewelry before riding. It also suggests telling someone where you are riding, when you left and when you expect to return, and keeping your phone on your body instead of in a saddlebag, so you still have it if you are thrown. The program also calls vests a very good investment for all riders.

How the ride works

Utah State describes stirrups set to give a slight bend in the knee, kept even on both sides. Sit upright, with a line from shoulder to hip to heel. Hold the reins relaxed, and never wrap them around your hand or wrist. Look up and ahead along the trail, because horses tend to go where you point them. If you are tense, Utah State suggests slow, even breathing. If you are nervous about getting off, ask for help.

Groups follow shared rules. The University of Kentucky says to match the pace of the least experienced rider, call out changes such as a trot before making them, and not tailgate. Riders at the front should wait until the last horse has cleared a gate or creek. Keep your horse from nosing riders who pass in the other direction.

Around the horse

Horses are flight animals. The University of Kentucky warns that sneaking up on them is never a good idea, so make your presence known, stay in the horse's view, move slowly and speak calmly. OrthoInfo adds that you should never walk behind a horse, and should approach at the shoulder. When you offer a treat, keep your hand open with the fingers flat.

The day after

Your legs may feel weak when you get off. Utah State suggests wiggling your toes and slowly swinging your legs before you dismount. Soreness can show up 24 to 48 hours later and last three to seven days. Seek medical care for a sharp stabbing pain, abnormal swelling, or pain that does not improve after a few days.

Questions to ask the operator

These questions follow from the points above.

Also on this site: Riding safety: helmets and injuries · all horseback riding stables by state.

Sources

Read on November 9, 2026. Rules and advice change. If something here is out of date, the contact page is at the bottom.