Trail riding and training

igallopon raised the idea of my publishing training material in a recent comment. It is a good idea, if I can distill something relevant that doesn't just duplicate other material already in print.

A few years ago, I was involved in organising a training course to equestrian guides. At the time, I thought that I knew a fair amount. Now I see more clearly, as BarnGoddess commented, that we learn lifelong when we are around horses. So I don't feel quite so certain that I have something definitive to publish.

So I think that I will restrict myself to passing on things that I have learnt or observed with my horses, including good advice passed on by others.

One thing that did come out of those training courses was a realisation that some people think that they can become guides in a week. This may be a particularly Romanian misconception, but maybe not? The British system, where one needs a certain amount of practical experience before one can take the assistant guide or guide examination, seems like a good idea. However, the "take a course and be qualified" mentality probably is quite widespread. I find this disturbing.

I am turning over in my mind the idea of posting a gallery with information of potential guests, who need to know more about what to expect when trail riding, what to bring with them, and what techniques they will need whilst riding on the trail. Or perhaps a whole new blog with the information contained in posts as well as a gallery? This would be interactive, in that friends and guests will be able to post comments, and I will be able to update the information online.

Much of the information that trail riders need has already been published. My favourite source of wisdom is the 1941 edition of the US Cavalry Manual of Horsemanship. There is some interesting information in the Tellington-Jones Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding book. (I have an early edition, signed by Linda.) There are plenty of other books besides, we all have our favourites. There is even good advice in Xenophon's The Art of Horsemanship, including something that I tell all my guests: it is OK to hang onto the mane when you need to. I'm not sure that I have a whole lot to add to the works of these experts. I can, however, distill out the parts that my guests and I need out here and present them clearly.

There are also pieces of information that my staff need to heed. Keeping the horses and their tack clean is the most critical. It seems like the Cavalry faced an identical issue with its enlisted men. Just with their horses on campaign, as with ours on the trail, they need to be properly groomed before tack is fitted. Saddle blankets need to be clean, which is why we use blankets that can be refolded in numerous ways.

It is hard work making trail rides operate successfully week after week, and there are many details to attend to.

The photo shows a cart prepared to go out after hay. The long pole and chains are used to hold the load of loose hay down.

Comments

[emil]

Maybe adding relevant short videos about techniques on climbing and descending hills would be something new besides valuable books. This can be done online also. You mentioned photographing these training sessions in an earlier post. Perhaps digitally taping them instead might be better.

[sue]

I think that it would be quite difficult to put up an information page that didn't look off-putting to prospective guests. They want to come for fun and it might make it look too serious. But I do understand your frustrations and concerns. I think emil has a good idea. If you put on your booking site a video link showing riders on the trail, navigating the tricky bits as well as the fun gallops, it would make it all look a grand adventure, but anyone who didn't think their riding was up to it might consider again.
Just my thoughts.Wish I was there!

[Anne]

You're assuming people read books, are humble and believe they have things to learn, and don't expect the tour guide to make up for their inadequacies or ignorance. Actually, you're not assuming that. In my cynicism, I don't think people would read books about horsemanship before they go on vacation, or to prepare them to go on vacation. Unless you made it like a guide book of what they'll see with what they need to know (horsemanship) thrown in. Could be a major project.

I think you are right to put up basic information for them on the web. You'll have to figure out the best way to communicate that information. Videos of what they'll face and how to ride for it, if well done, could build anticipation and excitement for their trip as well as educate them. The well done part is the catch. And how would you shoot it now in winter?

In the meantime, you might want a bulleted list of the most essential things they need to know. Keep the information brief and non-intimidating. You don't want to scare your guests away.

If people are showing up ignorant and unwilling to learn, you do need to do something to adjust their expectations before arrival.

Another approach would be to use testimonials -- with photos -- of previous guests and what they enjoyed and what they learned or wish they had known first. Again, hard to balance education and scaring them away.

I'd be careful of the interactivity. Competitors in other fields have been known to sabotage/derail discussions.

I'm sure you will come up with something awesome.