On extremely difficult terrain, I let my horse choose his footing. But
generally I like my horse to go where I aim him. I do not need him to get
in the habit of thinking he dictates the path. I do not need to have my
kneecap banged because my horse decided he didn't want to walk through the
mud.
Duncan Fletcher
dfletche@gte.net
----------
> From: RUN4BEAR@aol.com
> To: ridecamp@endurance.net
> Subject: Re: Sharing the trails
> Date: Thursday, December 12, 1996 3:02 AM
>
> Kat:
>
> I think it IS asking too much to ask we ride one side of the trails..not
just
> endurance riders, ANY riders. Part of riding should be fun for both horse
and
> rider. I allow my horse to pick the easiest or most suitable part of the
> trail which often allows him to move from side to side. Ever see trails
in
> pastures? They are not straight, but they usually follow the path of
least
> resistance. If I had to spend all of my time with both hands and both
legs
> on my horse to keep him straight, I guarantee you it won't be fun for
more
> than 15 minutes. Try it some time!!
>
> Personally, although I wish never to be mandated to do so, I would prefer
> horses stay OFF trails that are in that bad a condition. I don't ride
trails
> like that unless absolutely necessary (like a ride).
>
> I also know that horsesh%^& is not objectionable to me, but is to some
> hikers. If you have ever gone down the Grand Canyon, though, there is
plenty
> of both and I heard no negative comments. In fact, read this months issue
of
> Wetsren Horsemen Magazine..the article on Yosemite park where they think
> horse manure is actually GOOD for the environment!!!
>
> Teddy
>