Learn when and how to navigate a trail ride out of the saddle.

There are two reasons you lead a horse on the trail. The first is intentional. This is when you pony a pack horse. The second is unintentional. This is when you end up hiking when you fully intended to be in the saddle. If the terrain is too rugged, an obstacle is too difficult, or your horse comes up lame on a ride, you’ll need to navigate the trail by foot alongside your horse. Narrow walkways and difficult obstacles can make trail leading risky. Here, I’ll first go over when dismounting on the trail might be called for. Then I’ll explain the ins and outs of safe trail leading.