| Fall Riding Tips By Laura Vonk |
Each season presents slightly different circumstances that you might want to prepare for,
especially when riding on longer or more remote trails. Since Fall riding season is upon us
now, I thought I'd list a few tips to help make your trail riding and camping experiences
more safe and comfortable.
The most obvious change as summer gives way to fall, is of course, the weather.
Temperatures can vary greatly not only from day to day, but from morning to night. The day-
time highs can still reach into the high 80’s, while the nights can cool down to below 60
degrees. Because of this, if you’re spending long hours in the saddle, the mornings can be
chilly, the afternoons hot, and the evenings chilly again. When dressing for trail riding in these
ever changing temperatures, it’s best to dress in layers so you can add or remove clothing
as needed to keep you comfortable. Along with the temperature changes, rainfall amounts
change too. After what is often a late summer drought here in Missouri, rain starts to fall
more often again. Normally it’s never quite as much, and the storms are not usually as
severe as in the spring, but it is still something to keep in mind when planning your ride.
Always keep a rain slicker with you. Chilly morning rain could make for a very cold ride.
Even if it rains during the hot part of the afternoon, you could find yourself uncomfortably
cold if you haven’t dried out totally as the evening temperature drops.
The temperature can also affect your horse. Hopefully, over the spring and summer, your
horse has had a chance to build up and be able to handle whatever amount of riding you
might want to do. Be aware though, that if your horse isn’t in good condition, strained and
overtired muscles can cramp up in the cooler morning temperatures. Warm your horse up
with a bit of walking on flat terrain for a while, if possible, before making him negotiate more
difficult hills and faster gaits. And make sure you cool them out after the ride, if they become
sweaty, by letting them stand with a light blanket on or by walking them while they dry, if the
temperature drops and it’s chilly.
One of the great things about fall is the drop in insect population that you will start to notice.
Less flies to bug you and your horse, and the spider webs across the trail will start to lessen.
However, the chance of run-ins with yellow jackets increase as you get closer to winter.
Most people I’ve talked to, and my own experiences with these nasty little bees, has been
that they seem to be at their worst in September. Every incident I personally have had with
them has been in September. I know they are active and you have a chance of having to
deal with them in July, August, and October too, but by September, their nests are quite
large, they seem to be getting quite mean tempered by then, and the temperatures at night
haven’t started to get low enough to effect them yet.
The changing leaves of the season can provide you with breath taking colorful vistas to
enjoy, but as the leaves start to fall, you might find the trails a little harder to follow when the
forest floor is covered with the dried brown leaves. What was once an obvious trail of dirt is
now confusing because of the leaf coverage. If the trail is not well marked with signs on the
trees, you might find yourself lost. That is why it’s very important to have a map and
compass with you, and know how to use it. Even trails you ride a lot and think you know
well can look like a trail you have never visited before without that little dirt track to guide
you. Other possible problems to be aware of is the fact that the leaves can cover and hide
snakes, yellow jacket nests, holes, or uneven and unsafe footing on the trail. Of course, you
also might find your horse to be more “spooky” because of the extra noise, especially if
combined with a windy day.
Lastly, fall ushers in the deer and turkey hunting seasons. Be sure you know which trails are
closed for hunting, which ones are open and provide a safer riding option because they do
not allow hunting, and which ones allow hunting and riding. I personally do not ride
anywhere that allows hunting during the open seasons, but if you do, please make sure you
wear hunter orange, and consider not riding on opening day or on the weekends when the
forest will be more populated with hunters. Also realize that most hunters will not find it
humorous if you ride through and scare off the prey they are looking for, or if they almost
shoot you, scaring both of you to death, so don’t be surprised if you end up in a
confrontation with an irate hunter because you chose to ride during hunting season. It can
happen.
Fall is my favorite season and I love riding this time of year. I hope these tips, which are
meant more for the beginning trail rider, are helpful to all. I also hope everyone has a safe,
fun, and happy fall riding season!
especially when riding on longer or more remote trails. Since Fall riding season is upon us
now, I thought I'd list a few tips to help make your trail riding and camping experiences
more safe and comfortable.
The most obvious change as summer gives way to fall, is of course, the weather.
Temperatures can vary greatly not only from day to day, but from morning to night. The day-
time highs can still reach into the high 80’s, while the nights can cool down to below 60
degrees. Because of this, if you’re spending long hours in the saddle, the mornings can be
chilly, the afternoons hot, and the evenings chilly again. When dressing for trail riding in these
ever changing temperatures, it’s best to dress in layers so you can add or remove clothing
as needed to keep you comfortable. Along with the temperature changes, rainfall amounts
change too. After what is often a late summer drought here in Missouri, rain starts to fall
more often again. Normally it’s never quite as much, and the storms are not usually as
severe as in the spring, but it is still something to keep in mind when planning your ride.
Always keep a rain slicker with you. Chilly morning rain could make for a very cold ride.
Even if it rains during the hot part of the afternoon, you could find yourself uncomfortably
cold if you haven’t dried out totally as the evening temperature drops.
The temperature can also affect your horse. Hopefully, over the spring and summer, your
horse has had a chance to build up and be able to handle whatever amount of riding you
might want to do. Be aware though, that if your horse isn’t in good condition, strained and
overtired muscles can cramp up in the cooler morning temperatures. Warm your horse up
with a bit of walking on flat terrain for a while, if possible, before making him negotiate more
difficult hills and faster gaits. And make sure you cool them out after the ride, if they become
sweaty, by letting them stand with a light blanket on or by walking them while they dry, if the
temperature drops and it’s chilly.
One of the great things about fall is the drop in insect population that you will start to notice.
Less flies to bug you and your horse, and the spider webs across the trail will start to lessen.
However, the chance of run-ins with yellow jackets increase as you get closer to winter.
Most people I’ve talked to, and my own experiences with these nasty little bees, has been
that they seem to be at their worst in September. Every incident I personally have had with
them has been in September. I know they are active and you have a chance of having to
deal with them in July, August, and October too, but by September, their nests are quite
large, they seem to be getting quite mean tempered by then, and the temperatures at night
haven’t started to get low enough to effect them yet.
The changing leaves of the season can provide you with breath taking colorful vistas to
enjoy, but as the leaves start to fall, you might find the trails a little harder to follow when the
forest floor is covered with the dried brown leaves. What was once an obvious trail of dirt is
now confusing because of the leaf coverage. If the trail is not well marked with signs on the
trees, you might find yourself lost. That is why it’s very important to have a map and
compass with you, and know how to use it. Even trails you ride a lot and think you know
well can look like a trail you have never visited before without that little dirt track to guide
you. Other possible problems to be aware of is the fact that the leaves can cover and hide
snakes, yellow jacket nests, holes, or uneven and unsafe footing on the trail. Of course, you
also might find your horse to be more “spooky” because of the extra noise, especially if
combined with a windy day.
Lastly, fall ushers in the deer and turkey hunting seasons. Be sure you know which trails are
closed for hunting, which ones are open and provide a safer riding option because they do
not allow hunting, and which ones allow hunting and riding. I personally do not ride
anywhere that allows hunting during the open seasons, but if you do, please make sure you
wear hunter orange, and consider not riding on opening day or on the weekends when the
forest will be more populated with hunters. Also realize that most hunters will not find it
humorous if you ride through and scare off the prey they are looking for, or if they almost
shoot you, scaring both of you to death, so don’t be surprised if you end up in a
confrontation with an irate hunter because you chose to ride during hunting season. It can
happen.
Fall is my favorite season and I love riding this time of year. I hope these tips, which are
meant more for the beginning trail rider, are helpful to all. I also hope everyone has a safe,
fun, and happy fall riding season!
| Copyright 2006 - Present by Missouri Trailblazing.com. All Rights Reserved |
| If this information was helpful to you, please help support Missouri Trailblazing: |
| We Thank you!!! |