Trail Riding: A Complete Guide »

Audrey Pavia is a former editor of Horse Illustrated magazine and an award-winning freelance writer specializing in equine subjects. She has written hundreds of magazine articles on various equine topics and is the author of Horses For Dummies. Audrey has been involved with horses since the age of nine. She has owned and cared for horses throughout her life, and has trained in both Western and English disciplines. She is a member of the North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC), and keeps two horses at her home in Norco, California.

Experience the sheer joy of being one with your horse and one with nature.

When you're riding the trails with your horse, you enjoy a refreshing feeling of freedom, the exhilaration of exploration, and an invigorating escape from the demands of the day. You're in control—as long as you can control the 1,000-pound creature you're riding. Trail Riding: A Complete Guide takes you from the basics to more advanced trail riding skills with information on:

• How to choose a horse, including basics on conformation
• Finding the best trail-riding lessons, tack, and equipment
• Feeding, care, grooming, health care, and stable management
• Conditioning—for the horse and yourself
• Trailering to trails
• Advanced trail riding, including information on camping with your horse, how competitive trail riding is judged, and racing on the trail
• Tips on how to find the best trails, both locally and around the country

This book helps you develop the knowledge and skills that will give you a leg up every time you climb in the saddle. You and your horse will become the perfect pair for relaxing yet energizing adventures off the beaten path.

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

Part I: Getting Started.

1. Laying a Good Foundation.

2. Getting Experience in the Saddle.

3. Finding a Horse to Ride.

4. Tacking Up.

Part II: Caring for the Trail Horse.

5. Basic Care.

6. Preventative Care.

7. Health Concerns.

Part III: On the Trail.

8. Preparing Your Horse for Trail.

9. Conditioning Yourself for Trail.

10. Safety on the Trail.

11. Finding Good Trails.

12. Trailering to Trails.

Part IV: Advanced Trail Riding.

13. Camping With Your Horse.

14. Judging on the Trail.

15. Racing on the Trail.

Part V: Appendixes.

A. Glossary.

B. Resources.

C. Trail Riding Opportunities.

Illustration Credits.

Index.