Summer Trail Riding Essentials

Summer is almost here! The warm spring temps have everyone itching for those long summer days with our horses. Up here in the Pacific Northwest the trails have mostly dried out and are begging to be explored! I’ve been on many spontaneous riding adventures that have left me wishing I had a trail riding grab bag, or a checklist that I could use to quickly gather necessities. I am sure many of you can agree that a good trail ride can go bad if you’re not prepared. I’ve compiled a list of necessities for you and your horse to carry with you on the trail. I’ll start with having access to saddlebags or a backpack that would be comfortable enough to ride with.

For you:

Water bottle or camel pack 

• Small first aid kit
• Whistle
• Pocket Knife
• Flashlight
• Non-perishable snack or protein bar
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Lip Balm
• Compass
• Map of the areas if available

For your horse:

• Halter and lead rope
• Hoof Pick
• Baling twine
• Fly Spray/Mask

Summer trail rides can be some of the best memories we will have with our friends and horses. If I can pass any wisdom on to you, it would be to keep the important things on your person if possible. Especially if you are riding a young, or unconfident horse that might leave you in the dust! If you have any trail riding essentials please feel free to add them to the list!

Happy Trails!

-Emily Bomgardner