Hacking out © Benkert

Long distance rides

Long distance rides is the covering of longer distances over several days (with overnight stays) on horseback. Some things have to be trained and organized for this:

• The horses have to be conditionally prepared for the covering of these distances. It is not possible to ride an untrained horse for several hours, even if it is only done at a walking pace! If such a trail ride is envisaged, a professional training plan must be drawn up to build up physical condition. For example, interval training of the horse is helpful.
• The horse must be in good health and be able to cover such a distance with different ground conditions. A health check by the veterinarian before a trail ride can be useful.
• The horse must be roadworthy, i.e. it must be accustomed to riding off-road and possibly in traffic. The horse must not be brought carelessly into uncontrollable situations of road traffic.

• The route must be planned. This means that the route must be divided into stages according to the condition of the horse, breaks should be planned and overnight accommodation for horse and rider must be provided. If necessary, water points for the horses should be ridden along the route. Furthermore, it is important to consider which trails are open for riding!
• The rider must be saddle-fit and be able to orientate himself in unknown terrain.
• A first aid kit for horse and rider as well as a cell phone should be carried on the trail ride!

There are designated riding companies which offer guided trail rides on appropriately trained horses. Here riders can book trail rides as a tourist offer. The trail riding can also be done by experienced riders on their own initiative.