by Cari Klostermann

Before heading off on vacation, make sure your horse is prepared for your absence.

Taking a vacation with the family always sounds like a great idea, but as a horse owner, the anxiety of leaving your horse behind can quickly take the fun out of it. Sure, we want to take our horses everywhere we go, but sometimes it’s just not possible. Don’t let that stop you from exploring the world!

We have composed a detailed checklist to complete before you leave town to lessen your worry so you can actually relax on your vacation.

1. Find a trusted caregiver. It’s important that you trust the person you leave to care for your four-hooved friends to meet both their physical and emotional needs. If they simply toss some feed over the fence, sure, your horse will survive, but then you will feel guilty about your horse being alone while you were away. Find someone who will give your horses some love, plus recognize horse-health signs that indicate it’s time to call the vet.

2. Leave detailed written instructions. While your horse’s feeding and care regimen may be simple for you, it can become a bit overwhelming for the caregiver if you don’t provide them with something to reference. If you mix additives into your horse’s feed, measure them out in a baggy and label it for the specific feeding time (i.e. Saturday a.m., Saturday p.m.)

3. Thoroughly check fences, gates and stalls. The worst thing that could happen while you’re on vacation is receiving a call saying your horses have been injured or escaped. Take a walk through your horses’ pastures and stalls to make sure everything is in tiptop shape and there is nothing they could injure themselves on.

4. Inform your veterinarian you are leaving and supply the caregiver with their information. Unfortunately, sometimes accidents cannot be prevented. Giving your vet a heads up that you will be out of town will prepare them should your caregiver need them.

5. Check the weather. Depending on the weather, your horses may need specific care. If it is going to be very cold, they may need to be blanketed, so you should be prepared to leave instructions for you caregiver. If it is going to be rainy, make sure horses can get into their shelter, and you may want to instruct the caregiver to feed them under a shed or throw them some extra hay.

6. Lessen the load for your caregiver. Chances are, your caregiver will not be able to do all the chores you do on a daily basis. And special care items – like deworming, vaccines, farrier work, etc. – should be done ahead of time. Make caring for your horses as easy as possible.

Your horse definitely adores you, but everyone needs a break from their loved ones at times, and your horse is no different. This vacation could be just the time alone he needs to recharge and be ready to chase dreams upon your return. If you use this list as a guide, both you and your horse will have a more relaxing vacation.

Read more: How Horse Owners Should Prep for Vacation

Here is a place you can go trail riding in Alabama:

• Oak Mountain State Park: located near Birmingham, Oak Mountain State Park has over 25 miles of trails that wind through forests, valleys, and along the lake. They also have a stable that offers rides for all experience levels.

Here are some other places that offer trail rides in Alabama:

• Hodges Equestrian Park, 331 Trail Head Road, Hodges, AL 35571
• Mo's Carriages and Trail Rides 302 Co Rd 383, Billingsley, AL 36006
• Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124
• Rockin' K Guided Horseback Rides, 4325 Alabama Highway 128, Alexander City, AL 35010
• The Stables at Russell Crossroads, 288 Stables Loop Alexander City, AL 35010

When choosing a place to go trail riding, it is important to consider your experience level and the type of terrain you want to ride on. Be sure to call ahead and make reservations, as most places require them.

Horse trail riding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and bond with your horse. However, it is important to be prepared before you go trail riding. Here are some things you need to know:

• Choose the right horse. Not all horses are suited for trail riding. Make sure to choose a horse that is calm, well-trained, and in good physical condition.
• Wear the right gear. You should wear a helmet, long pants, and sturdy shoes when trail riding. You may also want to wear gloves and a riding jacket.
• Bring the essentials. Be sure to bring water, snacks, cell phone and a first-aid kit for you and your horse. You should also bring a map of the trail system and let someone know where you are going.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the trail ahead and be on the lookout for obstacles such as rocks, roots, and branches. You should also be aware of other trail users, such as hikers and cyclists.
• Be respectful of other trail users. Yield to other trail users and leave no trace.

Here are some additional tips for horse trail riding:

• Start slowly and gradually increase the distance and difficulty of the trails you ride.
• Take breaks often to rest yourself and your horse.
• Be aware of the weather conditions and dress accordingly.
• Be prepared for unexpected events, such as a horse getting spooked or injured.

Horse trail riding can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your horse. By following these tips, you can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

If you are new to horse trail riding, it is a good idea to go with a more experienced rider or to take a guided trail ride. This will help you to learn the basics of trail riding and to avoid any potential problems.

Horse trail riding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, bond with your horse, and get some exercise. With a little preparation, you can have a safe and enjoyable ride.

Here are some popular places to go trail riding in Alaska:

• Alaska Horsemen Trail Adventures:Located in Cooper Landing, Alaska, Alaska Horsemen Trail Adventures offers trail rides for all experience levels, from beginner to advanced. Lots of fun places to take you including scenic overlooks, a salmon spawning stream or the shores of Kenai Lake where you can see stunning scenery and wildlife.
• Seward Trail Rides: Located in Seward, Alaska, Bardy's Trail Rides offers unique trail rides that take you to areas only accessible by horseback. You can see bald eagles up close and other wildlife.
• Denali Horseback Tours: Located in Healy, Alaska, Denali Horseback Tours offers trail rides near Denali National Park. You can experience the Alaskan backcountry and see stunning views of Denali.

These are just a few of the many places to go trail riding in Alaska. With its beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife, Alaska is a great place to experience horseback riding.

Here are some other places that offer trail rides in Alaska:

• Cusack’s on the Kenai, 34135 Keystone Drive, Soldotna, AK 99669
• Denali Horseback Tours, P.O. Box 64 Healy, AK 99743
• Kachemak Bay Equestrian Association, P.O. Box 3120, Homer, AK 99603
• Reindeer Farm, 5561 S Bodenburg Loop Road, Palmer, AK 99645
• Seward Trail Ride, Resurrection Bay Road, Lot 17, Seward, AK 99664
• Sunderland Ranch, 10856 N Wolverine Road, Palmer, AK 99645

When choosing a place to go trail riding, it is important to consider your experience level and the type of terrain you want to ride on. Be sure to call ahead and make reservations, as most places require them.

Horse trail riding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and bond with your horse. However, it is important to be prepared before you go trail riding. Here are some things you need to know:

• Choose the right horse. Not all horses are suited for trail riding. Make sure to choose a horse that is calm, well-trained, and in good physical condition.
• Wear the right gear. You should wear a helmet, long pants, and sturdy shoes when trail riding. You may also want to wear gloves and a riding jacket.
• Bring the essentials. Be sure to bring water, snacks, cell phone and a first-aid kit for you and your horse. You should also bring a map of the trail system and let someone know where you are going.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the trail ahead and be on the lookout for obstacles such as rocks, roots, and branches. You should also be aware of other trail users, such as hikers and cyclists.
• Be respectful of other trail users. Yield to other trail users and leave no trace.

Here are some additional tips for horse trail riding:

• Start slowly and gradually increase the distance and difficulty of the trails you ride.
• Take breaks often to rest yourself and your horse.
• Be aware of the weather conditions and dress accordingly.
• Be prepared for unexpected events, such as a horse getting spooked or injured.

Horse trail riding can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your horse. By following these tips, you can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

If you are new to horse trail riding, it is a good idea to go with a more experienced rider or to take a guided trail ride. This will help you to learn the basics of trail riding and to avoid any potential problems.

Horse trail riding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, bond with your horse, and get some exercise. With a little preparation, you can have a safe and enjoyable ride.

Arizona offers a variety of stunning scenery to explore on horseback, from the cactus-filled Sonoran Desert to the lush mountain ranges. Here are a few reputable stables that offer trail rides in Arizona:

• Cave Creek Trail Rides: Located in Cave Creek, Arizona, Cave Creek Trail Rides offers trail rides for all experience levels, from beginner to experienced. They specialize in family-friendly rides and their trails provide excellent views of the mountains north of Scottsdale and the Phoenix valley.
• KOLI Equestrian Center: Located in Phoenix, Arizona, KOLI Equestrian Center offers guided horseback trail rides on the Gila River Indian Community Reservation. You might even be able to see wild horses on your ride!
• Saguaro Lake Ranch Stable: Located near Mesa, Arizona, Saguaro Lake Ranch Stable offers horseback riding in some of the most stunning scenery in the entire desert southwest. Their trail ride options include 60 minute & 90 minute guided horseback rides.

With a little planning, you can have a safe and enjoyable horseback riding experience in Arizona.

Here are some other places that offer trail rides in Arizona :

• Cave Creek Outfitters, 31313 N 144th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85262
• Cave Creek Trail Rides, 37019 North 32nd Street., Cave Creek, AZ 85331
• Cherry Creek Lodge, Forest Service Road 54A, Young, AZ 85554
• Flying E Ranch, 2801 W. Wickenburg Way, Wickenburg, AZ 85390
• Foothills Ranch, 7250 S State Route 69, Mayer, AZ 86333
• Horseback Riding in Tombstone Arizona, 643 W Louis St. Tombstone, AZ 85638.
• Horseshoe Bend Trail Rides, VF9W+97, Page, AZ 86040
• Kay El Bar, 2655 South Kay El Bar Road, Wickenburg, AZ 85390
• KOLI Equestrian Center, 6940 W Broken Ear Road, Chandler, AZ 85226
• MacDonald's Ranch, 26540 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255-9343
• MTM Ranch Horseback Adventures, 43001 North Spur Cross Road, Cave Creek, AZ 85331
• Rancho de los Caballeros, 1551 S Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, AZ 85390
• Saguaro Lake Ranch Stable, 13050 N Bush Highway, Mesa, AZ 85215
• Sprucedale Guest Ranch, 1228 Wiltbank Road (Forest Service 565) Alpine, AZ 85920
• Tombstone Monument Ranch, 895 West Monument Road, Tombstone, AZ 85638
• White Stallion Ranch, 9251 W Twin Peaks Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743
• Windwalker Expeditions, 5440 E Peak View Road., Cave Creek, AZ 85331

When choosing a place to go trail riding, it is important to consider your experience level and the type of terrain you want to ride on. Be sure to call ahead and make reservations, as most places require them.

Horse trail riding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and bond with your horse. However, it is important to be prepared before you go trail riding. Here are some things you need to know:

• Choose the right horse. Not all horses are suited for trail riding. Make sure to choose a horse that is calm, well-trained, and in good physical condition.
• Wear the right gear. You should wear a helmet, long pants, and sturdy shoes when trail riding. You may also want to wear gloves and a riding jacket.
• Bring the essentials. Be sure to bring water, snacks, cell phone and a first-aid kit for you and your horse. You should also bring a map of the trail system and let someone know where you are going.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the trail ahead and be on the lookout for obstacles such as rocks, roots, and branches. You should also be aware of other trail users, such as hikers and cyclists.
• Be respectful of other trail users. Yield to other trail users and leave no trace.

Here are some additional tips for horse trail riding:

• Start slowly and gradually increase the distance and difficulty of the trails you ride.
• Take breaks often to rest yourself and your horse.
• Be aware of the weather conditions and dress accordingly.
• Be prepared for unexpected events, such as a horse getting spooked or injured.

Horse trail riding can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your horse. By following these tips, you can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

If you are new to horse trail riding, it is a good idea to go with a more experienced rider or to take a guided trail ride. This will help you to learn the basics of trail riding and to avoid any potential problems.

Horse trail riding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, bond with your horse, and get some exercise. With a little preparation, you can have a safe and enjoyable ride.

Here are some places to go trail riding in Arkansas:

• Guided trail rides:
  Several Arkansas state parks offer guided trail rides, including:
  DeGray Lake Resort State Park
  Devil's Den State Park
  Lake Catherine State Park
  Village Creek State Park .
  These rides are a great way to see the park's scenery from a different perspective and learn about the area from experienced guides.
• Horseback riding stables:
  There are also a number of private horseback riding stables in Arkansas that offer trail rides. These stables typically offer a variety of ride lengths and difficulty levels to suit all riders. Some popular stables include:
  OK Trading Post in Mountain View
  Arkansas Riding Stables in Jasper
  Lost in Time Travels in Jasper.

Here are some other places that offer trail rides in Arkansas:

• Arkansas Riding Stables, DeGray Lake Resort State Park, 1 Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201
• Bar-J Ranch, 7938 Calion Hwy, El Dorado, AR 71730
• Keels Creek Trail Rides, 1606 County Road 329, Eureka Springs, AK 72632
• Mount Magazine State Park, 16878 Highway 309 South, Paris, AR 72855
• River View Cabins and Canoes, 92 West River View Drive, Oden, AR 71961

When choosing a place to go trail riding, it is important to consider your experience level and the type of terrain you want to ride on. Be sure to call ahead and make reservations, as most places require them.

Horse trail riding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and bond with your horse. However, it is important to be prepared before you go trail riding. Here are some things you need to know:

• Choose the right horse. Not all horses are suited for trail riding. Make sure to choose a horse that is calm, well-trained, and in good physical condition.
• Wear the right gear. You should wear a helmet, long pants, and sturdy shoes when trail riding. You may also want to wear gloves and a riding jacket.
• Bring the essentials. Be sure to bring water, snacks, cell phone and a first-aid kit for you and your horse. You should also bring a map of the trail system and let someone know where you are going.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the trail ahead and be on the lookout for obstacles such as rocks, roots, and branches. You should also be aware of other trail users, such as hikers and cyclists.
• Be respectful of other trail users. Yield to other trail users and leave no trace.

Here are some additional tips for horse trail riding:

• Start slowly and gradually increase the distance and difficulty of the trails you ride.
• Take breaks often to rest yourself and your horse.
• Be aware of the weather conditions and dress accordingly.
• Be prepared for unexpected events, such as a horse getting spooked or injured.

Horse trail riding can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your horse. By following these tips, you can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

If you are new to horse trail riding, it is a good idea to go with a more experienced rider or to take a guided trail ride. This will help you to learn the basics of trail riding and to avoid any potential problems.

Horse trail riding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, bond with your horse, and get some exercise. With a little preparation, you can have a safe and enjoyable ride.