Hitting the open trail on horseback is the ultimate dream vacation for many people. And for the vast majority of established riders who do not compete or show horses, trail riding brings the greatest pleasure, whether on a three-mile loop around an open field or a twenty-mile trek up a rugged mountainside. A dependable, well-trained horse is the key to a fulfilling trail experience. In Trail Riding, author Rhonda Hart Poe offers fundamental instruction and detailed advice on every aspect of preparing for and executing a pleasurable trail ride. This begins with selecting the most appropriate horse for the task and goes on to cover training, conditioning, trailering the horse, and selecting tack and gear with an eye on safety. No other book delves into such depth on how to prepare for and handle different types of terrain and potential obstacles and tricky situations, such as turning around on a narrow trail, stepping over fallen logs, side passing, and dealing with unpredictable distractions. Whether a rider is interested in a quiet afternoon ride or a five-day backwoods endurance event, Trail Riding is essential reading. Promoting the whole adventure, from start to finish, Poe also includes amazing trail stories from riders across North America, as well as a resource listing great trail rides.