One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Kiamichi mountains, is to do it from the back of a horse. A to Z Guest Ranch offers horseback trail rides that are guaranteed to be a fun experience for you, your family and your friends.
Before you hit the trail, you may want to familiarize yourself with a few basic horseback riding safety tips. Horse and Rider magazine and HorseChannel.com list some great guidelines that every rider should be aware of:
Approach horses safely
- Approach horses from the side and speak to alert them of your presence
- If you must walk behind a horse, either 1) walk far away, out of kicking range or 2) walk close, touching them, and keeping a hand on their rump as you pass around
- Be aware of a horse’s feet- don’t let your feet get in the way of theirs
Wear proper riding gear
- Wear proper footwear: boots or shoes with a hard toe and a heel are best to prevent feet from slipping through the stirrups
- Wear a helmet
Mount and dismount properly
- Before mounting, make sure the horse is standing still, and have hold of the reins. For inexperienced riders, someone should hold the horse still while the rider mounts and dismounts
- Avoid mounting and dismounting on slopes, or where there are low hanging objects
Practice proper trail etiquette
- Stay on designated trails and riding areas
- Keep one horse-length between you and the horse in front of you
- Approach steep, slick, or rocky terrain slowly and carefully, and stay centered in the saddle.
- Always stay with the group
- Set a pace that everyone in the group is comfortable with, and maintain the same speed as the group
- Do not trot or run (unless all riders are comfortable, and all have agreed to the Ranch’s advanced riding experience option)
We invite you to come to A to Z Guest Ranch for an unforgettable experience of horseback riding and sightseeing. And remember- safety first!
