WEST PLAINS, Mo. – One of the many perks of owning horses is riding them on trails. University of Missouri Extension has updated its guide on Community Pleasure Trail Riding and published a new Trail Riding Checklist. MU Extension also has updated a publication on Haltering and Tying Horses.

Missouri has many scenic and challenging trails for riders, said Elizabeth Picking, MU Extension livestock specialist and co-author of the publications. Sometimes part of a state park is set aside for trail riding. Many public land management agencies like the Missouri Department of Conservation give access to trails and roads on public lands. Trail riders should avoid venturing off designated trails or riding on trails where horses are not permitted.

Private land may be used for trail riding with permission from the owners. Some landowners may require a signed waiver to protect themselves from liability if someone is hurt while on their property, Picking said.

Many riders prefer to ride in a group, such as a saddle club. Some rides are set up to benefit a specific charity, while others are solely for enjoyment. Although impromptu trail rides can be organized at any time, usually it is easier to have appointed committees for planning rides, she said.

Rides should not cover too much distance or be taken at excessive speeds. Riders and horses usually enjoy about a three-hour ride in the morning and a two- to three-hour ride in the afternoon. Also, the steepest obstacles should be on the morning ride.

The new checklist for trail riding suggests supplies riders and horses need during trail rides.

The MU Extension publication on haltering and tying goes over the types of halters and how they are to be put on horses. Once the halter is in place, it should be properly fitted by adjusting the length of the crownpiece, Picking said. Tying the horse is for the sole purpose of keeping it in one place, dictated by safety.

“The first requirement in correctly tying a horse is to use a knot that can be untied quickly, will not slip and can be untied even though the horse may be pulling back on the tied rope,” she said.

The publications are available for free download:

• Community Pleasure Trail Riding, https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g2884
• Trail Riding Checklist, https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g2885
• Haltering and Tying Horses, https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g2844