Ontario’s incredible wilderness offers riders limitless horse-friendly trails for day and overnight adventures. From Boreal forest to windswept meadows, from raging rivers to mirrored lakes, spectacular scenery and bountiful wildlife await!
Ride Smart Tips
- Like any outdoor trip, carrying the Ten Essentials while horseback riding is vital. However, many riders make the mistake of packing the Essentials on their horse. If the horse gets spooked and takes off, the rider could find themselves stuck in the back-country without any gear at all. Always make sure to carry the Ten Essentials on your own person at all times, in order to be prepared for the unexpected.
- Ride within your ability. Ensure your horse is properly trained and has the correct temperament and conditioning for the trails you’re riding.
- Keep to the trail. Avoid tying horses to trees, even temporarily. Use a highline with tree-saver straps to tether your horse. Break up and scatter manure and fill in pawed holes. Pack out what you pack in.
- Announce your presence and walk quietly when passing hikers, runners or other riders. Simply put, share the trail!
- Join a trail-riding club – they work hard to preserve and expand your riding opportunities.
10 Riding Essentials
- Trip Plan left with responsible person
- Well-trained horse
- Helmet
- Properly-fitted tack suitable for the activity
- Trail maps
- Comfortable riding pants
- Sturdy, comfortable, waterproof boots
- Warm socks, with extras
- Buddy rope on your saddle
- Multi-tool with wire cutters & pliers
Extras
- Gloves
- Warm, waterproof jacket & pants
- Thermal underwear
- Bug spray
- Binoculars
- Breast plates and cruppers for rugged country
- Extra feed to prevent over-grazing
- Extra pieces of leather or rawhide for repairs
- Spare horseshoe nails
