Kentucky 4-H launched the 4-H Trail Riding Program in 2020 as a way to measure the number of hours a 4-H member and their horse spend riding on a trail. The importance and benefits of this program include the ability to enjoy a horse without the stress of competition, improved equitation and confidence, quality time with family members and/or socializing with other horse lovers. Trail riding can also benefit the horse by increased responsiveness, better balance, and practicing maneuvers such as backing, pivoting and gait transitions. Even though there are many benefits towards riding, it can also be dangerous. According to statistics published in iGrow.org, the average horseback rider will be injured 3.7 times over the course of 1,000 hours of participation (that’s one major fall or injury every 3 years if riders ride every day). 

In response to the new horse trail riding program and the dangers of riding, the District 6 4-H Horse Management Team, advised by Warren County Extension 4-H Youth Development Agent Janet Turley, formed a committee to host a Trail Riding Safety Clinic and Trail Ride to educate youth and adults about the pleasures of trail riding while practicing safe and responsible riding. The clinic and trail ride took place on November 12-14, 2021 at Mammoth Cave Horseman’s Camp near Mammoth Cave National Park. A total of 30 youth and adults participated from six counties. Participants learned about trail etiquette, Leave No Trace, and safety for themselves as well as their horse. All youth participants were required to wear an ASTM equestrian helmet and adults were also encouraged to wear a helmet. The committee partnered with Graves Gilbert Clinic, a local medical facility in Bowling Green, KY, to provide funding for first aid kits so that each participant could carry a first aid kit in their saddle bags. Prior to hitting the trails, participants and their horses were introduced to challenging trail obstacles that included bear silhouettes, bridges, logs and a few other obstacles found on the trail.  

The main focus of the two day clinic was on safety. Participants of the clinic unanimously indicated via a written survey that they increased their knowledge on horse safety, 80% increased their knowledge on trail etiquette and human safety, and 75% increased their knowledge on trail obstacles. Many of the participants commented that they enjoyed all aspects of the clinic and trail ride, they enjoyed the trail obstacle course, and riding with friends and fellowship was important to them. One of the participants that drove across the state to participate said “I loved getting to see the kids grow and develop in their riding abilities and confidence with their horse on the trail”. Another participant, “I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was a wonderful experience for both me and my horse”.