Dear FETA riding Members,
One of the great benefits of our association is the willingness of experienced members to lead Explorer Rides. These rides give us all a chance to share knowledge of our incredible trail system, help newer members learn their way around, and build connections within our riding community. They’ve been a wonderful and successful part of what makes FETA special.
As these rides continue to grow, the FETA Board would like to offer a few helpful guidelines for those considering joining one.
Explorer Rides often include mixed groups of horses—sometimes up to six—featuring both geldings and mares who may not know one another. Riders should also be prepared for a variety of natural trail challenges, such as steep hills, gravel footing, water and road crossings, nearby horses or livestock, and the occasional unexpected obstacle like downed trees.
We warmly welcome participation, but ask that you thoughtfully consider whether both you and your horse are prepared for these conditions. This includes your horse’s ability to safely travel in a group of unfamiliar horses, as well as your comfort riding alongside people you may not yet know. And the ability of your horse to handle these natural trail challenges.
With that in mind, Explorer Rides are not the best setting for:
- Inexperienced riders
- Horses that are new to you
- Horses or riders who are not yet comfortable in group or trail environments
- Horses who need more exposure to natural obstacles
- Riders who struggle with dismounting or re-mounting while on the trail, in the event an obstacle, or other, need to be navigated in-hand.
We are incredibly grateful to the members who volunteer to lead these rides with their experienced horses. However, please remember that ride leaders are not trainers, and they are often riding with participants they do not know.
If you or your horse are still gaining experience, we encourage you to find a trusted trail buddy and build confidence over time. We would love for you to join an Explorer Ride in the future when you feel fully prepared to do so safely and confidently.
We appreciate and support all of our members and look forward to seeing you out on the trails.
Warmly,
The FETA Board |