Trail training for green horses & nervous riders
Trail riding is one of the most challenging disciplines in equestrian sports. Yes it is, don’t argue with me! The environment is never controlled. The terrain can change not just from location to location, but after a weather or man-made event. Don’t even get me started on those scary deer, bear, snakes, bobcats, wild boar, hikers with weapons-grade backpacks, mountain bikes (airborne or grounded) and even ATVs that can pop up from nowhere.
So if you’re starting a young horse or building confidence back up after a fall (yours or theirs), trail work doesn’t have to be scary. I offer calm, experience-based trail training for horses, and supportive riding companionship for humans who need someone steady in the saddle next to them. Snacks optional but encouraged. Humming helps calm those nerves too. We got this.
Trail training for green horses
Got a horse who’s ready to hit the trail, but you’re not sure how to get started safely? I’ll ride your horse solo to start, and I may hand walk your steed through new experiences to show it’s all okay, gently introducing them to the sights, sounds, and surprises of real-world trail riding.
Each ride is filmed with a DJI helmet camera so you can see exactly how your horse is doing and hear my commentary on their progress, I also provide notes in real time on my process, why I’m doing what I’m doing, and will call out any issues I see with your horse (and how I’m managing it). The footage will be uploaded to my YouTube channel as an unlisted video which I will link to you once the video is uploaded.
Per hour (if we want to play it by ear): $70
Intro Package: 3 rides – $375
Add-on rides: $120 each
Travel included within 20 miles of [your location]; $1/mile thereafter.
Trail support for nervous riders
Not sure you want to hit the trail alone? I’ll ride alongside you for a confidence-building, judgment-free rided.
This is ideal for riders returning from time off, recovering from a scare, or just wanting someone nearby who knows how to handle the unexpected. We can talk or we can ride silently and calmly. Or we can sing songs. This can help calm the nerves, I’m not even joking.
Single Ride: $75 (1.5 hours)
Mini Package (2 rides): $140
Same travel policy as above.
Why ride with me?
I’ve spent 20+ years riding everything from spooky Arabians to ex-racers learning how to chill. I have over 1000 official endurance miles. My mare, Nisha, and I were regional points champions two years in a row. We took 4th place in the 2024 Distance Nationals. So I know trail. 😉
Additionally, I’ve started six horses on trail, all with the same approach: slow, steady, and responsive to the individual. Basically I treat every ride with the same attitude: It’s going to be fine, it’s going to be fun!
If your horse is unsure, I wait. If you’re unsure, I talk you through it. I don’t push for performance, we’re not competing! I build confidence, one relaxed step at a time. This isn’t a race, we have nothing to prove. We’re here to have a fun, safe time.
Testimonials
Text from Kathy:
Kim, OTTB owner
Courtney is, what I would consider to be, a natural rider. She has a calm demeanor picked up by the horses. They seem to like her immediately. She does not get flustered or overreact if they spook or carryon. She is extremely patient. I purchased a 7-year old OTTB, Noah, who had recently raced. I sent him to a “trainer” to establish a nice canter. I knew he could gallop but I wanted a canter. After two weeks at the professional trainer, he had simply trotted Noah. He was apparently intimidated and afraid he might take off with him. I brought him home and just let him relax and gain weight over the next 9 months or so.
Courtney noticed that he was just hanging around and offered to ride him. She rode him at my house in my small arena and after a while that day had him cantering both ways. In the arena, up and down the driveway and around the property. Even held him “on the buckle” at the canter. Another concern of mine was the dismount and if my leg didn’t clear his hip, would he be ok with that. She spent about 10 minutes dismounting dragging her leg across his hip, hanging onto the saddle, etc just to see what he would do. He just stood there.
After a couple of weeks, she suggested a trail ride. So, even though he had never been on the trail, she took him out in the middle of winter by himself. It was windy and cold, She returned about two hours later and he had had a blast. I could just tell. She had cantered him and took pictures of her on the trail riding “on the buckle.” She has taken him out about 5-6 times, the last time with another OTTB and he was so well behaved.
Courtney has a way with the horses. Not everyone does. I trust her instincts and ability. As I said, she is a natural. I will be sending him to her so that she can trail ride a couple times a week.I so look forward to that.
If you’re unsure if your horse is ready, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to talk it through and see if we’re a good fit.
