Despite the demanding schedules of today's world, equestrians are always looking for more time to enjoy leisurely trail rides. With some simple planning, observing nature from horseback can be one of life's thrills.

Consider these questions when choosing a trail: what level do I ride? What is my horse's condition and abilities? What kind of terrain (or difficulty) is this trail? The type you choose will depend on you and your horse's abilities. A young horse or one in poor condition will quickly loose heart and tire out on a demanding hill climb. Likewise an inexperienced rider may be frightened by having to cling to the saddle as his horse scrambles down a rocky bank. If you are unfamiliar with the area you are planning to ride, ask someone who has been there.

A pre-ride check can help avoid disaster on the trail. Equipment needs a periodic check for wear. Any place where metal rubs leather or leather rubs leather will start to wear thin, making it subject to break with no warning. Cinches with rings that show rust need to be replaced. Watch stitching for rotting and weakness. Saddle pads, blankets, and cinches need to be kept clean and free from foreign materials that could cause your horse discomfort. Check you horse's feel for proper fitting shoes and saddle area for lumps and bumps that could become sores.

Prepare a small first aid kit to go with you on the ride. It should contain bandage material &endash; gauze and a vet wrap; bug spray; an antiseptic; bee string kit if needed. A sharp knife and hoof pick are also handy to tuck into this kit. These items will fit nicely in a small cantle bag that can be attached to the back of your saddle. If you are unsure what to pack, a kit can be purchased from your tack shop or by catalog.

When you select a place to ride, be sure it is open to the public and horses. If it is private property, be sure to ask the owner for permission to ride there. Many nice riding areas are no longer available because someone was thoughtless. If you open a gate, close it, and pack out your litter. Horsemen need to be aware as to how much damage horses hoofs will do to a wet area or young plants. During extreme dry weather, woods that are closed to loggers are usually closed to riders. A steel shoe hitting rocks can create sparks causing a potential fire.

Two important rules for trail riding that should never be forgotten are &endash; never ride alone and always tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back. No matter how safe a horse is or how good a rider you are, accidents can happen.

Trail etiquette is important when riding. If someone dismounts, wait for them to remount before leaving with your horse. Don't run in or out of groups or gallop around blind corners. Share the trail with other users. Sometimes hikers are afraid of horses, so give them room on the trail. Bicycles are becoming more popular on the trail so move over and let them pass.

Share the trails and may you always ride a good horse.