Les Sellnow talks about Happy Trails: Your Complete Guide to Fun and Safe Trail Riding

Les Sellnow has been a lifelong journalist and horseman. He has competed in a variety of equine disciplines, ranging from combined training to cutting and from endurance racing to western and English pleasure.

Earlier in his career, Sellnow owned and operated a training stable in Minnesota, with emphasis on preparing young horses for riding and driving careers. As a journalist he spent 22 years with the Brainerd (Minn.) Daily Dispatch, rising from reporter to editor, winning state and national writing awards along the way.

In 1984 he and his wife, Linda, moved from Minnesota to Kentucky, where he served as editor of National Show Horse magazine and was a free-lance writer for The Blood-Horse magazine. In 1994 the Sellnows moved to a ranch in the Wind River Valley near Riverton, Wyoming.

Sellnow is a regular contributor to The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care magazine and has written fiction and non-fiction books, including The Journey of the Western Horse, Understanding Equine Lameness, and Understanding the Young Horse, all published by Eclipse Press.

Why is trail riding becoming so popular?

It is, perhaps, the easiest and most economical way to be involved with horses. No special equipment or training regimen is involved, which often is the case with show horses or when competing in action events, such as barrel racing. Trail riding can be approached in a leisurely fashion, just you and your horse enjoying trails and nature without pressure. Additionally, in today’s society, there is more affluence and more free time than ever before, and more and more people are using their free time and expendable income on horse activities. Trail riding is a natural outlet. Plus, many breed registries are promoting trail riding, offering prizes and incentives for miles ridden.

What are the major considerations for a novice rider who wants to take up trail riding?

The single most important consideration is having a dependable and safe horse. This is not a time for the young horse and novice rider to learn together. The novice rider should seek the help of a knowledgeable horseperson in finding the right horse and then should take some riding lessons so that the horse can be ridden safely and cared for properly. It also is important to have equipment, such as saddle and bridle that fit the horse properly.

How do you know if your horse would make a good partner on the trails?

Generally speaking, a good trail horse is one that has a quiet temperament. You do not want show ring fire when taking to the trails. Nor do you want a nervous, flighty horse that is a chore to ride rather than a pleasure. In addition, the horse should have healthy feet; strong, properly conformed legs; and good overall conformation. The good trail horse is alert to all of its surroundings when traveling down a trail, but is not easily spooked.

What are some trail riding options for people who don’t own their own trail horse?

In most areas, there are riding stables where a horse can be rented for a given period of time. Another option is a summer trip to a dude ranch or facility where horses are provided as part of the vacation package. At some stables, one can trade labor, such as mucking out stalls, in exchange for riding time.

Before you hit the trails, how should you prepare?

It is important that both rider and horse are in good physical condition. If the horse is totally out of shape, it can suffer injury. If the rider is totally out of shape, she or he will wind up with sore muscles, especially the calves and thighs. The novice rider also should be knowledgeable enough to respond to a variety of situations, such as a tree across the trail or a river to cross. Riding lessons always are a good investment.

What are the three or five items you can’t do without on a trail ride?

One of the most important items is a raincoat. The fun can go out of a ride in a hurry if you are soaking wet. In sunny, arid parts of the country, a canteen of water is important so that you do not become dehydrated. An appropriate hat also is highly important to prevent sunburn. Comfortable riding boots are a must, both for safety and to prevent sore feet. When riding in a strange country, a compass is a valuable tool, even if the trails are marked. And most important of all, be equipped with a positive attitude. You are out to enjoy the ride, even if problems do arise.

Can you share a few highlights from some memorable trail rides?

There have been many. We were riding up a canyon trail in the Beartooth Mountains of Montana when a thunderstorm struck. Rain poured down and thunder reverberated from canyon wall to canyon wall while lightning flashed overhead. An awesome display of nature’s power. In the same mountains, while camped at about 10,000 feet, we watched a storm move in below us. Above was clear sky and below us a storm raged. We looked down on lightning flashing through the clouds.

The Palo Duro canyon in Texas was the last stronghold of the Comanches and later was home to Charles Goodnight’s cattle spread. We could almost feel the ghosts of the past keeping pace with us as we rode those trails.

Monument Valley in Arizona is the setting for a number of John Ford-directed movies starring John Wayne. Riding through areas featured in the films was a thrill. The list could go on and on.

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