Hi!  I’m your trail riding guide for the day. My name is I-in-Stine because I’m so smart!  My rider sometimes calls me “Goof Ball.”  I think that is short for I-in-Stine. I love taking you out in the woods and wilderness and getting you lost.  Hee Haw,  Hee Haw!  No, I know my way back, just pulling your saddle string.
Cowboy Bob asked me to explain the difference between trail riding and packing.  Well, I don’t know except  most of the time when I go trail riding I get to spend the night in my own pasture or stall.  Most trail rides are done during the day or weekend and then my rider has to go to work or school so I get the week off!  But, anyway, I think packing goes on for a long time and my cousins, the mules and packing horses, spend a LONG time in the wilderness.  Most packing takes place in the western states where there is lots and lots of land to ride on.
Anyway, there is a lot to know about trail riding to do it the smart  way and you know I am way smart!  Riders need to know a lot to trail ride the safe and right way.
Trail Riding Pointers

Check your tack and trailer before leaving home.  Make sure the trailer is hitched correctly and tires are properly inflated.
Learn about the trail head to make sure there is room for your trailers.
If it is going to be hot weather, will there be water for your horse to drink?
Wear your helmet!
Carry your water for you to drink if needed.
Does someone have a cell phone to take?
Know the land management agency rules.
Whew! We haven’t even left home yet and all this stuff to check.
MORE to come.  Check back!