Re: CTR: How safe is night riding?

[Dbeverly4@aol.com]

In a message dated 11/27/99 1:42:09 PM Pacific Standard Time, Yenbad@aol.com 
writes:

<<   My only 
 concern is since it is really pretty dark, will my horse trip on a rock or 
 step in a hole & fall. I wouldn't want to be walking on foot in the dark on 
 the trails. In some ways it seems like it would be fun & exciting & other 
 ways, very scary!   I was wondering how many other folks ride in the dark.   
>>

Horses can see fairly well in the dark.  My personal experience has been that 
if you let them be and  trust them (don't use a flashlight), they do great.  
There are long (sometimes too long) parts of the Tevis trail that are done in 
complete darkness -- before the moon comes up you can't see a dang thing.  I 
just grab a hunk of mane, stand up in the stirrups and have the roller 
coaster ride of my life (its a blast as long as you don't get behind somebody 
who's lost their nerve).  Only problem with riding in the dark that I've ever 
had is motion sickness (try riding with you eyes closed for a while to see 
how icky that can be).  As far as the horse goes -- no problemo -- have fun!!

Sylvia (Oh yeah, make sure that you KNOW there won't be rider height 
obstacles -- like tree limbs -- across the trail.  Most horses don't watch 
for those.  And, I have the helmet to prove it!)



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