Horseback riding safety tips

     Living in the country provides many an opportunity to own a variety of animals. Horses and cows are usually the ones people think about first.

     If you own a horse, you know riding freely is an excellent way to enjoy its company and experience the outdoors. And what better way to do that than to ride horse trails through the woods.

     Much like hiking, horseback riding allows you to explore nature at your own pace but from a much better vantage point. Plus, on a horse you can cover more land in less time than if you were on foot.

     There are countless reasons horse lovers enjoy riding trails. Whether you are a novice or an expert equestrian, a few helpful tips when riding will keep you and your horse safe in the great outdoors.

     First, make sure your saddle is fitted properly on the horse. This is important because it affects how both you and the horse respond while riding. The front of the saddle should sit on the highest point of the horse’s back (the withers), and the girth should be tight but allow enough room for about four fingers to fit between the horse and the saddle.

     Your sitting stance also plays a role in riding safety. Horses can sense your body movement without you actually doing anything intentional, just by the way you are seated in the saddle. Sit up straight and don’t tense up.

     Another good safety tip to follow is foot placement in stirrups. Your foot should not be jammed into the stirrup. Instead, insert just the ball of your foot into the stirrup and point your toes upward for balance. This will help avoid being caught if you were to get thrown from your horse.

     Finally, have fun but pay attention to your surroundings. Horses will go where you guide them and if you are distracted, a horse might go off the path and wander where they think you want to go based on what they are sensing. Always keep at least one horse-length behind other riders in your group.

     Most importantly for riding in the wilderness, tell someone not riding with you where you are going and give a timeline for when you should return. If your horse were to become spooked and run away, unless you know your whereabouts, you could become lost.
     By practicing horseback riding safety, you will have an enjoyable time becoming one with nature.
     If you live in Alabama, check out Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve. They have awesome trails where you can ride your horses or go hiking. Plus, there are canoeing, kayaking, tubing and more activities to do there. 

The Alabama camping experience

     The Great Outdoors — peaceful and relaxing. Imagine waking up to the sounds of birds singing and hearing the crickets lull you to sleep. Or how about listening to the creek water run over the rocks and flow continuously, setting a calming rhythm to the day and night.

Leave your fast-paced life behind and hit the Alabama campgrounds at Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve.

     Why Magnolia Branch? Because it has a plethora of amenities to offer the beginner camper, the adventurer, the hiker, the experienced, the RVers ... you get my drift.

Camping in Alabama is the perfect way to have quality family time without constantly being plugged in to the world. It also provides a nice setting for getting friends together for a weekend of games, food, activities and just good, old fashioned fellowship.

     So what do you need to go camping? Well, that depends on your personality and what you would like to do. Do you want to “rough it” and pitch a tent, sleep in sleeping bags under the stars or prefer to bring an RV and have electric hookups and running water? All of these can be accomplished at Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve.

Camping tips:

·         Be sure to get the right equipment for your situation. The tent you buy should be big enough to fit the number of people who will be sleeping in it. Believe it or not, some people underestimate — and sometimes overestimate — the size of tents.

·         Pack enough food, water and other drinks/snacks for the amount of time you will be camping. There’s nothing like being thirsty on a hot, summer day and realizing you drank your last soda or bottle of water at lunchtime. Speaking of food, keep all your edibles covered or in containers to keep potential bugs and insects from getting them.

·         Dress appropriately for the weather and bring the necessary clothing for unpredicted climates. Your day might start out bright and sunny but if a shower or storm pops up, you will wish you had a parka or raincoat, especially if you are hiking. Same goes for warm and cool temperatures. Bring enough to keep you comfortable.

·         Also be sure to wear the appropriate footwear for your activities. Flip flops or bare feet are not the best for hiking or walking around on rugged terrain. However, if you are camping near a beach, you probably won’t want to wear boots or running shoes to play in the sand.

·         Pack a first-aid kit for emergencies. Mother Nature can be peaceful and relaxing, but she also can be brutal if you are not careful. Having bandages, ointments, medicines, flashlights and other essentials will save you time and headaches in the event of unforeseen situations.

Where to camp:

     At Magnolia Branch, there are unlimited primitive campsites and 82 sites for those who prefer modern amenities. Tucked back in the woods, the trees seem endless. However, there are sites that have picnic tables as well as activities, such as a zip line, blob, canoe/tubing/kayaking and more. Come see for yourself what a joy camping can be in the state of Alabama!