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The Great Animated GIF Series: Endless Summer Arabian Horseback Riding

Horse riding requires not only skill and finesse but also physical strength and endurance. Being outside, and spending time with animals are all proven to elevate our moods and potentially enhance our long-term mental health.

Plan Ahead

A fit horse and rider are necessary for desert riding. Ascertain that your equine is suitably trained for the kind of riding you intend to undertake in the desert. Numerous trails feature rocky terrain, deep sand, and inclines. Don't trot or canter your horse in deep sand; instead, use common sense. A horse's shoes can get loose in rough terrain.

To help you and your horse with a training program to prepare for riding in the desert, get advice from a qualified veterinarian or professional trainer. Riding an unconditioned horse in hot weather or in conditions they are not used to might cause heat exhaustion, dehydration, or colic. Take it easy the first time around. To accustom yourself and your horse to the diverse environmental conditions of the desert regions, choose some of the less strenuous trails.

Your horse may experience issues as a result of the harsh weather and arid surroundings. Riding in the desert requires you to be mindful of your horse's movements, general attitude, and temperament. To keep an eye on your horse's progress while out on the trail, be aware of his typical body temperature, pulse, and breathing. Among the health issues to be aware of are colic, dehydration, tying up, and heat fatigue.

Issues on the route can be minimized with proper planning, preparation, and common sense. When driving to and riding in the desert, make sure you and your horse have an ample supply of fresh, clean water; bring along lots of water. Every person needs at least one gallon of water each day. In the desert, horses will need more water than they typically consume—they need at least 10 gallons per horse each day. The kind of activity you are engaging in and the weather will affect this minimum requirement. Additionally, you should confirm that your horse's body contains electrolytes.

Always make sure the water source is accessible and usable on the days you plan to ride by calling or confirming with a park ranger or local authority if you are depending on a natural or artificial water source on the path. All too frequently, riders anticipate the availability of a water source only to find out later that it has dried up or is no longer functional. In the desert, a lack of preparation can lead to major issues. Make sure the water source is operational before beginning your journey; never presume that it is.

Scoping the Desert

Riding on desert terrain entails certain unique risks that you should be mindful of. Riding through an area with a lot of cacti or deviating from the prescribed track can present challenges due to cacti. The last thing you want is for your horse to suffer injuries from a run-in with some cacti. You could suffer severe injuries if your horse becomes frightened and you get bucked off or fall into a cactus. Riding on desert paths presents certain unique risks that you should be mindful of. Riding through an area with a lot of cacti or deviating from the prescribed track can present challenges due to cacti. 

Removing cactus needles can be unpleasant and challenging. While traveling alone through the desert, one of my friends unintentionally backed into a Cholla cactus. She had to wave down some passing campers who assisted her in extracting the needles with pliers since she was unable to take them out of her leg. The majority of seasoned desert visitors advise bringing along a plastic comb with fine teeth, which can be used to remove the majority of cactus needles. To remove some of the larger cactus needles, you might need to use pliers or a similar tool.

The many hazards of the desert include rattlesnakes, wasps, scorpions, and other harmful creatures. Use common sense; most people using the trails are aware of the risks posed by venomous insects such as rattlesnakes. If your horse gets bitten by a rattlesnake, keep calm and quiet while you lead your horse back to your vehicle or campsite. Call a veterinarian immediately. The spring and summer are the most active rattlesnake seasons due to the warm weather and increased activity. Your horse can be protected from snakebite and cactus needles by wearing bell boots or splint boots.

Horses that are bitten typically have bites on their legs and faces. Head bites can result in significant edema. Breathing issues may arise from nasal swelling in certain instances. Before you leave, speak with a qualified veterinarian about what to put in your first aid box and what to do if your horse gets bitten by a rattlesnake.

The emergency numbers of the local police, veterinary clinics, hospitals, and rangers should also be known to you before you go trail riding. Knowing who to call in an emergency can save lives and valuable time.