6 Tail-Waggin’ Tips for Horse Riding With Your Dogs

How to enjoy the ride in canine-equine harmony

Do you dream of heading out for a trail ride with your faithful pup trotting along by your horse’s side? Dogs and horses can learn to be great companions, but proper preparation is important for everyone’s safety.

They must be comfortable around each other, follow basic commands, and be in good physical shape so they can keep up on the trail. And you should be experienced enough to maintain control of both animals, no matter what surprises you encounter along the way.

Preparation Comes First

Taking the time to properly prepare for your first trail ride with your dog is crucial. Your dog isn’t ready to learn about trail rides until he knows basic obedience, is familiar with the barn, and knows how to act around horses. At the same time, your horse should be comfortable around the dog and be familiar with the trail before your dog begins accompanying you on rides.

Here’s how to make sure they’ve got these basic concepts down before you consider moving on to the next step:

• Sir, yes, sir: Practice basic obedience commands with your dog. At minimum, he should obey “sit,” “stay,” and “come” without hesitation, even when distractions are going on around him. These commands are crucial for keeping your dog from getting stepped on or wandering off when you’re riding. They’re also very important for times when you encounter other animals or distractions on the trail.
• Trail boss: Before you start training with your dog, make sure your horse is confident on the trail by himself. He should follow commands without hesitation as well, even when there are distractions. If your horse is nervous on the trail, consider desensitization training to help him learn how to remain calm in surprising or unfamiliar situations.
• Meet and greet: Once you’re confident that they will both follow basic commands without hesitation, it’s time to introduce them to each other. Your horse should be safely in a stall or corral when you make the introduction. Move forward slowly with your dog on a leash until both animals remain calm as you approach. Take as long as you need with this process, and don’t be surprised if it requires several attempts.
• Hang out: Before moving onto the next step, give your dog and horse a chance to get used to each other. Bring your dog to the barn when you do chores and use basic commands to teach him to keep a safe distance from the horse. Spending time together will also help your horse develop an awareness of the dog so that he learns to watch out for him and not step on him.

Some animals may be completely comfortable together after a few days of practice, while others may need a month or more of regular contact.

Once you feel like they’ve both got these basic concepts mastered, you can move onto the next step. For everyone’s safety, you don’t try to rush the process.

Tip #1: Practice on the ground first.

At this point, you’re ready to start practicing from the ground by taking some walks around the arena or an enclosed corral. Have one person walk the dog while another walks the horse. Keep things slow at first.

As they get used to walking together safely and calmly, you can increase your pace.

Be sure to practice with the dog on both sides of the horse, as well as in the front and back. Use this opportunity to teach your dog the proper distance to keep between himself and the horse. Rewards, reassurance, and positive reinforcement will go a long way with both animals!

Tip #2: Then practice on horseback.

Once you’re confident that they’ll both remain calm and maintain a safe distance, it’s time to practice with you on horseback. Once again, you’ll want to have someone hold the dog’s leash and walk alongside the horse, reinforcing safe distancing.

Be sure to practice with the dog on all sides of the horse and come at him from different angles, too.

As everyone becomes more confident, practice with the dog off-leash and have someone nearby to reinforce commands and distancing as needed.

Keep practicing in the controlled environment until both animals remain calm and keep a safe distance from each other. Don’t forget to practice basic obedience commands, too, until you’re confident that your dog won’t wander off if he gets distracted.

Tip #3: Take your first ride.

Now that you’ve done all the prep work and taught your dog and horse how to walk together safely, you’re ready for your first trail ride. Start with short rides around the pasture before moving on to short trails.

Take things slowly, and keep your first several rides short, so that you can focus on reinforcing the skills you’ve been practicing.

Increase the speed and distance gradually as you and your animals become more confident. If you find that either animal isn’t following commands, go back to practicing in the controlled environment until they’ve both got it down.

Riding with a trusted friend, and his or her trusty steed, is also recommended. If things don’t go as planned, you’ll have someone available to help.

Tip #4: Travel on private land.

If possible, take your trail rides with your dog on private land with the landowner’s permission.

If you ride on public land, you’ll probably be required to have your dog on a leash.

You’ll also be a lot more likely to encounter other people with horses and dogs on public land. This could create a dangerous situation, especially if the other dog’s owner doesn’t have him on a leash or their animals aren’t trained to stay a safe distance away from yours.

Another thing to consider about where you choose to ride is having the proper insurance coverage. If your dog or horse injure another person or animal by accident, you might be liable. Check out this equine insurance guide for beginners to learn more.

Tip #5: Let your dog set the pace.

Don’t forget that your dog will get tired much more quickly than your horse. Always follow your dog’s lead when it comes to distance and taking breaks. If your dog isn’t used to walking or running over long distances, take the time to build up the length and pace of your rides slowly to improve his physical condition.

Always take a break if your dog seems tired – don’t try to push him to keep up with the horse.

Be careful not to exhaust your dog on the outbound ride. Remember, he’s got to have enough energy to complete the trip back to the barn.

Tip #6: Take essentials with you.

The doctors at Bond Vet New York City recommend carrying some essential items with you so that you’re prepared for anything that comes up along the way, no matter your terrain or location.

A basic first aid kit that will cover human, canine, and equine injuries is a must. At minimum, have some vet wrap, gauze, and a way to flush out wounds.

Water for your dog is also a must. Keep an eye-out for overheating, especially on hot, sunny days. Some other things to consider are a towel for wiping off muddy paws and a plastic bags for cleaning up after your animals along the trail, if required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you carry a dog on a horse?

A: If you have a small dog and want to go for longer trail rides, you might want to carry him for part of the trip. The safest way to do this is to carry him on your body. Use a cross-body sling or backpack that’s specifically designed for carrying a dog.

If your horse is very comfortable with your dog, you might be able to alter your saddlebag to carry your dog safely. Keep in mind that his method does carry more risk, especially if the horse becomes panicked by the dog’s movement or barking.

Q: Can I use a leash for my dog when riding a horse?

A: Putting a leash on your dog when you’re trail riding might seem like a good way to keep him from wandering off, but it’s actually a really bad idea. The leash could become entangled in your horse’s legs, entrapping your dog, and creating a very dangerous situation for everyone. You could also be pulled off the horse and get injured.

One alternative is a remote control training collar that lets you retain some level of control over your dog without a leash.

It’s best to keep practicing until you’re confident that your dog won’t wander off and then find a place where you can ride with your dog off-leash. But, if you do find yourself in a situation where your dog must wear a leash, never tie the leash to the saddle or yourself. Keep it loose in your hand so that you can let go quickly if entanglement becomes a concern.

Q: Can my dog keep up with a horse?

A: This is going to vary considerably, depending on your dog’s age, health, size, and physical condition. Your pace and distance will also be a determining factor. The key is to take your cues from your dog. Travel at a pace and distance that’s comfortable for him. Increase the length and speed of your ride slowly, only as your dog demonstrates that he can keep up.

Q: What are the best dogs to run with a horse?

A: Just about any breed of dog can be taught to be a good companion for your horse with enough patience and practice. Regardless, small dogs are more likely to get stepped on and may not be able to keep up over long distances, so that’s something to consider.

If you’re looking for a breed that can keep up with your horse on long trail rides, you might want to consider something like a Sheepdog, Lab, Golden Retriever, Corgi, or even a medium to large mixed breed.

Herding dogs, like Collies and Shepherds, can be great trail dogs because they have boundless energy. But you’ll have to spend some time teaching them not to nip at your horse’s heels!

Parting Thoughts

The more you ride together, you’ll begin to notice that the three of you form a strong bond. Your dog and your horse will learn to rely on each other in uncertain situations. The key to successful trail riding with your dog is to prepare properly, take things slowly, have lots of patience- and of course, practice, practice, and practice some more.

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