>>> I wouldn't worry if she was distracted on her first trail ride with you, especially if it's been a long time since she's been on the trail. It sounds like she settled down nicely.
I meant to add one thing. I don't think it's a good idea to ride on the trail if you can't control your horse independently of what the others are doing. It sounds like Gat settled down for the second ride, but it wouldn't hurt to ask the others if they'd like to play some hunter type games with you on the trail, to test how each of you is controlling your horse. Some things to try would be leap frog, where you take turns passing and changing order in line, stoplight, Simon Says, or having the group stop, while one horse rides away for a short distance, then returns to the group, or letting your horse hang back while the others go ahead for a short distance, to be sure he/she won't bolt to catch up...You can also practice riding in pairs if the trails are wide enough, or stage one set of riders to meet you face-on so one set of riders has to yield right of way - whatever comes to mind. A lot of people don't have as good control of their horses on the trail as think thing they do, so this is good practice for everyone, not just for you and Gat...plus it can be fun. Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED]
