Trail courses offer more than just a break from routine or a horsemanship challenge. They give your horse something to think about, reinforce good training, and can even improve your land with the right design. Done well, they’re rewarding for both horse and rider—and for the farm itself.
Landscaping a trail course with native plants or a pollinator hedgerow can provide food and habitat for insects and wildlife. You can also add in old logs, brush, and rocks, which can create a habitat for other small critters. Plants can help you manage mud by soaking up excess water and helping dry out an area.
Here are a few tips for building a small-scale trail obstacle course for your horse property.
Use Common Items for Trail Courses
A pair of straw bales (or objects of a similar sizes) can serve as a simple back-through chute. You can use sturdy wooden boxes as platforms for stepping up and down. Arrange a series of logs or large rocks to guide the horse through, around, over, or side pass across.
You can also create a bridge by attaching plywood (at least 2 inches thick) to a durable wooden pallet, which horses can learn to walk across. You might even build a shallow wooden box to hold water; this will allow horses to experience water in a small-scale, controlled environment. (Only add water when using the obstacle so mosquitoes don’t breed in standing water.) Consider using different types of footing, such as gravel or larger rock in some spots to exposure your horse to conditions different from arena footings or grass.
Use Small Spaces Around the Farm
Simple obstacles such as ground poles, small logs, or a pallet bridge, often fit in smaller spaces such as next to the barn or driveway. You can place a fan of larger walk/trot poles and logs in an unused corner of pasture. Properties of almost any size can accommodate at least a few obstacles.
Recycle Objects for Trail Courses
Don’t discard old wooden fence posts—incorporate them into your trail course (after removing any nails or other fasteners). A post with holes can become the perfect log drag; just attach a rope. Create piles of fallen logs or downed branches from the last windstorm and use them as ground poles or small jumps.
Repurpose an old gate or discarded mailbox to practice navigating situations you might see in trail class competition or out on the trail. You might be able to find free items such as railroad ties, plastic barrels, or wooden pallets online or from neighboring farms, which you can make into interesting obstacles.
Improve Horse Property Aesthetics
Some trail obstacles can add to an attractive property landscape. A pollinator hedgerow adds color and visual appeal. An old wagon wheel or a piece of farm equipment creates interest and act as spooky objects; however, be sure to place these pieces away from high-traffic areas to ensure horse and human safety.
Utilizing native plants and natural features such as rocks, logs, or old stumps is an easy and inexpensive way to landscape your farm and add to your trail course.
Safety Considerations for Horse Trail Courses
Consider both horse and human safety when building your trail course. Avoid placing objects with protrusions, rough edges, sharp corners, or pockets that a foot or leg can get cut on, trapped under, or get stuck in near high-traffic areas. Also, do not use tires as obstacles because the edges of tires can trap a horse, especially those with shoes, and they could have sharp edges.
Take-Home Message
Trail courses can provide mental stimulation and training benefits for both horses and riders, while also improving the landscape. Incorporating native plants and natural materials such as logs and rocks can help manage mud and support wildlife. Even small properties can accommodate a few trail obstacles made from recycled or repurposed items. With careful planning and attention to safety, a trail course can enhance your horse’s training and your property’s appearance.
