Cross-country Horse Riding For Families

Young Explorers Club: Family-Friendly Recreational Cross-Country (Trail) Riding Guide

Overview

We, at the Young Explorers Club, present a practical guide for family-friendly recreational cross-country (trail) riding. This guide separates family routes from competitive eventing and recommends routes that favor family fitness, calm horses and flexible pacing. It covers safety gear and emergency protocols, rider-to-horse weight and conditioning, age and supervision rules, navigation and logistics, and Leave No Trace practices.

Key Principles

Choose the Right Type of Route

Pick recreational trail routes, not eventing courses. Do not attempt solid cross-country fences without formal training and the safety setup of a sanctioned event. Favor wide, well-surfaced tracks, gentle terrain and routes that allow easy turning back.

Make Safety Non-Negotiable

Safety is the priority. Establish and agree on safety rules before every ride.

• Wear certified helmets (current standard), and heeled boots for secure foot position.
• Use EN-standard body protectors for young or inexperienced riders and whenever jumping or unpredictable terrain is expected.
• Carry compact first-aid kits for both humans and horses; include emergency numbers and simple supplies.
• Have a clear rider-fall plan and an agreed emergency meeting point and communication protocol.

Rider-to-Horse Weight & Conditioning

Protect the horse with conservative load planning. Use a simple calculation and adjust before the ride starts.

1. Calculate load as (rider + tack) ÷ horse weight.
2. Keep rider-plus-tack to a conservative 15% of the horse’s bodyweight on multi-day rides.
3. If the ratio rises above the target, swap mounts or trim kit to reduce load.
4. Condition horses progressively for distance; avoid sudden big increases in mileage or weight.

Age & Supervision Guidelines

Suggested Minimums

Match age and skill to the ride type and supervision level to keep rides safe and enjoyable.

• Leadline: 4–6 years (close adult control).
• Independent short rides: around 8–10 years with close supervision.
• Unsupervised longer sections: 12+ years, but only with proven competence and agreed emergency plan.
• Aim for one experienced adult per 3–4 children on mixed-ability family rides.

Navigation & Logistics

Pacing and Route Planning

Plan realistic distances and factoring in rests and younger riders’ limits.

• Target a walking pace of about 4–5 km/h with regular rest stops.
• Schedule breaks for water, snacks and tack checks every 30–60 minutes depending on conditions.

Navigation & Backups

Use multiple navigation layers to reduce risk of getting lost.

• Preload GPX tracks and offline maps to phones/GPS devices.
• Carry paper maps and a compass as backups.
• Confirm access permissions, accommodation and insurance before departure.

Leave No Trace (Equestrian Adaptation)

Follow Leave No Trace principles adapted for equestrians to protect trails and wildlife.

• Ride on designated routes; avoid widening trails or creating new tracks.
• Pack out all litter and dispose of manure/clipped hair responsibly where required.
• Minimize impacts at water crossings and avoid sensitive habitats.
• Respect other trail users: slow down, give way politely and communicate clearly.

Emergency Protocols & Practical Tips

Before the Ride

Confirm fitness of horse and rider, check tack, weather and communications.

• Perform a basic health check on each horse and inspect tack for secure fit.
• Share the route plan and expected return time with a responsible contact.

If a Rider Falls

Follow a rehearsed fall plan.

• Ensure the horse is secured or moved to a safe spot.
• Check the rider for responsiveness, control bleeding and stabilise as trained.
• Call emergency services if needed and move to the agreed meeting point if safe.

Quick Takeaway Checklist

• Choose recreational routes over eventing fences unless trained and properly supported.
• Make safety non-negotiable: certified helmets, heeled boots, body protectors and first-aid kits.
• Keep rider-plus-tack ≤ 15% of horse weight on multi-day trips; recalc and adjust.
• Match age & supervision: leadline 4–6, short independent 8–10, longer unsupervised 12+.
• Plan pace and navigation: 4–5 km/h walking target, GPX + offline maps + paper backup.
• Follow Leave No Trace adapted for equestrians.

If you’d like, we can provide a printable family ride checklist, a sample GPX-friendly route for beginners, or a simple rider-fall protocol template tailored to your group — tell us which and we’ll prepare it.

Overview: What This Family Cross‑Country Riding Involves

I describe two different uses of the term cross‑country riding so families know what they’re getting into. One meaning is eventing cross‑country — the competitive phase with fixed, solid obstacles, defined lines and strict timing. The other is recreational cross‑country or trail riding — riding across varied terrain on bridleways, forest tracks or open country for pleasure and exploration. We, at the young explorers club, focus on family‑friendly recreational trail riding while noting the key differences to eventing for context.

Scale and relevance matter. Horses are a major part of outdoor life — there were about 7.2 million horses in the U.S. (American Horse Council, 2017), so access and community support are substantial.

Quick comparison — how the two differ in practice:

• Terrain — Eventing uses prepared competition courses with inspected lines and clear approaches. Recreational trail riding covers mixed surfaces: singletrack, farm tracks, meadow edges, shallow streams and short climbs. I pick routes that suit family fitness and confidence.
• Obstacles — Event fences are solid and meant to be jumped. Recreational rides encounter natural features like logs, rocks or water; these are usually approached conservatively or avoided if risky.
• Protective requirements — Eventing enforces specific protective gear and body protectors. Recreational riding still requires helmets and sensible protection; I recommend body protectors for steeper or more technical terrain, especially for less experienced riders.
• Recommended rider skill — Eventing demands formal jumping training and a higher fitness level. Recreational cross‑country can suit novices if they ride on easy, supervised routes with calm horses.
• Typical daily distance — Eventing phases are short, intense and timed. Recreational rides are untimed and route‑based. For families I aim for shorter distances, frequent rests and flexibility about pace and stops.

I design family rides that complement other pursuits, and I often include suggestions for off‑saddle activities. For examples of combined options see family activities that pair well with a ride.

When NOT to attempt an eventing cross‑country fence

• You lack formal jumping or cross‑country training.
• You don’t have medical cover or an event safety team on site.
• The course isn’t a properly inspected, competition environment.
• Your horse has no experience with solid fences or rough terrain.
• Weather or footing is poor and increases the chance of a fall.

I advise families to choose routes that match skill, equipment and the horse’s experience. I also recommend checking local access rules and carrying basic first‑aid, communication tools and a plan for an early finish if anyone tires.

Safety, Equipment and Emergency Planning (Helmets, Body Protectors, First Aid)

We, at the young explorers club, make safety the baseline for every cross‑country ride. Every route gets a pre-ride briefing and a clear rendezvous point. I carry local emergency numbers, the nearest vet contact and GPS coordinates for the meeting point on every family trip.

Select a certified riding helmet that meets ASTM F1163/SEI or PAS 015 or VG1; these standards show the helmet has passed impact and retention testing. Follow simple fit rules: two‑finger rule at the brow, strap snug under the chin, helmet level on the head. Replace after any impact and every 3–5 years.

I recommend established helmet brands such as Charles Owen, GPA and Tipperary for durability and fit.

Body protection is non‑negotiable for young or inexperienced riders and for rough terrain. Our three non‑negotiables are clear: a certified helmet, well‑fitting boots with heels, and a body protector meeting EN 13158 (or your local equivalent). For vests I often choose Airowear or Charles Owen; for boots I prefer Ariat or Dublin.

Dress your group for response. Carry a compact human first aid kit and aim for one per four people. The kit should include compresses, wound dressings, antiseptic wipes, a triangular bandage, tweezers, antihistamine, an emergency blanket and a phone power bank. Always carry a charged phone, a power bank, a whistle and high‑vis for low light. Brief riders on the emergency rendezvous before you set off.

I expect a practical equine kit on every ride. Pack wound dressings and pads, poultice and conforming bandages or vet wrap, large scissors, a spare halter and leadrope, a twitch or restraint tool only if someone is trained to use it, antiseptic for equine wounds, liniment or cooling gel, a spare turnout or box rug, a digital thermometer, disposable gloves and a bucket. If someone in the group is trained and comfortable, include a basic suture/needle kit and sterile gloves.

We run a calm emergency protocol and teach a short rider‑fall script that everyone remembers. Designate a group leader before you start. Keep the nearest yard number and vet contact accessible. If a rider falls: ensure scene safety; contain or calm the horse; stabilize the rider’s head and neck if needed; then call emergency services and give GPS coordinates.

Kits & checklists

• Helmet fit steps: two‑finger rule at brow; strap snug under chin; helmet level.
• Non‑negotiables checklist: certified helmet (ASTM/SEI, PAS 015, VG1), boots with heels, EN 13158 body protector.
• Human first aid kit (compact; 1 per 4 people):
  • Compresses
  • Wound dressings
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Triangular bandage
  • Tweezers
  • Antihistamine
  • Emergency blanket
  • Phone power bank
• Equine kit (key items):
  • Wound dressings/pads
  • Poultice and bandage material (conforming bandages, vet wrap)
  • Large scissors
  • Spare halter and leadrope
  • Twitch or restraint tool (only if trained)
  • Antiseptic
  • Liniment/cooling gel
  • Spare turnout/box rug
  • Digital thermometer
  • Disposable gloves and bucket
  • Basic suture/needle kit & sterile gloves (only if trained)
• Emergency carry list: charged phone, power bank, whistle, high‑vis, GPS coordinates, local emergency numbers, nearest vet contact, meeting point.
• Rider‑fall script (short):
  1. Ensure scene safety
  2. Check horse containment
  3. Stabilize head/neck if needed
  4. Call emergency services with GPS coordinates

For practical route planning and family ride ideas, see our family trip options to align gear choices with terrain and duration.

Suitable Horses, Rider Weight Limits, Conditioning and Fitness

We set a clear rule of thumb for rider-to-horse weight: keep loads to 15–20% of the horse’s bodyweight as an absolute maximum. For sustained multi-day family rides I recommend the conservative 15% guideline; 15% of horse bodyweight is recommended for long rides. That reduces fatigue, lowers injury risk and keeps spirited kids and nervous adults comfortable.

Use this simple formula to check load percentage: (Rider + tack weight) ÷ horse bodyweight = load percentage. Work through these worked examples so you know what to aim for:

1. For a 500 kg horse, 15% = 75 kg (165 lb).
2. Example 1 (child): rider 30 kg + tack 8 kg = 38 kg; 38 ÷ 500 = 7.6% — well under 15%.
3. Example 2 (adult): rider 80 kg + tack 12 kg = 92 kg; 92 ÷ 500 = 18.4% — over the 15% conservative target and getting close to the 20% upper limit; choose a larger horse or reduce tack.

Quick reference and breed choices

Below are short, practical points to use when you choose mounts or plan a family ride:

• Weight chart (15% conservative rule for multi-day family rides): Pony (350 kg) max ≈ 52.5 kg; Light horse (450 kg) max ≈ 67.5 kg; Large horse (600 kg) max ≈ 90 kg.
• Child riders: aim for mounts with a larger safety margin — a 450–600 kg horse gives more flexibility for swapping riders and carrying extra kit.
• Sure-footed breeds: work best on varied trails: native ponies, Connemara ponies, Irish Draft crosses, Arab-cross endurance horses, Quarter Horses and stock breeds for North American-style trails. Emphasize sure-footed breeds for mixed terrain and slippery sections.
• If a rider-plus-tack figure edges over 15%: either move to a heavier horse, strip nonessential tack, or split loads with a packhorse or saddlebag.

Plan horse conditioning over 6–12 weeks before a multi-day trip. We build fitness progressively: start with flat distance work, add hills and varied footing, then introduce the actual tack and gradually increase carried weight. Keep sessions short at first and never jump straight to long distances. Aim for two to three conditioning rides per week, with one longer ride on the weekend that grows by no more than 10–20% distance each week.

I check the horse’s topline, hoof condition and respiratory recovery at every step. Watch recovery heart rate and breathing; if a horse is slow to recover, back off the intensity. For families, stagger conditioning so both less-experienced riders and horses move up fitness levels together.

We also plan rider fitness. Encourage light strength work and regular trail rides before the trip so adults and older kids gain balance and core endurance. Short hikes with weight vests or loaded daypacks help riders adapt to mounted balance without stressing the horse.

For route planning and family-friendly trail advice, refer to our Family trip in Switzerland guide for ideas on distances, daily stages and kid-friendly stops.

Ages, Supervision, Rider Skill Levels and Sample Family Itineraries

We, at the Young Explorers Club, set clear age and supervision guidance so families can plan safe, enjoyable cross‑country rides. Below I list practical rules, training expectations, ride lengths and sample itineraries you can adapt for your group.

Practical guidance and sample plans

Use the following points to match riders, horses and routes. Read them, then pick the itinerary that fits your group’s skills and energy.

• Age and supervision guidance:
  • Leadline or supervised pony rides: 4–6 years.
  • Independent short trail rides (walk with brief trots): about 8–10 years with competent supervision.
  • Unsupervised or longer cross‑country sections: minimum ~12 years with proven skills.
  • Supervision ratio: 1 experienced adult per 3–4 children (1:3–4).
• Supervision policy and training time:
  • Always accompany inexperienced riders at all times.
  • Training: 6–12 months of regular lessons before attempting long rides (consistent lesson frequency recommended).
• Skill versus ride‑length guidance:
  • Novice: up to 1.5 hours, mostly walk.
  • Intermediate: up to a half‑day, include some trotting.
  • Experienced: full‑day, 20–30 km.
  • Add a safety time margin of 25% to any schedule.
• Sample family itineraries:
  • Day ride (beginner family): 6–10 km. Plan 2–3 hours including breaks, mostly flat. Aim average pace 4–5 km/h.
  • Weekend ride (intermediate family): 10–15 km/day, totaling 20–30 km over two days. Overnight at a livery or horse camp.
  • Short multi‑day (family‑friendly): 12–25 km/day, 40–80 km over 3–4 days. Schedule vet and rest days when using rented or unfamiliar horses.
• Packing and time schedule (sample day):
  1. Start 09:00.
  2. Mid‑day break 12:00 for lunch and to water horses.
  3. Short afternoon leg 13:00–15:00.
  4. Arrival and horse care 15:00–16:00.
  5. Add 25% extra time as a safety margin.

We advise families to stagger riders by ability and to brief children on basic horse handling before each day. For inspiration and extra family ideas, check our family activities and routes. If you need a program we can run, we often provide experienced guides, kid‑friendly ponies and route planning that respects these supervision and training guidelines.

Planning Routes, Distances, Pacing, Maps and Navigation Tools

We, at the young explorers club, plan family rides around walking speeds. Use walk 4–6 km/h as your baseline and plan an average pace of 4–5 km/h for family rides (including breaks). Trot and canter figures are for reference only: trot 12–19 km/h, canter 19–27 km/h.

We set daily distance goals by rider and terrain:

• Children: 8–15 km/day
• Adults: 20–40 km/day depending on fitness and ground

Adjust down on steep or technical trails and up on long, flat sections.

Account for elevation and exertion. Expect every 10% gradient to cut pace by 30–50% and to increase horse and rider fatigue. I recommend these break rhythms:

• Adults: one rest break per hour.
• Young children: 15–20 minute breaks every 30–45 minutes.

Plan shady or sheltered rest points and factor mounting/dismounting time with tack adjustments.

We rely on a mix of digital and paper navigation. Recommended apps and tools include AllTrails, Gaia GPS, ViewRanger (Outdooractive), Google Maps (use offline maps), Ordnance Survey apps, Trailforks, EquiMaps, plus local bridleway maps from national park services. Always Download offline maps before setting out. For GPX workflows follow this sequence:

1. export GPX
2. upload to your chosen app
3. download offline map tiles
4. mark an emergency meeting point

Print a paper map as a backup.

Navigation checklist before you ride

• Preload routes and emergency waypoints into your app and verify offline availability.
• Share GPX tracks with the whole group so everyone has a copy.
• Ensure at least one paper map per group and one charged phone per pair.
• Confirm bridleway access and any restricted sections with local maps or park services.
• Mark water, shade, and vet stop points on your map and note saddle-change options if distances grow.
• Test a short section of the route on foot if uncertain about footing or gates.

We keep plans simple and fail-safe. Carry spare batteries or a power bank, print a small route cue sheet, and pick clear emergency meeting points on your map. For family logistics and extra tips on multi-day outings see our family trip guidance.

Logistics, Costs, Accommodation, Livery and Environmental Rules of the Trail

We, at the Young Explorers Club, break down accommodation, livery, costs and the rules you’ll need to follow. Options include day rides from a base yard, overnight livery or yard stabling, horse‑friendly campsites, bed‑and‑bridle inns and pack‑station services. I recommend confirming whether yards offer tied stalls, paddock turn‑out or supervised turnout for children’s horses.

We usually advise families to gather practical details before booking. For route inspiration and family-friendly stops, see our family trip page.

Checklist for contacting yards

Contact yards with this information and requests before you arrive:

• Horse height, temperament and any transport history.
• List feeding requirements, supplements and rugging needs.
• State pick‑up and drop‑off times and whether you need hot water or washing facilities.
• Ask for suggested day routes, waypoint advice and whether they’ll recommend water sources.
• Verify overnight turn‑out options and secure storage for tack and feed.
• Confirm trailer/box parking availability and overnight security.

Costs, transport, rules and insurance

Expect typical cost indicators like trailer/box parking $10–30/night, stable yard rates $20–50/night and trail operator rates $100–300/day. Below is a compact 3‑day family budget example for two adults and two children (approximate):

• Horse hire or livery & stabling: $60–$200 per day total.
• Guiding/trekking operator: $100–$300 per rider/day or $400–$1,200 per family/day for packaged trips.
• Accommodation for humans: $80–$200 per night for family rooms or camping.
• Food and incidentals: $20–$50 per person/day.
• Transport/fuel for trailer: $50–$300 for a weekend depending on distance.

Prices vary by country, region and season; always get local quotes.

For transport logistics, many families use their own trailers or small horseboxes for short hops. Commercial horse transport is priced by distance, so compare rates. Check local rules on towing limits and driver licensing before you leave.

Practice Leave No Trace adapted for equestrians on every ride: avoid sensitive vegetation, spread manure on durable ground away from streams, pack out all plastics and use established mounting/dismounting points. Avoid trails after heavy rain and always check the local land manager for permits, closures and bridleway access rules.

Before you mount up, verify insurance and liability requirements. Make sure waivers are signed where needed and confirm vet cover for hired horses. We recommend keeping a copy of vaccination records and emergency contact details with your phone and tack trunk.

Sources

American Horse Council — Horse Industry in the United States: 2017 Economic Impact Study

Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) — Eventing risk management

British Horse Society — Rights of way and bridleways

British Horse Society — UK safety standards for riding hats

Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics — Leave No Trace for Horse Use

U.S. National Park Service — Horses and mules (Backcountry)

ASTM International — ASTM F1163: Standard Specification for Protective Headgear Used in Horse Sports and Horseback Riding

Gaia GPS — Offline topo maps & GPS navigation

AllTrails — Trail maps and hiking, running & mountain biking trails

Outdooractive (formerly ViewRanger) — Outdoor maps, routes & navigation

RSPCA — First aid for your horse

Charles Owen — Riding hats & helmets

Ariat — Equestrian boots & clothing