trail riding "boot camp" for my horse?

[Kathy E.]

my horse is 5 years old and used to be really good on the trail, but i had a nasty fall going downhill and now i am scared to go downhill. he started to pick up on my fear and he started getting afraid too, and so now he tries to trot/canter down them and even buck. so once the weather gets nicer im going to do a trail riding "boot camp" with him. i want to go on the trail with him a lot until he gets trail savvy. but i am wondering how often i should go on the trails with him a week. i'll probably start this up in the summer maybe spring but since i am 15 and in school summer will give me a lot of free time. thanks for the help and sorry if i sound confusing

 

[wahoo]

Although your horse may need some refresher courses, i think that it is you that needs most of the work. you obviously know how to ride so it will be the emotional and mental part of riding that you will have to work on. you can start with riding on the more Level areas. That will more than likely be a cinch for you and the horse. For the hills, try small no brainers at first once you get that figured out and comfortable, try taking the hills up and down diagonally that way it saves on the stress to the horses body. Just take it slow and easy at first then challenge yourself as you get comfortable in the circumstances. Like I said I think it is you that needs most of the work, I am sure that we have gone through those moments, I know that I have

 

[<<BaRn BuM>>]

oooh I am sorry to hear about your fall and I hope you are okay.
If you guys are both nervous I would suggest starting from the beginning with trails.
When I first start bringing horses on trails, I start it as a cool out after a ride. I use it as a reward after a good ride. After a good ride I take off the saddle and lead the horse on a short trail. If they get nervous , humm a catchy tune or sing a song and pretend like they are the only ones being scared. They will start to read you and only react if you do. Do this for about a week after every ride and then start riding him, just a walk after each ride. To make this work, I suggest going alone (without any other horses) for the first 3 weeks. Even when walking. But bring another person with you to talk to. To keep you calm. Then you can start going with other horses but make sure your horse leads for the first few times and then he should be good!
Work on going down hill on just small hills when you lead him through the trails and just talk to him. It will build your confidence to see him learn and to feel better about going alone.
I suggest at first going after every ride as a cool out for short trails and then after you start riding him you can make it just trail rides after about 3 weeks.
Good luck and Happy trails!