Trottin’ Trails LLC

08/27/2025

Older horses are not disposible. It's our duty to take care of them as they grow older.

08/23/2025

They’re not “just” a trail horse 💕

"I just want a trail horse."
This is the request we most hear.

Ask for just a trail horse, and you'll be shown the most broke horse on the place. The trail horse has to perform in the hardest setting imaginable: the real world.

They might not run down the arena and slide 25 feet, spin a hole in the ground, or do flying lead changes.
They might not get down in the sand to cut a cow in front of them.
They might not explode out of the box at full speed to catch a steer.
They might not jump a full course clean in front of hundreds of spectators.

But...a trail horse will walk off after 2 hours in the trailer in a completely new place. A trail horse is expected to stay broke with time off and only go trail ride when you have time. A trail horse will walk down the trail, through the brush, over a bridge it hasn't seen before. A trail horse will ride past bikers, runners, dogs, and every other thing under the sun. All without batting an eye.

The trail horse takes hours of time to train. Trail horses are expected to walk down the trail calm and relaxed no matter the situation, whether it be in the back country or through a busy city. One of the hardest things to teach both kids and horses is to slow down. It's easy to go fast, and any horse can run. But to stay calm and controlled, to walk, takes skill.

Appreciate the trail horses for what they are, just the best.

08/18/2025

😂 yassss

08/15/2025

💯

06/17/2025

🩵LESSONS & TRAIL RIDES🩵

It’s that time of year when the sun (hopefully 😂) starts to show itself more & lessons & rides start to pick up ☀️! Even though I offer year round services, summer is when my availability opens up a lot more & I like to fill my schedule teaching riding lessons or doing guided trail rides! Whether you’re a complete beginner, have some horse experience or have ridden in the past & just want to go on a relaxing trail ride…….we got you covered 😁! Send me a message today & let’s get you out to the farm to meet my amazing equine team!

05/26/2025

"Land of the free because of the brave."

We're remembering those who gave all for our freedom this Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

📸: Angie Roach

05/25/2025

❤️🤍💙

To those who have sacrificed their lives for us, thank you, you are not forgotten.

05/18/2025

Love this 🩵

Psych Saturday: "I am not a therapist!"

"I am not a therapist!" exclaimed one of my instructor clients, exasperated by a student's emotional reactions during a recent, particularly challenging lesson. I replied, "Absolutely, nor should you be. Let's talk about what you can do instead."

This month is Mental Health Awareness Month. I am heartened by the numerous social media posts raising awareness. There was a time, early in my life and career, when mental health issues carried a much greater stigma. I am encouraged by the growing recognition of the need for services and the expanding variety of offerings, including equine-assisted work.

However, I am mindful that it is Mental Health Awareness Month, not Mental Illness Awareness Month. In that spirit, I want to share some thoughts on how all of us—therapists, instructors, riders, and families—can celebrate and support mental health.

Research suggests several ways to support mental health without being a therapist. Two are natural parts of the riding experience: physical activity and spending time outdoors connecting with nature. However, perhaps the most powerful way to support mental health, and one over which riding instructors have significant influence, is fostering connection, community, and social support.

Instructors create a culture in their lessons, barns, and interactions with students and their families. Research and experience indicate that cultures of connection, acceptance, and kindness support and enhance the mental health and well-being of everyone involved.

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s recognize the vital role that our riding communities play in supporting mental health. Through physical activity, time in nature, and, most importantly, fostering social connections, we can make a significant difference in the lives of our students and fellow riders.

I encourage each of us—instructors, riders, and families—to take an active part in creating a culture of kindness and acceptance. Commit to one small action this month that promotes connection, whether it’s sharing a kind word or simply being present for someone who needs support. Together, we can create a healthier, happier community. ~ Paul

PC - Erin Gilmore Photography

04/20/2025

Happy Easter ✝️