As a young child, I have a vivid memory of my aunt riding her pony with her faithful Golden Retriever trailing politely behind. That image stamped itself on my mind as the pinnacle of sharing life with horses and dogs.
Many of us want to do just this, but have you considered what you want your dog to get out of the experience?
To share a trail ride with a horse requires some very specific skills from your dog. Dogs at the barn must stay close to you, but not get underneath the horse. They must be able to follow directions from riders who are on the ground, mounting, or mounted. They must be friendly to those who are sharing the space at the barn, including trades people, farm workers, children, cats, horses and other dogs. They must never bark at horses or charge them, risking a spook and potential injury.