Trail riding with a Corgi

Hello all!

I've noticed a few of you mention that your corgis get to go trail riding with you! I was wondering how you manage to teach it? I would imagine a long line would inevitably get tangled around the horse and potentially cause a spook.

I hope to be getting a puppy this year, and plan on making sure the puppy is well acquainted with barn life since I spend so much time with my horse. It'd be awesome if the corgi could eventually come on trails with us! Two of the resident barn dogs will go along, but they weren't necessarily trained although they do manage well enough.

Thanks!! I would love to see some pictures possibly of corgis and their horsey friends. :D

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Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on February 17, 2014 at 10:11am

I'm no expert and it's been many years since I owned a horse BUT I would have an exercise pen in the barn so your pup is safe and can't run as a baby. Introduce him by carrying him and talking to the horse daily. I would NOT let him run around until he knows some commands/rules. Sit, stay, back etc. One of my own pups goes on rides and as a pup she rode on the horse with the person. Most corgis are smart enough to know their distance but never let the pup bark or chase the horse.Then I would set limits(maybe a leash) with a distance that the pup can get close but not too close? The more commands your pup knows the better and another person to help when you are working with the horse and the pup would be good.

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Permalink Reply by Ivy on February 17, 2014 at 2:29pm

This is what worked for us - keep in mind your horse and dog temperament and vary accordingly! As a pup I brought Ein to the barn on leash and would hand graze my horse so Ein could get used to her. It is very helpful to be able to walk them together but that takes practice juggling leash and leadrope. My horse got to know Ein was "her dog". I hike a lot with Ein off leash so she knows to stay close and has a good recall. Your dog needs to respond to commands while you are far away (sit, stay, recall) since you will be out of sight on the horse. Then we just went out! I had a handful of treats to toss to Ein so she would stay close. She got used to my being on top of the horse. Good trail manners just take time and practice. And a pocket of treats! For months Ein would do her herding bark if the horses stopped and try to round folks up. She eventually realized that was not appropriate but because of that we didn't bring her on rides with green horses! If you have some good trail dogs bring them along and your pup can learn by example. And remember your leash - worse case scenario you can just hand walk back to the barn. Don't try to ride with a leash - that is a recipe for disaster! Just be aware of your horse's mood and you can tell if your pup is getting in the danger zone.