Trail Riding

Question
Hi, i have a newly-broke 4 year old quarter horse who is pretty much your average horse. Not very spooky, and pretty calm. But when i try to take him out on the trails, he freaks out. I think it might be that he isn't used to such and open space, but all he wants to do is run. And once we hit the tree line, he gets even worse, as if he's scared of the trees! I'm not much of a trail person, but i do enjoy it in the summer, any tips would be wonderful!

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Mariah,
It sounds like your just going to have to do more time in the saddle and expose him to more things where he feels comfortable first before heding out on the trail.  When you do go out on the trails, riding with a more experienced solid horse that will give him confidence will also be a help.  Use your imagination and set up some of the same type things he will encounter on the trails at home (trees etc) and expose him to these things before heading out.  When he is afraid, staying calm yourself and riding him threw these things is imparative.  Your reactions are key to keeping him calm.
Stay safe and have fun.

Jeff