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When trail riding, you are expected to follow correct riding etiquette for uphill or downhill riding. As is the case with all aspects of horse riding, success is dependent on good balance.

Even when freed from riders, a horse finds travelling downhill tricky. The problem is compounded when he has a rider astride. It is necessary that you ease his strain as much as you are able to. Your horse will signal his trouble in terribly obvious ways: he is going to tend to rush or to throw his head. He may even try some bucking. All of this indicates that he is having a tough time with his balance.

Again as is the case with every aspect of pony riding, ensure your saddle is fitted absolutely correct. Shifting saddles cause discomfort, even agony; horses have a tendency to go faster than necessary, even if they are on a slope, to get away from the agony. You should also learn all about riding on slopes before you attempt to do so. Remember, it's not just the horse, you also , as the rider, can make a big difference.

Here is the typical mistake made by riders, especially the beginners, while going downhill: they get their horses to zigzag down the slope. They have the mistaken impression this is safer. In fact, though, this isn't a good idea on slopes without trails or switchbacks. When you get a horse to go diagonally down a slope, your horse is going to be unable to find balance at his hindquarters. He's most balanced when his hindquarters are aligned with the rest of his body; otherwise he is likely to keel over. That wouldn't be a nice thing, would it?

The great temptation is to fiddle around with your position in the saddle when riding down a slope, but it is unsafe to give in to this temptation. You need to stay put as you are balancing your body over your feet and with your weight bearing down on your heels. Keep on looking up and forward, not downward.

Another tendency is for riders to lean back in the mistaken impression this is going to help the horse. It does not. The horse desires free hindquarters to move easily, and you will impede rather than help by leaning back. It's actually better to lean slightly forward.

In general, it is advisable not to mess in the slightest. Beginner riders feel safer gripping the reins hard when on the way down a slope, but ideally you must let your pony have lots of free rein so his neck and head can move freely. By tightening up on the reins, you are hampering him and putting him off balance, therefore endangering both his well being and yours.

As a beginner, you must practice going down some mild slopes before you progressively move onto the gigantic bullies. Practice keeping your position and your balance, and letting the pony have his way. Try and make it instinctive to relax on slopes.