New Online Course Helps You Hit the Trail Plus, sign up for a free webcast October 21!

Regardless of their breed preference, riding style or location, equine enthusiasts can find happy trails with help from a new course by My Horse University and Source Interlink Media’s Equine Network. From selecting a trail horse to preserving the trail, “Trail Riding 101” offers expert advice on every aspect of this international pastime.

Developed by equine experts at Michigan State University (MSU) and other major universities, “Trail Riding 101” takes participants through the process of selecting the right mount and equipment, feeding and conditioning the trail horse, and helping them learn about trail safety and etiquette. This course is aimed at helping riders get the most enjoyment from their riding experience, whether they trail ride at home, on vacation or in competition.

The $50 registration fee includes access to the course, where participants can read information, watch accompanying video clips and webcasts, and complete exercises and activities at their own pace. For more information or to register, visit www.myhorseuniversity.com/trail.

My Horse University and the Equine Network are also offering a FREE WEBCAST titled “On the Trail Ride – Best Practices,” which will air live on October 21 at 7 p.m. ET. The webcast will feature Jenifer Nadeau, associate professor of animal science at the University of Connecticut, who will share best practices for trail riding including how to determine where to go, route finding, safety, what to bring, ride preparations, how to select the right horse, how to deal with situations that arise on the trail such as crossing streams and roads, going up and down hills and encountering wildlife. A recording of the webcast will be available to anyone who purchases “Trail Riding 101.” For more information or to register, visit www.myhorseuniversity.com/trail.

“Trail Riding 101” is sponsored by Tractor http://www.tractorsupply.com/ Supply Company. Tractor Supply Company operates more than 830 stores in 44 states and is an authorized retailer of Purina equine and livestock feed and Nutrena equine feed. In addition, each store offers a comprehensive selection of merchandise for the health, care, growth and containment of horses, livestock and pets; a broad selection of agricultural products; and tools and hardware.

Tractor Supply is committed to promoting trail riding through its participation in the STEP program (Stewards for Trails, Education and Partnerships), which allows groups and individuals to submit proposals for projects that fund and generate awareness for trail conservation projects nationwide. A committee consisting of officials from AQHA, Tractor Supply, Equestrian Land Conservation Resource and National Forest Service reviews each individual proposal, selects the individual projects for funding, and assists in organizing volunteers for the completion of the approved projects. Forms for submitting trail conservation projects and additional information can be found at www.ridegreen.aqha.com.

“The STEP program enables us to build and strengthen our relationship with equestrian groups and horse owners of all ages,” said Jonathan Swiskow, director of marketing at Tractor Supply. “As a sponsor, we hope to not only generate awareness about preserving riding trails for our customers, but also stress the importance of environmental stewardship and land conservation for future generations.”

My Horse University http://www.myhorseuniversity.com/ is a national online horse management program for horse enthusiasts. It’s based at MSU, one of the top U.S. universities in equine science and management. Founded by the MSU Department of Animal Science, MSU Extension and MSU Global, this program offers equine education courses and resources that can be tailored to achieve horse management goals.