Could it be safe riding on the trail.
Ground handling safety is important, no one doubts that.
But ground handling accidents only account for about 20 percent of the total horse-related injuries. The majority result from falls from horses. In the ground handling situation the riding instructor always has the option of stepping in and taking over. He or she can always take the horse and lead it or tie it. Stepping in when a mounted rider is having difficulties is a little more difficult.