For 17 years, since my brother Gary passed away, his horse Eclipse. a gray Crabbet Arabian, took trail rides with us. At first on a lead rope and eventually at liberty, so long as we didn't have to cross a street.

He was the riderless horse you'd see in line with the rest of the horses or since he's the fastest walker, he'd usually be leading the pack, always knowing exactly where he's going. If I wanted to trot all I had to do was softly say "Eclipse lets trot" and we'd start conditioning 3 horses at once. When I was ready to slow up or stop all I had to do was slow or stop Rockin'Rita and the rest followed. Hard to believe, huh?

My barn landlord and his wife once spotted us on the trails. We were trotting fast, I was in the lead and Shetan and Eclipse were following in unison. They said it looked like ducklings following me. He he

After my brother passed away, I started riding Eclipse, but, Shetan resented it and in turn made Eclipse's life miserable. Nothing I could do made a difference and Eclipse was not a beginner's horse so I just couldn't invite non-horsey company for a trail ride. To help Eclipse have a peaceful life I began ponying him on trail rides with a lead rope. He was so glad to join everyone on the rides and not be left behind, that he always did everything I asked. It was a pleasure! For both of us!

After a few trips I decided to try something new. Once we entered the National or State Park & were away from the road, I'd release his rope and allow him to continue at liberty. Eclipse loved joining us on trail rides no matter what!  If he'd start to wander off all I'd have to say is "Eclipse, if you want to come again, you have to listen"  Without missing a beat, he'd be back in line with the other horses.

Don't worry, whenever we're near a road or approaching the end of a park I always re-attached the lead rope on Eclipse for safety.  It was amazing. I think he seemed to understand, so he always cooperated.

Whenever I tacked up any of the horses for a ride, Eclipse would stop grazing, check out my progress then return to graze with one ear always cocked toward the barn.  Like clockwork, soon as Eclipse thought I was near finished he'd go around the building to the barn aisle exit, stand, wait patiently & then follow us down to the gate.

Because he was a fast walker, he usually led the way and set the pace. What a sight!  A Rider Less Horse out in front! We got stares and sometimes accused of having a loose horse. Guess it looked that way, but, Loose horses are usually panicky and don't know where they're going!  Eclipse was never "Loose".  He knew exactly where he was going & what he was doing.  He was happy performing his major role in life & doing an awesome job! He he Short video: Eclipse tacked up twirling cross ties