Robert Eversole

Robert Eversole, ”the trail meister,” owns www.TrailMeister.com, the largest database of horse riding and camping areas in the U.S. with free trail and trailhead information, trail maps, and much more to help horse enthusiasts experience the joys of trail riding. Robert is a registered riding instructor with PATH International, a mounted search and rescue team member, and a U.S. Marine who has served on the board of the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington (BCHW). He is enjoying his new career helping fellow trail riders stay found and safe on the trail. When not on the trail, The Trail Meister resides near Spokane, WA and teaches land navigation to a wide variety of outdoor groups across the nation. For North America’s largest horse trail and camping directory, trail tips, and more, visit www.TrailMeister.com.

Trail Savvy: I Don’t Need All That Fancy Stuff

December 6, 2024 by Robert Eversole

Training at home leads to safety and control on the trail. Photo Courtesy Robert Eversole.

Trail Horses Need Training for Control and Safety I recently read one of Ty Evans’ reflections on training and the standards we should aim for with our animals. A sentiment he often hears is, “I don’t need any of that fancy stuff; I just want to go down the trail.” …

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Trail Savvy: You’re Rushing!

November 26, 2024 by Robert Eversole

Photo Courtesy Robert Eversole

Slow Down and Breathe for Effective Training Mr. Thomas, my high school band director, was notorious for his temper. He’d hurl his baton at students when they didn’t follow his instructions. I was terrified of him. Despite our rocky relationship, he instilled a few lessons in me that have stuck …

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Trail Savvy: Just Say Hello!

October 8, 2024 by Robert Eversole

Adobe stock photo FILE #: 314018742

Greetings on the Trail Make the World a Friendlier Place There’s a French saying: simple comme bonjour, which means “as simple as hello.” It’s a perfect reminder of how much a friendly greeting does, especially when you’re on the trail. Whether we’re riding horses, hiking, or biking, tossing out a …

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Trail Savvy: Navigating Risks on the Trail

September 25, 2024September 11, 2024 by Robert Eversole

Photo Courtesy Robert Eversole

A Guide for Equine Adventurers A few years ago, along the Canadian border in the Pasayten Wilderness, we noticed a thick smoke plume rising in the distance. Haze began to fill the basin where we camped. The plume was ominously between us and the direction of our route back to …

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Trail Savvy: Trail Maps and Why You Need Them

August 15, 2024August 15, 2024 by Robert Eversole

All images courtesy Robert Eversole

Tips for Understanding Topo Maps Taking the time to look at a map before leaving the barn can help you plan the ride ahead. Understanding the basic parts of a map will help you “stay found” and know what’s ahead and around as you navigate safely from trailhead to viewpoint …

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Trail Savvy: Six Principles to Better Horsemanship

July 29, 2024July 5, 2024 by Robert Eversole

Photo Courtesy Robert Eversole

Ideas to Foster Growth, Resilience, and Effectiveness While doing clinics at Equifest in Kansas, I paused to check out the weekly Ty Evans newsletter. I’m glad I did. Ty posted a list of six principles of a high-performance mindset, gleaned from Justin Su’a, a mental performance coach for elite athletes. …

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Trail Savvy: Getting Past the Spook

June 24, 2024 by Robert Eversole

Ruger and the mule-eating stump. Photo by Robert Eversole

Prepare with a Pre-ride Checklist and Practiced Training We’ve all been there: headed down the trail and our mount suddenly decides to exit the area, posthaste. How we respond to that event determines whether the ride is over or if it’s no big deal. My bestest boy mule, Ruger, encountered …

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Trail Savvy: Five Ways to be a Better Client for Your Farrier

May 9, 2024 by Robert Eversole

Photo Courtesy Robert Eversole

A Great Farrier is a Horse Owner’s Best Friend My mule Ellie kicked my farrier, Alex. It was a stark reminder of my oversight as I hadn’t upheld my end of the bargain and had neglected to train her appropriately. That was a few years ago, and I’ve learned a …

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Trail Savvy: Caring for Trails after a Wildfire

April 26, 2024 by Robert Eversole

Volunteer Efforts are Needed to Restore Burned Trails Unfortunately, wildfire racing across the landscape is a story that repeats itself every year. As forests burn, they take a toll on popular recreation areas and natural resources; wildfire recovery is becoming the norm for trail maintainers across the U.S. The devastation …

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Trail Savvy: No Round Pen? No Problem!

March 28, 2024March 23, 2024 by Robert Eversole

Photo Courtesy Robert Eversole

Find Horse Training Success in Less-than-ideal Situations A round pen is one of those items that has been on my wish list for a while. Everywhere you look, it seems that a round pen is a “must-have” piece of equipment if you’re going to be serious about your horsemanship; I …

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Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

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