Taking a horse on trail rides with other horses

[elise]

I hope to get one or both of my horses out on some trail rides or public trails this year. Are there any techniques for keeping your horse in control when meeting other horses?

I've encountered some other horses on one ride prior and it seemed to go well. The other horses were in a corral so it was only interaction over a fence. But I am concerned with what may or may not happen on a trail ride with other horses they've never met.

When my boys were first introduced to their new herd things went fairly smoothly with the exception of the herd boss. Had he not been around I think it would have only been a matter of hours before they were all settled.

Am I worried about nothing?

[Unbridled]

I can't imagine that your horse would be aggressive or fearful of the other horse as long as you kept a safe distance when passing and let him get a good look at them. However, when I'm hacking out alone my mare can get a little nappy and when we meet another horse and rider she almost always tries to follow them even they are going in the opposite direction. Not a big deal because she usually gives up the argument fairly easily...but it's something to keep in mind.