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Swiss Trail Riding Academy

..take the reigns and be the leader.

The trail riding academy does not provide classic riding training, but rather sound knowledge and understanding for independent, responsible trail riding.

The focus is on selecting the right horse, providing species-appropriate care and feeding at home and on the go, as well as preparing, planning and carrying out trail rides.

Topics such as navigation in the field, assessment of terrain, weather and distances, equipment, logistics and responsibility for horse and rider are central components of the training.

The aim is to enable riders to plan and carry out trail rides safely, in a way that is appropriate for the horse and independently – up to and including leadership responsibility.

The qualification is either a diploma in cross-country riding (without map reading skills) or a diploma in trail riding (with map reading skills).

In addition, an emergency shoeing course and a first aid course are mandatory parts of the training.

  • Online Course Trail Riding
    Online Course Trail Riding
    Wed, Apr 01
    Apr 01, 2026, 8:00 AM – 8:05 AM
    Via Email
    online questionnaire as a course basis
  • Basic Course 1 - Cross-Country and Trail Riding
    Basic Course 1 - Cross-Country and Trail Riding
    May 22, 2026, 8:00 AM – May 25, 2026, 5:00 PM
    Schleitheim, Hinterer Wetzenhof, 8226 Schleitheim, Switzerland
    1. For trail and long-distance riders. Online course: one-time fee of €200.-- 3 x 2 weekends: €240.-- per weekend, plus accommodation and meals. Payment: The course is payable 30 days prior to the start date as follows: Online course €200.-- plus €240.-- for the first course session. Subsequent course sessions can be paid in cash.
  • 1st Course - Cross-Country and Trail Riding
    1st Course - Cross-Country and Trail Riding
    Jun 04, 2026, 8:00 AM – Jun 07, 2026, 5:00 PM
    Schleitheim, Hinterer Wetzenhof, 8226 Schleitheim, Switzerland
    Basic course for cross-country and trail riders. Online course one-off 200.-- 3 x 2 weekends per weekend 240.-- plus accommodation and meals Payment: The course is to be paid 30 days before the start as follows: Online course 200.-- plus 240.-- for the first part of the course. The other parts of the course can be paid in cash.
  • Supplementary course for trail riders: First aid and emergency shoeing
    Supplementary course for trail riders: First aid and emergency shoeing
    Jun 13, 2026, 8:00 AM – Jun 14, 2026, 5:00 PM
    Schleitheim, Hinterer Wetzenhof, 8226 Schleitheim, Switzerland
    4. Advanced course for trail and long-distance riding. CHF 340
  • Online Course Trail Riding
    Online Course Trail Riding
    Sat, Jun 20
    Jun 20, 2026, 8:00 AM – Jun 21, 2026, 5:00 PM
    Via Email, 8226 Schleitheim, Switzerland
    online questionnaire as a course basis

1st Course Cross-Country and Trail Riding

trail riders in the mountains
3 x 2 days theory and practice

Part 1

  • Requirements for trail riding

  • trail riding horses

  • husbandry and feeding

  • education and training

Part 2

  • trail ride planning

  • orientation

  • riding organization

  • equipment

  • accommodation horse

Part 2

  • riding rights

  • Security

  • Regulate

  • hoof protection

  • poisonous plants

2nd Supplementary Course Emergency Shoeing / First Aid

hoof care
2 days of theory and practice
emergency shoeing course
  • We practice on the dead hoof,

  • remove iron,

  • judging

  • emergency fitting

  • barefoot care

  • and hoof protection

first aid

first aid course
We develop different scenarios of accidents and

learn how to react correctly.
1st Aid for Humans and Horses

3rd Test Ride for Trail Riders

Horse Riding in the Valley
2 days according to map in unknown terrain
cross-country rider - trail rider exam

We are on the road for two days and spend the night outside. Everyone leads the group for part of the ride.
We cross streets and

cross bridges.
There is a written test on the level of knowledge.

  • Cross-country riders ride in familiar terrain, which means that map reading and orientation in the terrain are not tested.

  • Trail rider rides in unfamiliar terrain and map reading is tested.

4. Supplementary Course Cross-Country Riding Guide / Trail Riding Guide

Couple's Ride
2 days of theory and practice
Preparation for trail riding or cross-country riding
Leader

Leadership qualifications at the trail riding academy

Further training for leadership qualifications can begin no earlier than one year after passing the examination as a cross-country rider or trail rider.

This training course consists of two weekends. The first weekend focuses on theoretical and practical content related to leading groups, organization, and responsibility in the field.

The second weekend is dedicated to the practical riding test. The candidate independently organizes and leads a trail ride, bringing along three of their own participants.

Upon successful completion, the diploma for trail riding guide or long-distance riding guide is awarded.

You will receive documents for the ride, including information on insurance and legal matters.

You are preparing a 3-day ride, including the announcement and ride planning.

You have already completed at least 20 days of riding with a guide.

and completed a first aid course less than 12 months ago.

5. Test ride cross-country riding guide / trail riding guide

riders in the mountains
2 days in unknown terrain according to map
Trail Riding Guide/Cross-Country Riding Guide Examination

You bring at least 3 participants to the test and lead the group over 2 days in familiar terrain or unfamiliar terrain using a map.

You will be faced with some challenges and will have to answer a written questionnaire.

Experience from my own autonomous long-distance rides
These experiences are incorporated into our preparation, safety, and training concepts.
Tschiffely Ride Logo 2017 blue.jpg
3500 km
2015
Los Andes
Argentinia
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3000 km
2017
Athens - Kassel
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5000 km
2018 & 2020
CDT
Continental Divide
Trail USA
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1600 km
2022 & 2024
GDT
Great Divide
Trail Canada
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© 2023 by Peter van der Gugten

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