TRAIL RIDING: We're not horsin' around ... state parks are 
the perfect place to saddle up and ride. Details just 
ahead on Passport to Texas. 
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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife 

While driving is the way most folks enter a state 
park ... Barbara McKnight says once inside ... you can see 
more of the natural beauty of your surroundings ... on hay 
power.

"Something about riding a horse ... looking at things is so much 
better. You're more likely to see wildlife. When we're riding out 
in different places, we see bobcats and other things that will hear 
the engine of a car or smell it and they'll leave."

As a member of the Texas Equestrian Trail Riders 
Association, she says state parks offer the perfect 
opportunity for exploring while on a horse. But before 
you hit the trail, there are a few safety precautions you 
should be aware of ... 

"The horse you want for trail riding needs to be totally unflappable, 
things shouldn't scare it. It should be brave about walking up a 
hill, through water and over bridges, and things of that sort. And 
the main thing you need to be sure you understand that horse and 
know how to control it."

Coming up on tomorrow's show, we'll saddle up and ride 
to one state park where horses have their own 
campground. 

Find a listing of state parks with equestrian facilities on 
the Texas Parks and Wildlife web site.

That's our show for today ... For Texas Parks and Wildlife, 
I'm Cecilia Nasti.