What should you do if you get lost while horseback riding?
If you get lost on horseback, stop, keep your horse calm and settled, and look for trail markers, landmarks or your position on your phone's map. Retrace your route if you know it. Don't push a tired horse into unknown terrain or fading light. If you can't find your way, stay in an open, safe spot, keep your phone on your body, and call 911 if you're in danger, hurt, or separated from your horse.
Step by step
01Halt and settle your horse
Stop somewhere safe with good footing. A horse picks up on your stress, and a tense horse is more likely to spook. Take a breath and let the horse rest while you think.
02Find your position
Check the map on your phone for your location and the trail you were on; the blue dot works from GPS even with no bars if you downloaded the map. Look for trail markers, fence lines, water troughs, power lines or roads. Think about the last gate or junction you knew for certain.
03Backtrack along known trail
If you can follow the trail back the way you came, do that at a walk. Unknown trails can have drop-offs, bogs or fallen trees your horse can't safely cross. Leading on foot through tricky sections may be safer.
04Don't rely on your horse to find home
Some horses head toward the barn when given their head, but they may take a route that's unsafe for a rider or leave the trail entirely. Use it as a clue at most. You're still the one navigating.
05If you're hurt or separated, stay put and call
If you've fallen and your horse has gone, stay where you are rather than wandering on foot in riding boots. Call 911 if you're injured or in danger, and say you were on horseback so searchers know a loose horse may turn up elsewhere. Keep your phone in a pocket on your body, not in the saddlebag.
06Keep your Guardians informed
If you started a Holler live link, your Guardians can see your last known location and the trail you rode in on. Press SOS to notify them with your location if you need help, then make the 911 call yourself, since Holler doesn't contact emergency services. Our horseback riding safety page covers route planning and what your Guardian should know.
Related questions
What if my horse comes home without me?
Whoever's at the barn should check your live link and try to reach you. If they can't, they should call 911 with your last known location and route. Agree on that plan before you ride.
Should I dismount while I figure it out?
If the ground is uneven or your horse is anxious, dismounting and holding the reins can be safer. On good footing, staying mounted keeps you higher and more visible. Use your judgment.
How do I avoid getting lost on trail rides?
Ride known trails when alone, download an offline map, and leave your route and return time with someone at the barn. Our trip plan explainer covers what to include, and what to carry when horseback riding alone covers the kit.
How do I keep my phone alive while I sort it out?
Turn on Low Power Mode, dim the screen and check your map in short bursts instead of leaving it open. Keep the phone warm in an inside pocket, since cold drains batteries fast. If you have signal, send one clear message with your coordinates before you start experimenting with routes.
What if night falls before I find the trail?
Stop in an open, sheltered spot with safe footing, dismount, and hold or tie your horse where it can't tangle itself. Riding blind through unknown woods risks a fall for both of you. Put on every layer you have, use your phone light sparingly, and blow a whistle in sets of three if you hear searchers or voices.
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Sources, checked September 2026: National Park Service: Outdoor Emergency Plan, U.S. Forest Service: If you get lost, Apple Support: Use Low Power Mode to save battery life on your iPhone.
More safety answers, or see the safety guides.