I rode with the Back Country Horsemen for years.  We cleaned trails for the US Forest Service and rode for pure enjoyment, exploring many out of the way mountain trails in Montana.

    To enjoy your trail riding experiences, first and foremost, you must be comfortable with your horse.  This means you have a working relationship with your mount.  He/she knows the basics and will stop when you ask, travel at the speed you ask and perform calmly when asked to stay behind the other horses.

     There's only room for one leader on most trails, if your horse refuses to stay behind the other horses, you're constantly fighting him to remain in your place on the trail.  Pulling back constantly on the reins will only irritate him.  Don't use a steady pull, use a pull and release tactic if your horse gets antsy about being in line with other horses.  Instead of pulling on both reins at the same time, alternate your hands, gently pull one rein, release and then pull the other rein.  This is a light touch, not a hard pull.  It's not a steady pull.  It's something to keep your horse entertained.

Practise these techniques when you're home, riding by yourself or with your friends so your horse knows what you want him to do when you begin slowing him down.  The second your horse responds by dropping his chin, let go the rein.

If your horse is really stubborn about following other horses, try this technique at home with your friends.  Each time your horse tries to get in front of the pack, turn him in a circle and encourage him to walk.  Each time he breaks into a trot to keep up, turn him in another circle.  Have your friends slow down so you can catch them at a walk so your horse doesn't get to frantic.  Keep this up until your horse knows, if he breaks into a trot, he turns a circle.

It takes a lot of practise and constant training but using these techniques, you can enjoy your trail ride.