It's one thing to just cover the miles, but to be great (and safe!) on the trail you need to develop a partnership and reliable communication with your horse. Practicing for obstacles develops the relationship and trust, as well as prepares us for things we may encounter along the trail or in camp.
What are things you can practice at home to prepare yourself and your horse?
From the ground:
Trot in hand
Longe in hand
Reverse direction of longe
Mount with horse remaining still
Dismount with horse remaining still
Off side mount with horse remaining still
Off side dismount with horse remaining still
Back between two objects
Back uphill
Back around an object
Side pass
Allow strangers to pick up their feet and rub and push all over them
Stand calm for 10 minutes (around other horses!)
Load into a strange trailer
While Mounted:
Back between two objects
Back uphill
Back around an object
Side pass
Step over a large log, stop and stand for a count of 10
Walk cleanly over a set of limbs or logs
Step horse's front feet onto ledge, stop and stand
Dismount onto an object and remount
Side pass over a log, both directions
Open and close a gate
Walk over a bridge
Turn on the forequarters
Turn on the hindquarters
Walk up hill (no rushing)
Walk down hill (no rushing)
Walk into a large open cave
Stop on an incline and tie a ribbon on limb
Trot for 10 minutes without stopping
Trot a figure eight
Trot, stop when told
Trot over logs without breaking stride
Canter with a designated lead
Canter, stop when told
Cross water
Back into water
Go down the side of a deep ravine
Go up the side of a deep ravine
Drag a large limb
Pony another horse
Put on and take off a rain coat