Trail Etiquette
Submitted by: Vicki Badura

Horsemen riding on trails face their own unique set of challenges. Encountering other horses, dogs, bicycles, ATV's, hikers, and whatever else may cross your path, can be an exciting part of your ride, or can be a recipe for disaster. Being prepared, and knowing how to respond to an unexpected situation, can make trail riding safer for you and your horse.

Trail courtesy is largely dependent on the attitude of the individuals involved. It's rare that you'll have a problem with someone using the same mode of transportation, but most of us don't know what problems to anticipate when meeting other types of trail users.

In all cases common sense and courtesy are more important than who has the right of way. Usually a horseman will hear a motorcycle approaching before it comes into sight. Look for a chance to pull off the trail. When meeting several horses, a motorcycle rider should shut off his engine and move off the trail. When overtaking a horse rider from behind, the motorcyclist should stay well behind until the horseman can find a suitable spot to get off the trail, and allow the cyclist to pass.

Encounters between hikers and horsemen are common and shouldn't present a problem if each respects the other's situation. A horseman's primary concern is the control of his animal. Sometimes this leaves little time for social amenities, and may make the horseman appear to be arrogant. A horseman must remember that his animals are his responsibility, and that other trail users have every right to be on the trail, and deserve common courtesy. A hiker with a back pack can appear as a horse-eating monster to your mount. Offer a friendly "Hello," and if the hiker doesn't respond, let him know that it's important for him to say something, so that your horse can recognize him as a human, and not be frightened. The hiker should step off the trail on the downhill side, and the rider should continue to talk to the hiker, until his mount passes by, so the animal will be aware of the hiker's presence. If you do decide to stop and chat, it's good manners to dismount, so you don't give the air of the "Lord of the Manor" talking down to someone.

When passing other horses, three basic rules are you use the right hand side of the trail, a smaller group should yield to a larger one, and a pack string has the right of way. We can't always choose the places where we have to pass other trail users, so use your discretion and always keep safety in mind. Naturally, children and novices deserve extra consideration.

Trail Riding Basics:

1. Never tie your horse by the reins. Use a lead rope and halter.

2. Don't tailgate! Allow 2-3 horse lengths between you, and the rider in front of you. A red ribbon tied in the tail is the universal sign that the horse will kick.

3. When crossing water, allow adequate time for each animal to drink. If your horse gets a drink, then you ride off, the horse behind you will get anxious, and won't take the time to drink.

4. Don't cut switchbacks. It creates a new tread which causes erosion, and gullies, destroying the main trail.

5. When tying a horse for a rest break, make sure you select a strong live tree. Tie your horse far enough away from other animals so no problems can happen. Loosen the girth a little to let your horse relax and breath, just remember to tighten it up before you go again. For longer breaks, take off the bridle too. If your horse paws the ground, use a method of restraint, such as hobbles, to prevent damage to the tree. Pawing damages the tree roots, and will eventually kill the tree.

6. If tying your horse for an extended time, and a suitable place isn't available (such as your trailer), use a highline, or better yet, a portable electric corral, so you create minimum impact on the land.

7. Don't smoke or drink alcohol while on the trail.

8. Take a small first aid kit with you, and be familiar with it's contents, and how to use it. What works on a person, will also work on a horse.

9. Always let someone know where you're going, what route you're taking, and when you expect to be back. This way if the unexpected happens, valuable time is saved, when a search team knows where to start looking.

10. Take gear for inclement weather, such as a slicker and hat cover, and have a small survival kit for emergencies. Your survival kit should also include a whistle, mirror, compass, and map of the area.

11. Don't try out new gear on a trail. Getting caught in a downpour, and then discovering your horse won't let you get near him with a slicker on, can be very unpleasant.

12. Check out the area you'll be riding in ahead of time, and know whether or not water is available. Always carry potable water with you, and don't assume that there will be horse water available. It's best to take your own.

13. Don't shovel the manure out of your trailer and leave it at the trailhead. Use good manners, and take your messes home with you.

14. When riding in a group, let someone know if you need to stop, or leave the group for a short time.

15. Gear your ride to the ability of the slowest, or most novice rider.

By following these common sense guidelines, and using courtesy on the trail, you create a safe and enjoyable experience for yourself, your mount, and for other trail users. Now go hit the trail!

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