Trail Etiquette

Remember your horse when you start out in your trailer for the trip to the trail. Give him a few miles to get his sea legs so to speak. Have you ever ridden in the back of a trailer? It is an eye opener to what we subject our horses to! Plan ahead! Slow down and take your turns slowly. When stopping if you gently tap the brake first as a warning to the horses they will learn that the stop is forthcoming and will prepare by adjusting their stance as needed to keep from being thrown off balance. A little thought and care will make your horse more likely to want to go back into the trailer the next time. Be sure you have adequate ventilation. It can be very hot in the back of a closed trailer even in cold weather. Have all equipment in good repair and don't forget to check the spare tire air pressure! It won't do you much good if it is flat! Carry a few basic tools also. Cheap kits are available and don't forget to carry flares, a fire extinguisher and caution signs to use if you break down.

Up hill traffic has the right of way; this includes horses and vehicles. Horses have the right of way on the trail. Horses coming up the trail have the right of way. Wait at the top of a narrow trail for the upcoming horses to get to the top. When meeting other horses take in to consideration which of you can pull off the easiest. When you want to pass ask for permission. "Is it ok to pass now?" Wait for a response in case the other person did not hear you. Always pass at a walk!!! If you approach another group of horses and you are traveling at a faster speed than they are, slow to their speed, ask to pass, and then wait to resume your speed until you are well ahead of the slower riders. When passing, unless it is on a narrow trail where it is unsafe to do so, always pass on the left, just like driving your car.

When watering your horse, after he has had his fill, move off a short way to let the other horses move into the water but do not leave the area until all are ready to leave. Most horses will not stay to drink even if they are thirsty when their buddies are leaving! Remember, horses are herd animals and their instincts tell them that there is safety in numbers. The same wait technique goes for crossing logs, bridges, gates and the like. Let your horse cross then move ahead 10-15 ft and stop, wait till the next rider is over. Keep moving ahead and waiting till the last horse is over before moving off down the trail.

River crossing is much the same idea. If you have a tie down or standing martingale on your horse remember to undo this to cross water as the horse may need the balance of his head to keep from stumbling or worse. If you and another user group come to a bridge at the same time let the other group pass first, then wait until they are safely over and well ahead on the trail before resuming your ride.

If you're in a group and you want to increase your speed ask, "Would you like to trot, gait, canter, etc." and wait for a consensus. When seeking a rest stop in the backcountry while on the trail, try to pick a spot that is as level as possible for all the stock in your group. It is easier for the horse to rest if he is on level ground.

When passing through gates, if they are closed be sure to re-close them. If open, leave them open. Stay OFF private land!!!! Be careful when parking next to private land; do not assume that they won't care if you get just a teeny weenie bit on their land! They may care a great deal about it! Try not to turn around in private driveways. Go a little further up the road to a public spot to turn around. Other trail users judge us by what they see us doing whether it is positive or negative. They make a judgment and apply it, however untrue, to ALL horsemen and horsewomen! It is much easier to make a good first impression than to try to change a negative impression about horses and the people who ride them.

If the ride time is 10:00, be ready to ride at that time, not arrive then. If you need to fit tack and have not done so before a ride, arrive early. It is wise to carry water for your horse, as there is not always water available, also some horses are reluctant to drink strange water. After a ride, is not the time to teach a horse to drink water that is unfamiliar to him. For the consideration of your horse, gage the length of the ride to the condition he is in. Try to get some rides in before a long trail ride. Your horse will be much happier to get in your trailer the next time. When in a group ride do not leave the trail without informing someone of your intentions even if it is just to have a pit stop!

No tailgating the horse in front of you! Stay back far enough so you can see the ground between you and the next rider's horse. Your horse will stumble less and be more attentive to what is on the ground if he can see it! Horses that are prone to kicking or growling (stick there nose out with laid back ears) need to wear a red ribbon in their tail. All though not commonly practiced green horses and/or green riders could be identified with a green ribbon that would alert others to the possibility that the horse's behavior in all situations is not known due to lack of experience.

Lift branches up and over your head not forward, the rider behind you is less likely to get the branch in their face. Warn other riders of an upcoming hole on the trail. When navigating steep hills, keep in mind to keep your body perpendicular to the trees. This keeps you from leaning too far forward or too far back thus keeping you balanced so the horse can concentrate on the trail and helps the rider to stay out of their way. Also pay attention to where the stirrups are. If you are bumping your horse it can be very distracting when they are going up or downhill.

Bees! This is a stinging subject! If bees are encountered on the trail keep your horse moving FORWARD if at all possible so the last rider can get through the area as quickly as possible. Sometimes the first 3-4 riders get through an area with out being aware that those in back are being attacked by bees so yell the warning to the front riders to move on ahead. Move ahead as quickly as it is safe to do so.