Trail Riding Etiquette

Etiquette and safety are closely related in many cases a lack of one creates a breach of the other. Poor etiquette typically leads to unsafe situations while good etiquette paves the trail for a safe riding experience. It is the right and responsibility of every trail user to ensure their own safety and eم safe practices from other trail users. Exercise caution at all times and follow guidelines and rules of the trails. Contribute to a safer outdoor experience for all trail users by always practicing the 3 Cs of Trail Etiquette Courtesy Communication and Common Sense.

Trail etiquette rules indicate cyclists must yield to hikers and horses and hikers must yield to horses. Though most hikers and bikers will yield the rightofway to horses remember that many folks do not have experience with horses and may not know what to do. Trail etiquette and safety calls for cyclists to yield to hikers and horses and hikers to yield to horses.
As a rider you have the responsibility to manage your animals on the trail. It is not recommended to bring green horses to multiuse trails.
Make sure the trail matches your horses current fitness level. Horses need to build their strength and endurance gradually just like humans.
Check your tack regularly for proper fit.
Never go trail riding alone. Always let someone know where you plan to ride and approximately when you expect to return.
Protect your head wear an ASTMSEI certified riding helmet. There are ample studies proving the benefits of wearing approved headgear when participating in equestrian and nonequestrian recreational activities.
Carry a cell phone trail map and compass on your body not on your horse.
Attach an identification tag to your horses gear.
Tie a red ribbon on your horses tail if he has been known to kick.
Carry a first aid kit for human and horse.
Know how to monitor your horses vital signs.
Balance the load in your saddle bags as evenly as possible to within a few ounces.
Use insect repellent on both you and your horse.
Do not bring an offleash dog on the trail.
Alcohol and riding do not mix. Confine your alcohol consumption to your camp area.
Dismount to smoke. Ensure the cigarette butt is completely extinguished and pack it out with you.
Respect private property. Permission to access farmland should be obtained prior to the ride. Carefully ride single file around the edge of any crops or stay on the path. Leave gates as you find