Trail Riding Etiquette

them open or closed.
Wait for gate openersclosers.
Do not disturb wildlife or stock at large.
Always be vigilant for other users in front of you behind you and meeting you at trail intersections. With a friendly greeting do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know youre coming. Strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.
Be friendly toward other trail users. Stop speak answer questions whatever it takes to present a good image of equestrian trail users. When out in the public you are representing all equestrians.
Ride at the level and speed of the least experienced rider.
Before increasing speed get unanimous consent from the group.
Make sure to walk and rest after periods of trotting.
Leave one to two horse lengths between horses. Make sure you can always see the heels of the horse in front of you from between your horses ears.
Road riding can be dangerous. Ride on the right side in single file as far off the road as you safely can. When crossing the road do so only when the way is clear for all horses in your group to cross at the same time.
Allow your horse the opportunity to drink at water crossings. Wait for others in your group to drink before leaving the watering area. Move downstream to allow ample room.
Wait for riders who might be having difficulty crossing water or bridges.
Always remove a tiedown or martingale before crossing water in case you encounter a deep spot. These devices restrict your horses ability to swim.
Warn other riders if you will be passing them from behind and overtake other riders on their left side. Pass oncoming riders left shoulder to left shoulder.
If your horse is getting too close to a tree or obstacle and it looks like he might hit it slightly turn his head toward it and use your inside leg leg closest to the obstacle to yield him away from the obstacle.
Lift low hanging branches up over your head rather than pushing them forward to ensure they dont snap back at the horse behind you.
Use your body position to help maintain your horses balance while traveling uphill tilt your body slightly forward and extend your arms up the horses neck to give him his head and downhill lean upper body back push feet forward in your stirrups so legs are in front of the cinchgirth and hold reins slightly higher than usual.
If you must turn