Ride Safe - Essentials When Riding the Trails

Make a Plan
Plan your ride and route in advance. Make sure the area and trails allow horses.  It is best to not ride alone if you do let someone know where you are going and when to expect you back.  Even if you are riding with a group it is good practice to let someone know where you are riding and when to expect the group back.  Be aware of the wildlife you may encounter in the area and plan accordingly.  Pennsylvania currently has seventeen state forests and thousands of miles of forestry roads designated equestrian trails and shareduse trails open to trailriding enthusiasts.  For more information about horseback riding in Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests visit Horseback Riding in State Parks and Forests.

When riding during early September through December keep in mind large and small game hunting seasons. In Pennsylvania you may choose to limit your riding to Sundays which traditionally is the day off for hunting. Recent changes in hunting regulations by the Pennsylvania Game Commission now provide hunters with three select Sunday dates to hunt. These dates change from year to year. Reference the PA Hunting and Trapping Digest when planning a ride during these months.
Check your Tack and Equipment
Riding equipment should be clean and in good working condition free of rot and frays. The saddle should fit you and your horse properly.  It should not pinch the horses withers shoulders back or loin and the girth should not pinch behind the horses elbow.  Now is also a good time to make sure your stirrups are adjusted properly the bottom of the stirrup should reach the ankle bone of the rider when the foot is out of the stirrup.
Other General Guidelines for Riding Safely on the Trail
Wear a properly fitted riding helmet. For more information on how to choose

the proper design and fit for your riding needs visit our article How Hard is Your Head?
Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings and watch for other horses acting up or situations that may frighten your horse.
Always ride at the speed that is comfortable and safe for the least experienced rider in the group.
Avoid riding away from other horses in the group especially from a horse that has a buddy.
Depending on temperament and experience of horses and riders in your group you may ride abreast shoulder to shoulder.
Try to avoid horses that do not like your horse or vice