- Breeding
- The History of Horse Breeding
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- Horse Breeding, Part 1: The Estrous Cycle
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- It's Hard to Get Back to Basics When You Haven't Been There To Start!
- Two-track to Slow Your Horse's Gaits
- Equestrian Education: Choosing the Right Horse School
- Horses & History
- Horsing around the Sierra Madre - 1974 Style.
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- Horses in Art: An Abridged History
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- Halter Horse Show
Riding on the Horse Trail: A Guide to Etiquette
05/26/2008
Riding on a horse trail is a fun, empowering experience – breaking the fence of the pasture and taking to the trail makes you feel attached to history. But there are guidelines that need to be followed, both for the enjoyment and safety of everyone i
Riding on a horse trail is a fun, empowering experience – breaking the fence of the pasture and taking to the trail makes you feel attached to history. But there are guidelines that need to be followed, both for the enjoyment and safety of everyone involved.
1. Check what trail you’re riding! Make sure it actually is a horse trail. It seems obvious, but you don’t want to be riding on a trail not designated for you.
2. Stay to the right. It works just like you are driving. Staying to the right is a way to decrease the risk of head-on collisions and other trail accidents.
3. Use common courtesy. The general right-of-way rule is that bikers and hikers yield to the horseman. But don’t take advantage of that rule. Be respectful of every person’s right to be on that trail.
4. Be aware and defensive. Again, this works just like when you are driving. Look at your surroundings. Listen to make sure there are no other riders around. By just paying attention, you greatly protect yourself and others from accidents.
5. Wait at the top of the hill. Check to make sure that there is no uphill traffic before you start heading down. If there is, let them go first.
6. Be polite. You are there to enjoy yourself. Guess what? So is everyone else. Smile at other hikers, riders, and bikers on the trail. Be friendly so everyone can enjoy the day.
7. If you see a hiker with a backpack on, initiate a friendly “Hello.” This is for the benefit of your horse. Your horse may know what a person looks like, but it might not recognize a person with a backpack on. By initiating a conversation, you are telling your horse to remain calm. And since you are riding that horse, you want it to remain calm at all times, right?
8. Initiate conversation for intimidated hikers. Oftentimes they do not know how to react when a large horse comes towards them. Make them feel safe and break the intimidation factor.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that a nice, relaxing ride can be had for yourself and those around you.
