Trail Etiquette
When riding trails, please use good trail etiquette:
- Arrive early for organized rides and be mounted at the scheduled departure time. This shows consideration for the other riders and prevents panic in horses left behind. Organized rides will leave on time.
- Maintain the pace set by the lead horse.
- Tie a red ribbon on the tail of a horse known to kick.
- Tie a green ribbon on the tail of an inexperienced horse.
- When riding single file, stay at least one-horse length behind the horse in front of you and avoid crowding horses when stopping.
- If you must pass, alert the horse ahead of you of your request to pass and pass at a safe and open location.
- If you must stop, state, “hold up!” to alert other riders.
- Don’t stop when going uphill if there is another horse behind you.
- Proceed at a walk unless all riders agree to change the gait.
- Alert others behind you to obstacles that might be unseen to them (low branch, by-pass area, deer, etc.). Push branches up, instead of aside, to avoid them snapping back at the horse and rider behind you or let the rider behind know that there’s a swinging branch.
- Please leave your dog back at the trailer or at home. Do not bring dogs on trail rides.
- Conduct yourself in a manner that is respectful of all riders. Offensive behavior will not be tolerated.