Rider Conduct on Horse Trail Rides

Trail riding is the horseman's way of communing with nature. Fresh air, quiet paths, the twittering of birds, possibly a spooked deer - it's a magical time when you are astride your favorite horse.

This beauty, peace and quiet comes with some responsibility, however. Whether you head out alone to enjoy your horse and the great outdoors, or ride with a horse buddy, or ride in a group, or join your riding club on a monthly trail ride, manners are important. Acting with courtesy and consideration will assure an invitation to come again.

The Old Gray Mare Has Some Advice

The Old Gray Mare advises that, first and foremost, you need to be certain that you are permitted to ride the trail you have chosen. Don't merely assume that you can ride on a path or trail because it is there - Get permission first. Many landowners will grant you access to their land if you leave it the way you found it AND if you get permission first. If you ride on a dirt road, you will need to obey all rules of the road. There are many state forests or public lands; not all of them permit horse riders. Know where you can or cannot ride.

Use Common Sense

Here are a few common-sense guidelines for you. Adhere to them and you will always be invited back.

Tip 1 - If you are riding with others and your horse kicks, braid or pin a bright red ribbon on his tail. This is a signal to the other riders to "Stay Away" - this horse is a kicker. If your horse is uneasy or swishy around other horses, use the red ribbon signal as well.

Tip 2 - Do not gallop or canter at high speed around your group of horses or others that you may encounter on your trail ride. Always slow to a trot/jog or walk. Not only is it rude to fly past others on the trail, it is dangerous. The other horses may get spooked and you do not want anyone to get hurt.

Tip 3 - Do not yell, shout or make unnecessary noise (unless there is a problem). This is quiet time and mental therapy for trail riders.

Tip 4 - Slow down around corners. Stay on the right side of the path, trail or dirt road on which you are riding. Always be aware of sounds - these days, you are sharing the trails with many interested trail people - they could be on dirt bikes, cross country motorbikes, four-wheelers. On dirt roads you will probably encounter the occasional car or motorcycle.

Tip 5 - Leave gates as you find them - This is a standard trail riding rule.

Tip 6 - Always help someone that is in trouble on the trail. Stop and offer to help. In this day and age of technology, your cellphone should be on the trail with you and your horse and, on a social ride, with your group.

Tip 7 - Do not trash the surroundings. Leave the trail as you found it. Beer & soda cans, candy wrappers, plastic and paper waste do nothing to improve the beauty of nature. Add only your hoofprints. And, The Old Gray Mare cautions that you should stay on the trail to leave vegetation and delicate plant life undamaged.

And the most important: Tip 8 - At the end of your ride, take excellent care of your horse. Do not short-change your horse now that he just carried you for miles across the countryside. Make sure he is not hot and, if he is, walk him to cool him down. Rub him down, clean out his hooves, give him hay and offer him water (provided he is not hot). Always care for your horse before you think of yourself.

Trail riding is terrific. Do it often and do it with manners.

Happy hoofprints to you!

This article and other horse articles by The Old Gray Mare can be found at www.DressYourHorse.com