The Trail Rider's Handbook

     Because trail riding activities take place outside the confines of the training pen, many unpredictable factors affect you and your horse. This situation requires the implementation of common sense, rider etiquette, safety guidelines and trail ride rules. All of them should be practiced whether you ride alone, with a small group or with a large number of other trail riders.

A Trail Rider's Code of Ethics

A Good Trail Rider:

  1. Respects private property.
  2. Respects the rights of other trail users.
  3. Respects the authority of the Trail Boss.
  4. Respect nature and the environment.
  5. Leaves only hoofprints to tell of his passing.
  6. Never abuses his horse.
  7. Respects the wishes and requirements of his host
  8. Takes good care of his horse at rest stops and at camp.
  9. Rides only on the route indentified as the trail.
  10. Always camps in authorized areas.
  11. Never drinks alcohol while mounted or in public.
  12. Always proceeds at a walk when riding in heavily used or congested areas.
  13. Tries to help riders in trouble or riders with less experience than himself.
  14. Avoids showing off.
  15. Has control of his horse at all times.
  16. Is saddled and ready on time.

A Trail Rider's Guide to Safety Awareness

  1. Tie a red ribbon to your horse's tail if he is known to be cranky or kick. Better still, work with your horse to train him not to kick.
  2. Keep 2 horse lengths between you and the horse ahead. Crowding leads to upset horses and kicking.
  3. Inform others of your intention to pass. Pass only at a walk and on the left.
  4. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Long pants, shirt with sleeves and boots or shoes with a heel will make your ride safer and more enjoyable.
  5. Don't pass the Trail Boss without his permission. He is aware of the trail hazards, you are not.
  6. Never leave the ride without informing the Drag Rider or the Trail Boss. They will decide if the ride should wait for you or continue.
  7. Don't let branches snap back at the rider behind you. Instead, lift the branch up and over your head.
  8. Inform the Trail Boss if you don't feel comfortable with any obstacle or pace. You are not obligated to attempt anything you don't want to such as steep hills, river crossings, cantering. You know your capabilities and your horse's better than anyone, and you are responsible for your own safety.
  9. When riding on the road, always ride on the right hand side and as far off the road as you safely can. Even though horses do have a right to the road the same as vehicles, drivers today are not educated about this fact, and it is a dangerous place to be.
  10. When riding on the road, ride in single file with an experienced horse in the lead and another bringing up the rear.
  11. When crossing a road, do so only when the way is clear for all horses in your group to make it across. Cross quickly at a walk and directly across to the opposite shoulder.

A Trail Rider's Guide To Environmental Awareness

  1. Do not litter. What you carried in, you can carry out. And if you have room pick up what others have carelessly left behind.
  2. Do not smoke while riding. Instead, dismount at a designated spot chosen by the Trail Boss, and carefully butt out, completely. You don't want to be responsible for a forest fire.
  3. Leave your campsite neat and tidy. Spread your manure or deposit it where your hosts have asked you to. Don't leave large quantities of hay behind. Return your site to as natural looking as possible.
  4. Do not damage crops. Access to farmland does not mean galloping across planted fields. Carefully ride single file around the edge of any crops or stay on a path. This also applies to lawns while riding in residential areas.
  5. Stay on the trail path. Deviations from the path lead to unnecessary destruction of vegetation.
  6. Keep your horse moving while dropping manure. Small lumps disappear more quickly and don't inconvenience other trail users.
  7. Spread any piles of manure your horse may drop while at rest stops.
  8. Never allow your horse to damage trees by chewing or pawing, while tied at rest stops.

A Trail Rider's Guide to Public Awareness

  1. Be friendly towards other trail users. Stop, speak, answer questions, whatever it takes to present a good image of equestrian trail users.
  2. Present a neat appearance while riding. Remember that you represent all equestrians while in public.
  3. Drinking and riding do not mix. Confine your alcohol to your camp area.
  4. Have control of your horse at all times. If necessary, dismount and lead your horse through areas of high activity. If you remain mounted, proceed no faster than a walk
  5. Respect private property. Get permission from landowners to use their land. Leave gates as you find them and don't bother livestock. Never cut fences.
  6. It is recommended that all trail riders carry 3rd party liability insurance. Check with your agent.
  7. Any child under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

A Trail Rider's Guide to Equine Awareness

  1. Condition your horse and yourself before venturing out on a long trail ride.
  2. Maintain your horse with a healthy diet, regular vaccination, shoeing and worming program.
  3. Allow your horse to drink along the trail whenever water is accessible.
  4. Teach your horse to picket or tie quietly and safely.
  5. Use only equipment in good repair. Bring spares of necessary equipment such as reins, girth and halter.
  6. Stallions are the direct responsibility of the rider/owner. Check with the Ride Hosts before bringing a stallion to a ride. Junior riders should not ride a stallion.
  7. If you use a tie-down or fixed martingale, make sure you undo it before allowing your horse access to deep water.

A Trail Rider's Guide to Campsite Etiquette

  1. Respect your hosts wishes regarding dogs. Do not bring any dog if the hosts have asked you not to. If dogs are allowed in camp, they must be leashed at all times. Remember the dog must be left in camp all day, so provide the necessary comforts to keep the dog happy and quiet until you return.
  2. Notify your hosts of your attendance with a phone call, if they have asked for an RSVP.
  3. Be self-sufficient for all your needs. Bring your own food, toilet and camping supplies as well as all your horse's feed and equipment.
  4. Water is usually provided but be considerate of rural water supplies.
  5. Campfires are permitted in designated areas only. Check with your hosts before lighting one.
  6. Keep your campsite clean and take your garbage home with you.
  7. Dispose of manure by spreading it around or as per the instructions of your hosts. If in doubt, ask.