Post by Calaminty Jane on Apr 11, 2014 8:09:18 GMT -5
Tips to Trail Horse Riding Safety and Etiquette
Trail riding is an equestrian activity that any rider can accomplish safely with the right equipment and training. As with any outdoor activity, there are inherent dangers associated with trail riding. Even though many unexpected things can happen on the trail, most trail riding accidents are preventable.
Because more of us are sharing our public lands, all users must get along and work together to help maintain our trails and keep them open. Below are some suggestions to help you ride safely and practice good etiquette on multi-user trails. The most important rules when trail riding are to use common sense and have fun!
Be prepared. Even if you have ridden the trail before, gain as much knowledge as you can about its condition before you start out. Let someone know where you are going, including your anticipated return time, and stick to your plan. While you should ride with a buddy, this is critical if you are riding alone. Bring a good map and compass/GPS. Know the weather forecast. Be familiar with the signs of heat stress, dehydration, and hypothermia in people and horses, as well as treatment and prevention options. Avoid strenuous activity and hard riding during the heat of the day. Always carry a first aid kit (human and horse), survival kit, bandana, watch, whistle, insect repellent, sunscreen, knife or leatherman tool, poncho, and flashlight (with extra batteries).
Some other useful items to bring include an Easyboot®, duct tape, ziplock bags, nylon cord, leather strings, safety pins, pliers, and hoof pick. Bring plenty of food. Be prepared to be out all day if you plan to ride for a few hours, and be prepared to spend the night if you are going on an all day ride. Cell phones will be useless in many remote areas; however, you may be able to walk a short distance or to the top of a mountain to get reception if you have an emergency. Trail ride within the ability of your physical fitness and the condition of your horse.
Train before trail riding. Get your horse used to other horses, hikers, backpackers, mountain bikes, wagons, and vehicles (including off-road) and anything else they could encounter on a multi-user trail as part of their training program.
Wear a helmet. Riding around with a bowl on your head does not make the greatest fashion statement, but protecting your brain and avoiding a serious head injury is more important than how you look. Newer models are cool, lightweight, and come in fashion colors. Basic white is recommended; you will be seen more easily by others. Make sure your helmet fits well, or it may be worthless in an accident. The helmet should rest 1" above your eyebrows, the visor should be level, and the harness should have firm contact with your chin or jaw. Replace your helmet every five years or after an accident.
Your horse. Check your tack and the condition of your horse's shoes before you start out. Use clean tack, saddle pads, and cinches/girths, and make sure your saddle fits your horse. While riding, check your tack in case adjustments are needed. Ride light, balanced, and erect in the saddle. Keep an eye on the condition of your horse, and pay attention to where you are going. Travel at a pace that is safe for the terrain or weather conditions. Dismount and lead your horse through any dangerous, steep, or rocky areas.
Be a good representative. You represent all trail riders when on the trail and how you act influences people's opinions of all horseback riders. Respect and be courteous to all other users. Follow the rules of the area where you are riding. Leave gates as you find them. When you leave the trail (and parking area), leave only hoof prints.
Other users. Always look ahead, and slow down around corners and blind spots. Horseback riders have the right-of-way over all other users. Vehicles (including off-road) should yield to all other users. Bikers should yield to both horseback riders and hikers. Hikers should yield to horseback riders. Don't assume that everyone is familiar with these rules. If it appears that another user is not going to yield to you, politely ask them to stop (and thank them) while you pass. Pass everyone at a walk. Ride on the right, and pass left shoulder to left shoulder. Not only is passing at a fast pace rude, but you could place the user you are passing, as well as yourself, in danger. When approaching another user from the rear, call out "hello" as soon as you get close enough to make them aware of your presence. If going around someone, call out to them asking if it is OK to pass, and tell them which side you want to pass. If someone wants to pass you, stop and/or pull over. Downhill users should yield to uphill users. Thank everyone for yielding as you pass.
Riding with others. Make sure all riders are ready and mounted before you ride off. Find out the experience level of unfamiliar riders before you start out. Know your group if you are leading. Always keep your group together, and let the slowest person set the pace. Keep up with the rider in front of you. If necessary, separate the group into smaller groups of slow and fast riders. Watch other horses in case tack adjustments are needed or shoes are lost. Keep your horse under control at all times. Don't pick up the pace or take off unannounced; it is not only rude but can be dangerous. Call out to the riders behind you if you encounter an obstacle or come upon another user. Hold up your hand if you are going to stop. Don't crowd other horses. Tell everyone if you are riding a green horse or if your horse kicks (i.e., tie a red ribbon in their tail). Stop before any crossing to make sure all the horses in a group cross together, and cross at a walk. When stopping to water your horse and/or the horses in your group, make sure all the horses in your group have finished drinking before you move on.
Water. Bring and drink plenty of water during the warmer months. Use a water filter to treat any water you drink from all streams, rivers, lakes, or ponds. Know the availability of water on the trail for your horse, especially during warm weather. If water is not available on the trail, bring some along for your horse and have some waiting at the trailer when you return. Bring a sponge on a rope to dip into the water to keep your horse cool on hot days (make sure you get them used to it first). Encourage your horse to drink as often and as much as it wants. Never cross high water; don't cross if you can't see the bottom.
Never drink and ride. For the same reasons you should not drink and drive and because you're never in complete control of your horse, alcoholic beverages should not be consumed while trail riding.
Tying your horse. Never tie your horse using the reins, and always use a quick-release knot. Using trail bridles, which have "built-in" halters, is recommended. The reins can be used as lead ropes or cross-ties during a break. If you don't use trail bridles, bring a halter and lead rope. Tie your horse using cross-ties or picket lines for safety and to prevent tree damage, or use hitching posts where available.
Hunting. If you ride in areas where hunting occurs, be familiar with the different hunting seasons. If you are on the trail during hunting season, wear blaze orange vests and make lots of noise (talking, singing, bells). Since most hunters are active during dawn and dusk and usually stake-out less traveled areas, being on well-used trails during the middle of the day is recommended. Hunters are most numerous during the first few days and weekends of hunting season, so schedule your trail riding activities accordingly. Staying off the trails during big-game gun season is recommended.
Lightning. Lightning travels far ahead of a storm. If you see or hear a thunderstorm approaching seek shelter immediately, and wait for the storm to pass. Make sure you do not get caught in the water, on an exposed ridge, under large, solitary trees, or in the open. Seek shelter in low-lying areas, such as dense stands of small trees. Stay away from anything that attracts lightning. Get off your horse, get in a crouch position, and place both feet on the ground. Everyone should stay about 50' apart.=
Getting lost. Don't panic if you get lost. Take a break and relax for a few minutes. Check your map, and take a reading with your compass/GPS. If you can, backtrack to the last point where you knew you were still on the trail. If you can't find familiar ground, stop and stay where you are. Since someone is expecting your return, when you don't, they will send help.
Trail riding is an equestrian activity that any rider can accomplish safely with the right equipment and training. As with any outdoor activity, there are inherent dangers associated with trail riding. Even though many unexpected things can happen on the trail, most trail riding accidents are preventable.
Because more of us are sharing our public lands, all users must get along and work together to help maintain our trails and keep them open. Below are some suggestions to help you ride safely and practice good etiquette on multi-user trails. The most important rules when trail riding are to use common sense and have fun!
Be prepared. Even if you have ridden the trail before, gain as much knowledge as you can about its condition before you start out. Let someone know where you are going, including your anticipated return time, and stick to your plan. While you should ride with a buddy, this is critical if you are riding alone. Bring a good map and compass/GPS. Know the weather forecast. Be familiar with the signs of heat stress, dehydration, and hypothermia in people and horses, as well as treatment and prevention options. Avoid strenuous activity and hard riding during the heat of the day. Always carry a first aid kit (human and horse), survival kit, bandana, watch, whistle, insect repellent, sunscreen, knife or leatherman tool, poncho, and flashlight (with extra batteries).
Some other useful items to bring include an Easyboot®, duct tape, ziplock bags, nylon cord, leather strings, safety pins, pliers, and hoof pick. Bring plenty of food. Be prepared to be out all day if you plan to ride for a few hours, and be prepared to spend the night if you are going on an all day ride. Cell phones will be useless in many remote areas; however, you may be able to walk a short distance or to the top of a mountain to get reception if you have an emergency. Trail ride within the ability of your physical fitness and the condition of your horse.
Train before trail riding. Get your horse used to other horses, hikers, backpackers, mountain bikes, wagons, and vehicles (including off-road) and anything else they could encounter on a multi-user trail as part of their training program.
Wear a helmet. Riding around with a bowl on your head does not make the greatest fashion statement, but protecting your brain and avoiding a serious head injury is more important than how you look. Newer models are cool, lightweight, and come in fashion colors. Basic white is recommended; you will be seen more easily by others. Make sure your helmet fits well, or it may be worthless in an accident. The helmet should rest 1" above your eyebrows, the visor should be level, and the harness should have firm contact with your chin or jaw. Replace your helmet every five years or after an accident.
Your horse. Check your tack and the condition of your horse's shoes before you start out. Use clean tack, saddle pads, and cinches/girths, and make sure your saddle fits your horse. While riding, check your tack in case adjustments are needed. Ride light, balanced, and erect in the saddle. Keep an eye on the condition of your horse, and pay attention to where you are going. Travel at a pace that is safe for the terrain or weather conditions. Dismount and lead your horse through any dangerous, steep, or rocky areas.
Be a good representative. You represent all trail riders when on the trail and how you act influences people's opinions of all horseback riders. Respect and be courteous to all other users. Follow the rules of the area where you are riding. Leave gates as you find them. When you leave the trail (and parking area), leave only hoof prints.
Other users. Always look ahead, and slow down around corners and blind spots. Horseback riders have the right-of-way over all other users. Vehicles (including off-road) should yield to all other users. Bikers should yield to both horseback riders and hikers. Hikers should yield to horseback riders. Don't assume that everyone is familiar with these rules. If it appears that another user is not going to yield to you, politely ask them to stop (and thank them) while you pass. Pass everyone at a walk. Ride on the right, and pass left shoulder to left shoulder. Not only is passing at a fast pace rude, but you could place the user you are passing, as well as yourself, in danger. When approaching another user from the rear, call out "hello" as soon as you get close enough to make them aware of your presence. If going around someone, call out to them asking if it is OK to pass, and tell them which side you want to pass. If someone wants to pass you, stop and/or pull over. Downhill users should yield to uphill users. Thank everyone for yielding as you pass.
Riding with others. Make sure all riders are ready and mounted before you ride off. Find out the experience level of unfamiliar riders before you start out. Know your group if you are leading. Always keep your group together, and let the slowest person set the pace. Keep up with the rider in front of you. If necessary, separate the group into smaller groups of slow and fast riders. Watch other horses in case tack adjustments are needed or shoes are lost. Keep your horse under control at all times. Don't pick up the pace or take off unannounced; it is not only rude but can be dangerous. Call out to the riders behind you if you encounter an obstacle or come upon another user. Hold up your hand if you are going to stop. Don't crowd other horses. Tell everyone if you are riding a green horse or if your horse kicks (i.e., tie a red ribbon in their tail). Stop before any crossing to make sure all the horses in a group cross together, and cross at a walk. When stopping to water your horse and/or the horses in your group, make sure all the horses in your group have finished drinking before you move on.
Water. Bring and drink plenty of water during the warmer months. Use a water filter to treat any water you drink from all streams, rivers, lakes, or ponds. Know the availability of water on the trail for your horse, especially during warm weather. If water is not available on the trail, bring some along for your horse and have some waiting at the trailer when you return. Bring a sponge on a rope to dip into the water to keep your horse cool on hot days (make sure you get them used to it first). Encourage your horse to drink as often and as much as it wants. Never cross high water; don't cross if you can't see the bottom.
Never drink and ride. For the same reasons you should not drink and drive and because you're never in complete control of your horse, alcoholic beverages should not be consumed while trail riding.
Tying your horse. Never tie your horse using the reins, and always use a quick-release knot. Using trail bridles, which have "built-in" halters, is recommended. The reins can be used as lead ropes or cross-ties during a break. If you don't use trail bridles, bring a halter and lead rope. Tie your horse using cross-ties or picket lines for safety and to prevent tree damage, or use hitching posts where available.
Hunting. If you ride in areas where hunting occurs, be familiar with the different hunting seasons. If you are on the trail during hunting season, wear blaze orange vests and make lots of noise (talking, singing, bells). Since most hunters are active during dawn and dusk and usually stake-out less traveled areas, being on well-used trails during the middle of the day is recommended. Hunters are most numerous during the first few days and weekends of hunting season, so schedule your trail riding activities accordingly. Staying off the trails during big-game gun season is recommended.
Lightning. Lightning travels far ahead of a storm. If you see or hear a thunderstorm approaching seek shelter immediately, and wait for the storm to pass. Make sure you do not get caught in the water, on an exposed ridge, under large, solitary trees, or in the open. Seek shelter in low-lying areas, such as dense stands of small trees. Stay away from anything that attracts lightning. Get off your horse, get in a crouch position, and place both feet on the ground. Everyone should stay about 50' apart.=
Getting lost. Don't panic if you get lost. Take a break and relax for a few minutes. Check your map, and take a reading with your compass/GPS. If you can, backtrack to the last point where you knew you were still on the trail. If you can't find familiar ground, stop and stay where you are. Since someone is expecting your return, when you don't, they will send help.