Trail Etiquette for the Horse Rider

Horse owners, riders, and lovers are always looking for great places to ride. Since riding a trail means others will be along behind you or have been along in front of you, knowing trail etiquette is extremely important. Here is a list of those special etiquette rules that every rider should know and use.

Leave What You Find on the Horse Trails

Preserve the past - this means you do not touch any historical or cultural structures or artifacts. Leave rocks, natural objects and plants just as you find them along the trail. Do not transport or leave behind any non-native items, such as plants, sticks, seeds, papers, or anything that is foreign to the area where riding is being done. Do not attempt to change the environment by building a rock bridge across that spring, or build a structure to sit beneath.

Respect Wildlife along Horse Trails and Campsites

Observe the wildlife around you but do not follow, approach, feed, interrupt, or in anyway harm the animals that may come into contact with you. Store your food and trash securely; take it out if you brought it in. If possible do not bring pets along such as dogs, if it is necessary to have a dog along, clean up after them and carry out any feces they may leave behind.

Travel and Camp on Durable Acceptable Surfaces and Places

This means do not camp off the beaten path. Camp, and travel on established trails. Walk single file in the middle of he marked trail no matter what the ground is like. Keep campsites in as small a radius as possible, leave nothing behind, cover that campfire and make sure it is out completely.

Dispose of Waste Correctly

Pack it in, pack it out. Inspected your area and make sure that en the rest spots are clean of any human debris. If there is human solid waste deposit it in a cathole dug 6 to 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, campsites and trails. Cover the cathole and disguise it by using rocks. Carry water taken from streams at least 200 feet away from the original stream before using it to wash up or clean utensils.

Plan Ahead and be Prepared Before Beginning on the Horse Trails

Know all regulations and rules of the area that you and your horse will be traveling. Prepare ahead for weather changes, hazards and any emergencies. Be sure that someone who is not traveling the horse trail knows the exact route that will be taken. That person should also know the approximate time schedule of the travelers return so they can contact the authorities if you bypass that return time. Pack enough food and water for the size of group traveling the trails. It is better to travel these horse trails in smaller groups. Use a map, compass and do not use paint to make trail markings.

Be Considerate of Others on the Horse Trail

Respect any other horse riders, hikers, or campers along the trails. Be courteous and yield to other riders when on the horse trails. Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock. Take breaks and camp away from the other visitors who are also camped. Avoid loud voices and noises. So other riders, campers, and hikers can enjoy nature and what she offers.

Resources:

Oregon Equestrian Trails Guidebook
http://www.bayequest.info/horsetalk/trailetiquette.htm
Personal Experience