Trail Etiquette for Equestrians
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 Pleasure trail riding like all aspects of equine use has its rules and regulations pertaining to trail use and manners. How a person rides a trail can determine not only his own enjoyment but the safety of himself, his own horse and other trail users too.  Trail riding etiquette can influence trails staying open and available. 

The use of the trails is a privilege, not a right. One of the first rules of trail etiquette is to make sure that the trail one is riding is a horse trail! Please preserve this for others as well as yourself by obeying the rules and showing courtesy. Courtesy is the best safety on the trail. Know where you'er permitted to ride and where you are not. Respect private property and closed areas.
Most trail systems use international trail symbols -- a stick-type figure on a horse. This sign designates a trail for horsemen. If the sign has a red slash over the figure, this means the trail is closed to horsemen.
   
Sharing the Trail

 A trail ride should be enjoyable. A casual outing will benefit from established. Here are a few do's and don'ts to help make your ride safe and pleasant, Gear your ride in consideration of:

• Novice riders
• Green horses
• Condition of your horse , know your horses limits
• Ground conditions
• Do not block the flow of traffic
• At trailside rest stops, even short ones, tie off your horse. This prevents horses from damaging trees or vegetation and is courteous to other trail users by helping reduce wear and tear on the trail. Before you move on, scatter the manure.

HORSE RIDING FOR YEARS TO COME

• Protect our environment, Stay on designated horse trails. Don't cut switchbacks or take shortcuts. No litter left behind!
• Be an educated trail participant. For your safety, no one should go out alone.
• Practice "scary' encounters in a safe place off the trail.
• Give yourselves plenty of room when riding in a group.
• Be alert, plan for the unexpected.
• Be visible. Wear something bright.
• Trail etiquette requires preferential treatment for the horse, say “Thank you” when you get it. Be friendly, considerate and patient.
• Respect the other trail user’s situation. That hiker may be packing a load and be tired.
• A basic emergency kit, helmet, cell phone, companion and letting someone know your travel plans is exercising good "horse sense”.
• Do not cross private property without permission.
• Avoid using your trail when harmful conditions exist (mud season).
• Leave gates as you find them. Obey gate closures and regulatory signs.
• Do not disturb livestock.
• Be sensitive about road apples. In some cases, it's a good idea to go back and clean up.
• If you are using the trails, you should consider volunteering at least one weekend a year to help with trail care.
• Promote equine respect and prevent equine exclusion on the trail.
• Keep a steady pace. Stick to the pace most comfortable for the least experienced horse and/or rider. Don't allow slow-moving horses to fall too far behind the group.
• Before you move your horse into a trot or canter, always ask the group if they desire and are prepared for a change of pace. Make sure that everyone in your group has safely cleared any obstacles before changing gait or speed.
• In the same respect, give a verbal or hand signal to your group when you are slowing from a canter to a trot or from a trot to a walk. never stop abruptly since this can cause a pile-up with tragic results.
• Do look for changes in the trail and terrain. Keep to a safe pace over tricky footing and on difficult trails.
• Wait for all the horses in your group to get a drink of water at streams before you ride off.
• After break stops, do not walk off until all riders are mounted and well situated in their saddles.
• If you have a green horse or rider in the group, be considerate of their skill level. If you don’t want to go "that slow", save riding with the "greenies" for another day.
• Call out to your group to warn them of potential hazards, such as a hole in the ground, broken glass, etc. Don’t assume they will see it.
• If a horse/rider is having trouble, stop. Do not just continue on in hopes that "they will work it out." Start the ride with the understanding that if any one wishes to stop for any reason, they should say "stop" loudly and expect that all riders in the group will respond immediately.
• Proper distance between horses, horses are herd animals and whenever put together in a group they will instinctively work out their "status." A good rule of thumb is to keep the horse’s heels in front of you visible between your horse’s ears.  Side by side riding is safe when the trail permits, but only when the horses are acquainted with each other and get along well. Do not simply ride up beside an unfamiliar horse.
• If one rider must pass another, they should do so on the left and only after confirming with the rider being passed that it is all right to proceed. Never pass at any gait faster than a slow trot.
• Never, never, never have a hiker or backpacker or biker or other horseman or anybody step behind a rock, a tree, a bush or out of sight! Keep the other trail user in open sight -- and TALK. Always pass in safe areas which may mean you, the horseman, may have to back track a few feet.
• In some areas, trails have been placed beside streets. Obey all traffic laws when riding on the roads. A vehicle that is moving too fast can be 'signaled' to slow down by extending your arm on the pavement side out full length and moving it up and down
• If you trailer to a location, do not clean out your trailer in the parking area.
• A basic good "horse sense”. Is carrying an emergency kit, helmet, cell phone, companion and letting someone know your travel plans.

   EMERGENCY-RIDER DOWN

• The first priority is the fallen rider. Let the horse go or let someone else catch him.
• If the rider is on the ground for more than 1 or 2 minutes, you must determine if the rider needs medical attention. If so, or if in doubt, call 911 immediately.
• Unless the rider has fallen into water do not move him. Do not remove his helmet.
• If the rider is unconscious, make sure he is breathing with a clear airway and that he has a pulse. If necessary, start CPR.
• If the rider is conscious, ask if he is able to move arms and legs. If not, help him stay calm while you wait for help. Provide shade from the sun or warmth if needed.
• Even if the rider appears uninjured, ask a few simple questions to check for mental clarity. Confusion or short-term memory loss may indicate a concussion.
• If the rider seems dazed do not allow him back on the horse.
• Do not leave an unconscious or dazed person alone while getting help-if he wakes up he could stumble off and get lost on top of being seriously injured.