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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. With the high demand for trails throughout the nation, there are very few trails dedicated for horse-only use. On the average and especially in highly populated areas, most trails are "multi-use" or "combined usage". We want to be able to keep taking our horses to these trails by being courteous to others using the trails and also to stay safe!


Basic Rules:
1. Stay on the right side of the trail tread regardless of trail width or direction, up or down hill. If all trail users stay to the right (including hikers and bikers), trail accidents and head-on collisions can be avoided.

2. The right-of-way rule is that biker yields to hiker. And both biker and hiker yield to horsemen. Although this is considered a trail rule, common courtesy and common sense should prevail and apply on all trails and in all situations. Don’t assume others know these rules or will obey them. Bikers are notorious for using earpieces and not stopping. Lots of joggers also wear headpieces too. They can’t usually even hear others on the trail. So horse riders always need to be ready to yield.

3. Uphill traffic has the right-of-way —regardless if its hiker, biker or horsemen! Downhill traffic should yield by waiting at the top of the climb or at the first safe spot to stop. This is especially true if on narrow trails where the passing could be tight and a safety problem. Wait at the top where it’s safe for you, your horse and the other user to pass each other. And on 10 or 12 or 16-foot wide trails, everyone can go down and up hill at the same time passing safely by staying on the right side.

4. Often a rider can't see the whole down or uphill trail so to be safe, call out or make a little noise. Nothing too loud, just enough to let others know you are around the corner or coming up the hill.

5. Bikers are probably the most upon-you-all-at-once of any of the trail users. Bike riders often don't see other trail users until it’s to late. They're busy watching the trail directly in front of their tire and don't look up to see what they're coming upon. Or they swoop around a corner. So, always trail read. Look ahead. Look above. Look beside. Look behind. Keep aware of what's on the trail and if you see a bike or hiker off in the distance, remember they are there. By being aware of what's around you, you won't be caught off guard!

6. Ride single file on a trail -- one behind the other. On wide firebreak or fire road trails, riders can ride side by side as long as they don't interfere with other users or get off the main trail. It's nice to ride beside a friend and point out sights along the route.

7. If passing a horse on a trail moving in the same direction as you, let the rider and horse know you're approaching simply by saying, "Trail, please". The rider should then move to the right as far as is safe or simply stop their horse for the approaching rider to pass. Like driving a car, pass on the left of the front rider or trail user, say "thanks" and keep on going. If horses begin to match strides, just relax. One will soon tire of the 'keep up game' and fall back. NEVER kick a horse into a gallop to get by. A gallop, lope, trot could upset the horse you're approaching. Just keep on walking — and talking to your for-a-few-minutes riding companion.

8. A distance of at least one horse length (about 5 feet) should be maintained between animals on all trails. Don't tailgate!! When going uphill, keep at least two lengths between horses. On downhill routes, maintain at least three horse lengths between animals. You never want the horse in front to suddenly stop and you tailgate into the rider's saddle. Like driving a car, stay back and allow room for those sudden stops. If you can count the horse's tailhairs, you're too close!

9. If you know your horse kicks or think he might tie a ribbon on his tail — even if he only “sometimes” kicks!

10. Someone in the trail group should always have a cell phone for emergencies.

11. Whoever comes upon an unusual object by the trail, whether it’s a big dog or a piece of furniture or bale of hay that a horse might see as threatening should call it out so riders behind will be prepared; same with a low branch, fallen tree over the trail or a hole. Call it out to the riders behind and if there are more than a few riders behind they should follow through by calling it out to those behind them.

12. If your horse is newly broke or new to trail rides, stay at the back of the riders. That first time out it’s advisable to ride with a helmet. If he is having too many issues or is hard to control, it won’t be so upsetting to the other horses and riders and if it gets too much, you can opt out and turn back. If you do, it may be best to dismount and walk him back. Try some trail rides in a smaller group or more comfortable surroundings before trying again and always be able to maintain control of your horse, whether at a walk, trot or canter! If you can’t, your horse is not ready for trail riding around other horses and people.

13. Horses that are buddies should be kept together on rides. Buddies can be real problems if split up. So let buddies be together in the front or the back.

14. Walking is the acceptable trail gait. After all, trail riding is a pleasure experience. One isn't out to cover a certain distance in a specific time -- if you are, join competitive or endurance rides. Galloping is an enjoyable exercise for both horse and rider. Loping along with the wind in your face across a meadow of grasses and flowers can be fun. But it's not advisable! One never knows what will pop up just around the next bend in the trail (like a family pushing a baby stroller) or from the grasses themselves. And too many horses in a group can get out of control at this gait. So let’s keep to a walk. If everyone is comfortable with a trot for a while, the leader should ask first, then go ahead if it’s a safe area to do so. If anyone calls out to stop or slow to a walk, everyone needs to follow.

15. Most places require a coggins-so don’t forget to have it with you!


Dealing with others on the trail:
16. Friendliness if the best avenue of acceptance on trails. The better the trail meeting or experience between other trails users and us horsemen the better chances for use horsemen to be accepted on present and future trails. We need all the chances and acceptance we can find to stay on trails!

17. If a hiker happens to have a backpack, a talking backpacking hiker is less likely to spook a horse than a non-talking backpacking hiker. A horse knows what a normal person looks like but a person with a backpack can suddenly become a threatening tower of what-is-it. So start a conversation with the backpacking hiker BEFORE reaching him and definitely when passing him. Let the horse know that this what-is-it is actually a funny looking person with a huge hump on his back. And if it talks, it can't be all bad.

18. Most other trail users are intimidated by the size of a horse. And they just don't know what to do or where to go! So say "Hi" and tell 'em what to do. If the hiker is on a hill trail, have him move to the downhill side of the trail and stand there — continue carrying on the conversation with him as you ride by. On flat trails, have him move to the left side of the trail so you can stay on the right side and continue carrying on a conversation.

19. 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. If the horse has seen him, he's looking for him! And with the sudden disappearance the horse can become more nervous and upset. To a horse, that disappearing what-is-it could suddenly bounce out and eat 'em. Even if completely out of sight, a snapping twig or a rustling branch as a horse goes by can spook the animal. So keep the other trail user in open sight—and TALK.

20. Have hikers or backpackers in groups, packs or families follow the same rules as above. Or better yet, move off the trail yourself and let them pass. Always pass in safe areas, which may mean you, the horseman, may have to back track a few feet.

21. If someone wants to stop and pet the horse and the horse is agreeable, let him. It's good public relations. A lot of hikers may never have touched a horse before. But do it safely! Tell the person or persons to stay quiet, stay in front of the horse and to move slowly. After dismounting, allow them to come up and pet the horses head and neck, look at his "big feet" and keep telling them to only stand in front and don't go behind because the horse "can't see you back there and he really likes to see each and everyone of you". While the person pets the horse you can talk about horses, trails and safety, and wouldn't it be nice someday to own your very own horse? What is a half hour of lost riding time on your part is possible lifetime memory for someone who got to pet a horse who ate an apple out of a backpack or take their picture with him. Memories which will help adults possibly decide the future fate of continued horse use on a trail someplace, somewhere. With any trail user, always have them approach from the front. And if a horse is nervous have people stay back. Some horses don’t like to stand still and be petted or just aren’t people horses, so consider your own individual horse and how he reacts to other trail users.


Gates, bridges and crossings:
22. When it comes to gates, bridges and crossings, the whoever-gets-there-first rule prevails. But again, common sense and courtesy should apply. If one doesn't have to wait very long, hold the gate open for other trail users. That way you can close the gate and know its been relatched properly. And if the gate was open when you came to it, leave it open.

23. At bridges and crossings, go on over if you get there first but if a hiker or biker arrives at the same time, let them go first. Wait about 10-20 feet back from a bridge so they have room to cross and move back over to the side of the trail. Some horses don't like bridges and it's a lot easier to work a horse over when you're alone that when three or four other trail users are waiting to cross in front or behind you.

24. At paved street crossings, stop before crossing. Look both ways. Then cross the street. Even though auto traffic is supposed to stop for horsemen, it doesn't -- even in crossings. And always remember, horses and riders do not dent very well when hit by cars.

25. One can even 'train' a horse to stop at crossings. Some horses take quicker to the idea than others but whenever crossing pavement or blacktop, simply stop the horse. Wait a few minutes. Praise the animal. Look both ways and then cross the street.

26. In some areas, trails have been placed beside streets. This is not a particularly safe area for riding but it's often a necessity for getting from one end of a trail to the other. On these trails, ride as far from the edge of the pavement as possible but don't try to ride in ditches or high weeds. This can be a safety hazard in itself. For cars coming up behind, stop the horse and allow him to look at the vehicle. 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. Most vehicle drivers know this sign is to slow down. And if a horse is really spooky of traffic (in which case he should have more barnyard work before hitting that section of trail), one can always dismount and walk between horse and traffic with the horse's head on short reins at your shoulder. Never be too proud to get off and walk. Walking can save you and your horse a lot of misery.


Let’s have fun but be safe! After all, trail riding is a pleasure experience. With trail riding one is out to enjoy the country, seeing the trees, smelling the flowers, catching a glimpse of a doe and fawn darting off into the tree shadows and enjoying your horse friends. Because that's what pleasure trail riding is all about, drifting along a trail while the rest of the world races out of control.....

See you at the next trail ride ~ Happy trails!
Equestrian Pleasure Trail Safety and Etiquette