1) Respect the trails. Clean up litter (pack out what is packed in); protect the trail environment, e.g. do not remove things that belong on the trails, or blaze new trails.
2) Look and listen. Become the eyes and ears of the trail system. Report problems, e.g. washed out bridges, or downed trees and debris to the park’s maintenance system.
3) Maintain the trails. Give back to the trails you use—get involved with trail maintenance.
4) Share the trails. Cyclists yield to all other trail users, and hikers yield to equestrians.
5) Be courteous. On crowded trails, proceed single file.
6) Keep things moving. Slower traffic should keep to the right of the trail; faster users pass on the left.
7) Keep things clear. Do not pass on narrow bends; pass only when you can clearly see the trail and traffic approaching from the opposite direction.
8) No surprises. When passing other trail users, provide adequate warning, and reduce speed.
9) Watch out. Animals on the trail may act unexpectedly. If
you are unsure about approaching someone with a horse or dog, ask the handler for guidance.
10) Watch your step. Tread gently when the trails are muddy; footprints, bicycle ruts, and hoofprints can damage the trails.
11) Watch your volume. If you choose to wear a stereo/headphone set, make sure that the volume neither prevents you from hearing what is happening around you no disturbs the other trail users.
12) Help others. If you come upon an injured rider (horse or bicycle), get help immediately. If you come upon a riderless horse, do not approach the horse if you are uncomfortable with horses—seek professional help. If you choose to approach the horse, speak softly to let it know you are there—
1) Make sure your horse has the temperament and training for riding on congested public trails. Busy multi-use trails are not the proper place for schooling green horses.
2) Advise other trail users of your horse’s temperament, e.g. a horse with a tendency to kick should always wear a red ribbon in the tail or a stallion should wear a yellow ribbon. Assume that not everyone will know what these ribbons mean, so be prepared to explain or take the necessary precautions to avoid trouble.
3) Obey posted speed/gait limits, and use common sense in crowded areas (cantering/galloping on crowded trails endangers everyone.)
4) Move to the right to allow faster trail users to pass.
5) Announce your intention to pass other trail users, and reduce speed in order to pass safely. Pass on the left only.
6) Remove your horse from the trail if you begin experiencing behavior problems.
7) Stay on equestrian approved trails.
8) As a courtesy to others in your group, use appropriate hand signals for turning, slowing, etc., and give verbal warnings for dangers on the trail (e.g. holes, low branches).
9) Remember that other trail users may not be familiar with horses or their reactions to new experiences. Your horse may be another trail user’s introduction to horses and what you do is a reflection of the local horse community. Cheerfully answer questions about your horse. You are an ambassador for the entire equestrian community.
10) If you trailer to a location, do not clean out your trailer in the parking area.
11) On multiple use trails, step off the trail (if possible) if your horse needs to relieve himself, or kick the droppings off the trail.