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TRAIL
ETIQUETTE
By SUSAN
DUDASIK
When someone
asks me why I wear a helmet, they assume I’m going to tell
them that I wear it because I ride a mule. They are totally
surprised when I inform them that I wear one because I don’t
trust the judgment of other riders, especially those on the
trail. In the past, while trail riding, I have been attacked
by a stallion, had a stranger’s foal rear up onto my mule’s
rump, was almost run off a cliff by an inexperienced rider and
spent one group trail ride with some woman running her horse
into my mule’s rump because “it was the only way she
could stop her horse.” So yes, I have become a very cautious
trail rider.
In all
of these situations, I was fortunate to be riding an extremely
sensible mule who took the situation in stride. But all of these
incidents could have been avoided if only the riders had shown
some common sense and followed good trail etiquette. Trail riding
is much like driving a car. If you don’t follow the rules,
sooner or later someone or some horse is going to get hurt.
And, like with reckless drivers, the victims of a reckless rider
are either their horse or another rider.
So what
is good trail etiquette? Basically it’s common sense and
respecting others. For instance, if you’re riding in a
group, only ride as fast as the least experienced rider. Don’t
leave another rider alone so you can trot or gallop ahead. His
horse might get upset and race after you. If someone has to
dismount for any reason, stand still until he is back in the
saddle. This also applies if someone drops a rein or has to
stop for any reason, stay with him, don’t go walking off.
Never trot
or canter up behind other riders. Slow to a walk and ask to
pass. Wait until they acknowledge you, then give them plenty
of room since you don’t know if their horses will kick
or get upset. Some riders like to turn their horses to face
horses coming from behind. If your horse kicks, tie a red ribbon
in his tail as a warning. Don’t be a trail hog. If you’re
riding next to a friend, drop back to single file and let others
pass. Don’t force them off the trail. When riding on narrow
winding trails, listen for approaching riders and call to them,
then look for a wider place to pass. In some cases you might
have to back-up to a wider area.
If you
decide to pony or lead another horse, keep him on a short lead,
especially when other horses pass. Don’t let him swing
his rump around or block the trail. When exercising a youngster,
don’t let it run loose. Just because your horse doesn’t
mind a cute youngster running around kicking at him, it doesn’t
mean other horses, especially mares, will like it. Keep youngsters
on a lead and under control. This applies to dogs also as not
all horses like dogs.
When you
come upon an obstacle on the trail, give the rider ahead plenty
of time to get through it. Don’t run up on his rump. When
crossing water or a bridge, depending on the width of the crossing,
wait until the horse ahead of you is at least halfway through
before you start across. The same with going up or downhill,
give other riders time to get clear. If the horse ahead of you
is leery of crossing, ask the rider first if he wants your help.
Don’t just charge in. It often helps when traveling with
a youngster or spookier horse, to keep it next to or just behind
a more seasoned horse. This applies to novice riders also.
Keep going
after crossing a tight or uneven spot on the trail, don’t
stop. Just because you are clear or on level ground doesn’t
mean the riders behind you are. Make sure everyone is on safe
ground before stopping.
Whether
riding in the arena, on the trail, or just standing around,
keep some distance between your horse and others, even stablemates.
Don’t let your horse sniff at or rub his head on other
horses or riders. While this looks cute, riders have been knocked
from the saddle by a horse’s friendly head rub or the horse
has gotten caught in the reins or on the bridle.
While practicing
good etiquette is essential for safe trail riding, there are
a few other things you can do to ensure a safe ride. First,
always tell someone where you are going and how long you expect
to be gone. Don’t ask your horse to do something he’s
not capable of, like climbing up or down an extremely steep
hill. If the terrain becomes too rough, turn back or get off
and lead your horse. Stay on the trail. Don’t go blazing
new trails, especially on switchbacks. Be aware of your environment.
Don’t get to chatting with your friends and forget your
riding. Many accidents happen at the walk because the rider
wasn’t paying attention to where his horse was going or
what he was seeing. Horses are great radar systems and through
their body language, especially their ears, they can tell you
if something is wrong. You just need to listen.
Always
carry some form of identification with an emergency contact
number. A good place for this is in the brim of your riding
helmet so you always have it. Some riders even attach tags to
their bridle with their phone number in case their horse gets
loose.
Trail riding
is a fun and challenging equestrian activity. It can also be
a very dangerous one. But you and your horse can share years
of enjoyment if you just follow a few simple rules and exercise
good judgment.
srider@salmoninternet.com
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