Trail Riding Etiquette

When going on a ride with a group, follow these basic rules of etiquette for the safety and enjoyment of the other riders.

• Do not leave the group.
• Horses are herd animals and get upset if one horse wanders off .
• Stay on the trail.
• Walking off the trail causes serious damage to the environment.
• Dangers such as snakes can be hiding in grass or rocks.
• If a horse steps in a hole, it can seriously injure itself.
• Leave gates as you found them.
• If a gate was closed when you reached it, close it behind you after the group goes through -- even if you plan to come back through later. The gate may be keeping livestock in or out of an area.
• Do not leave a horse alone at a gate.
• One rider will dismount to open the gate. The lead rider should take the group all the way through the gate, but then stop so that the rider at the gate is not alone. Do not let the group start walking again until the rider has remounted and given permission for the group to proceed.
• Check with all riders before trotting or cantering.
• Horses can have issues with running in a group, and an unsafe situation may result.
• Get to know the horses on your ride.
• Each horse has its own personality. Some will kick or bite if other horses get too close.
• Some horses buck or get upset if they are not in the "right" spot in line.
• Water crossings can be tricky.
• Let horses that are good with water help the others across.
• If a horse is nervous, go slowly and be patient. Let it follow a horse it knows.
• Use common sense.
• Choose trails that are appropriate for all the riders and horses.  
• If you encounter problems on the trail, stay calm and think through your options.
• On some trails, it's better to dismount and lead your horse.
• Respect the land.
• Get permission to ride on private property.
• “Leave only hoof-prints, take only pictures.”
• Follow all posted signage and park rules.
• For more information on trail riding in your area, check for local groups.
• Try Meetup.com
• There may be a local chapter of Backcountry Horsemen.
• Check other social networking sites.
• Talk to other people you see out riding.
• Check out the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) and its new show,  "America's Favorite Trail Horse."