Ride Rules & Trail Etiquette

Safety First!

1. Be on Time! "In the Saddle" time means be ready to ride, not just arriving or saddling up. The Trail Boss needs to have everyone leaving at the same time in order to have an accurate count of those present.
2. Stay behind the Trail Boss at all times.
3. All Horses are capable of kicking when pressured by another horse. Keep your distance to avoid problems. If your horse is a known kicker, you are required to tie a RED ribbon on the tail as a warning to other riders.
4. When riding single file on a narrow trail, please do not stop your horse for water. This causes a holdup to everyone behind you, move off to the side of the trail or wait for a larger area to water your horse.
5. Do not lag behind a large distance, this makes it difficult for the Trail Boss to keep track of riders and could possibly cause you to lose the group by taking the wrong trail.
6. If you need to catch up with the group, do not run or trot up behind another horse, allow yourself plenty of stopping area so as to not spook the horses in front.
7. If you want to get ahead or around another rider, verbally tell them of the action you want to take.
8. If you must smoke while on the trail, use common sense as to where you are, the fire conditions at the time, and carry an asbestos pouch ashtray to extinguish your smoke. NEVER toss a cigarette, whether you think it is out or not.
9. Notify the Trail Boss if there is an accident or a problem with a rider or horse.
10. Please stay on designated trails, especially in the State Parks. Making your own trial or taking a short cut is strictly enforced because of the erosion problems it can cause.
11. No Stallions are allowed on trail rides.
12. Dogs are not allowed on trail rides for safety reasons and also because much of the area we ride is State Park. State Park rules apply and the Ranger can confiscate your dog and you can be fined.
13. For the safety of your riding partners, please keep a single file in hazardous areas. You and your horse may be capable of handling a situation, but by charging through, you can cause another rider to have an accident by your actions.
14. Follow all Park Rules. You are responsible for being aware of those rules. Speed limit for most trail systems is 15 mph.
15. Do not dispose of any trash or containers on the trail. If you brought it in, you can pack it out. Bushes are not waste cans and no one likes to see someone'’ trash as part of the scenery. Pick up someone else'’ "stupidity" when you can and make our riding areas more pleasant for all.
16. Close all gates whether they were open when you arrived or not. Don’t presume you have someone behind you to close it later.
17. Do not chase cattle or other animals natural to the environment. Scattering cows etc., upset the animals and will cause us to lose the privilege of riding in that particular range area
18. Watch out for snakes at all times. Never kill a non-poisonous snake.
19. No double riding unless it is an emergency.
20. Have a safe and happy day with your horse, fellow equestrians and the great outdoors.