September 7, 2009
Learn how to keep you and your horse safe while riding with a group.
By Dennis Brouse
Manners are just as important — maybe even more important — while group riding as they are at the dinner table. There is nothing more aggravating or unsafe than someone who does not follow the rules of etiquette while riding the trails.
Here are the top 10 rules for being a courteous, safe and considerate trail rider:
1. The cardinal rule of group riding: Ride at the ability level of the least experienced rider or horse. If you have a new rider or a young, green horse in your group, do not ride too quickly or take trails that are too challenging for their comfort level and experience.
2. Keep at least one to two horse lengths between you and the horse in front of you. This will allow you to view the trail ahead and prevent your horse from being kicked.
3. If your horse is a known kicker, tie a red ribbon in his tail. This will alert any rider who comes up from behind that your horse may kick; however, never assume that all riders know what the red ribbon means. If an oncoming rider moves too close, let him or her know immediately that your horse may kick.
4. If you are the leader of the group, be watchful for trail hazards and relay them to those following you. Be specific when describing the hazard, such as: “Deep hole on the left side of the trail; stay to the right,” or “Watch out, there’s a low hanging limb ahead. Duck!”
5. Since many trails are designated as multi-use and are also enjoyed by those who hike, bike or ride ATVs, it is important to understand who yields to whom. As a general rule, all users should yield to horses. Be prepared for any reaction your horse may have to others. Always speak to those you meet with a simple “hello, there” or “good morning/afternoon” with the hope that they will return the greeting and your horse will recognize them as human and not be particularly alarmed by their backpacks, bicycles, etc! It is not discourteous to ask those you encounter to yield; however, it may be in everyone’s best interest if you move off of the trail to allow them to pass if they choose not to
6. When encountering others on a hill, the uphill group has the right of way and those going downhill should yield. Do not begin your descent if you see a group coming up. If you are already on the trail, safely move your horse off the trail with his hindquarters away from approaching traffic.
7. Always yield to oncoming groups that include children riders. Move off the trail and angle the hindquarters of your horse away from the trail.
8. When watering horses from a creek or other watering source, take turns and do not ride off until every horse has had an opportunity to drink. A thirsty horse will not drink if he is left behind.
9. If someone needs to dismount during the ride, everyone should stop and wait for the rider to remount before resuming the ride.
10. Be environmentally friendly. Carry out what you carry in. Do not ride off trail or cut across switchbacks unless it’s approved.
http://americashorsedaily.com/group-riding-etiquette/#more-8894
Then, I'll add another-
11. *One MAJOR courtesy that isn't covered is NEVER trot, canter OR gallop up behind or away from other horses. A horse running towards or away from them tells them there is danger and they may react accordingly!*
*As a side note, there are people I have ridden with in the last 12 years that I will NEVER ride with again. There are only three or four people I will ride my green-broke 7 year old paint morgan gelding with. Riding a green broke horse is never, ever a place to be worried about who you are riding with and what they might do.*
No comments:
Post a Comment