Don't take unsafe or untrained horses on a group ride.
These horses should be
conditioned with experienced horses
and riders before being subjected to a
larger group.
Check your gear before the ride. Make sure it is
correct and complete. (This
goes for your horse, too.)
Arrive at the appointed meeting place on time.
Late starts are stressful. If you
can't make it
or are going to be late, let someone know.
For longer rides, particularly in wooded areas,
pack water and a bright colored
lightweight jacket.
Someone on the ride should pack a first aid kit,
plastic garbage bags, and a
horse "utility kit".
Always have a "trail boss". Larger groups should also
have a drag rider. These
should be experienced horsepersons who
can assist less experienced riders
and horses, if necessary.
Use the "buddy system". Always be willing to lend
a hand if needed, and ask for
help if you need it.
Horses that kick should be flagged with a red tail
ribbon to remind other riders to
keep back.
Never start until all riders are mounted up and ready to go.
On the trail, never pass the trail boss.
This is the cause of many a rider getting lost.
Leave at least one horse length between you and the horse
in front; two lengths
at a trot. Ride side-by-side only
when the path is sufficiently wide so that horses
won't try to nip or bump each other.
If you or your horse are having trouble, allow more space
in front and behind. If
necessary, ask the trail boss to
stop the group to allow you to work out the
problem.
Stay on the designated trail or road. Many areas are now
closed to equestrians
because poorly mannered riders have
allowed their horses onto fields, into
orchards
and other areas "sensitive" to the property owners.
RESPECT
PRIVATE PROPERTY!
Never disturb livestock.
Herding someone else's livestock without
permission is
known as "worrying" and is illegal.
Never ride away from or leave a dismounted rider on the trail.
Leave gates open or closed as you found them.
Use "gate manners"; don't ride away from the gatekeeper
until the gate is secured
and the gatekeeper can join you.
At a stream, pond, or water tank, wait until all
horses have had a chance to drink
before riding away.
Some horses have trouble crossing streams. Give them space!
Tell the rider in front that you wish to pass so that he/she
can correctly handle
his/her horse as you come up,
or advise you if he/she is having any problems.
Don't let your horse scratch on or nuzzle other horses or riders.
Aside from being
annoying and starting horse disputes,
this is a frequent cause of "hung up" and
broken headgear.
Never mount your horse from downhill. It's easier and
safer to get on when your
horse is a little below you on the hill.
Never gallop away from the group.
Coordinate "fast" work with the other riders so
no one's horse gets "juiced up".
In camp, tie all horses. Most horses won't stand long
while hobbled, and they,
along with loose
horses, can cause numerous problems.
Tie high picket lines, solid and short enough leads to
prevent entanglement, and provide sufficient
space between
horses so they can't go "butt to butt" and kick each other.
(Click
on the "Picketline" page for a detailed description.)
Pick up all garbage from camp.
