Trail Etiquette & Safety
for Horseback Riders

In many areas across the world, there are multi-use trails that hikers, trail runners, cyclists, and horseback riders can be seen adventuring on. With increased traffic comes a higher risk of an accident happening if the trail users do not exercise proper etiquette for the safety of all parties involved. It is extremely important to abide by the spoken—and often unspoken—rules of the trail so that multi-use trails remain open for all users. When even one party disrespects the grounds, the trail often becomes more restricted or closes altogether!

In this guide, our crew of equine experts will dive into etiquette guidelines that will help you, hikers, runners, and bikers stay safe around each other on your next trail ride. Whether you're trail riding alone or in a group, it's imperative to respect the trail itself and all other users of the trail. Simple communication can go a long way in preventing unsafe conditions. We will address different scenarios and how each individual involved should respond to keep everyone safe, as well as answer a few frequently asked questions. Safer trails lead to better experiences for all!

When you see a multi-use trail sign, the rules are:

• Bikers Yield to Hikers/Runners and Horses
• Hikers/Runners Yield to Horses

The concept behind these rules is that bikers typically ride fast, so conflict can arise if they pass pedestrians or horses at too high of a speed. It's much easier for hikers/runners and bikers to stop-and-go (particularly on narrow trails), so they both yield to horses versus the other way around. Since horses are fight-or-flight animals, they always take the right of way.

If your horse is not desensitized to hikers, runners, or bikers, practice at home and first get them used to the sights and sounds on trails that are exclusive to horses only (if they are available to you). Then, begin riding multi-use trails at times when there is less traffic, such as a weekday versus the weekend, until your horse becomes more comfortable. A horse might do something unpredictable that puts its rider and anyone else around them in a precarious situation, so taking the time to desensitize your horse and exercise proper trail etiquette is of utmost importance for safety.

The universal rule that applies no matter what for outdoor recreation is Leave No Trace. This means minimizing the impact on the environment through planning and preparing, traveling on durable surfaces, disposing of waste, respecting wildlife, and more. Essentially, whatever you pack in must be packed out! Check out Leave No Trace's website to learn more about all seven principles.

It is a privilege to ride on both public and private trails, and horseback riders must extend respect and common sense when using these trails. We will list a few etiquette rules below that help encourage trails to stay open for horseback riding use. When equestrians practice courtesy, the trail experience is improved for everyone across the board.

At the Trailhead

• Parking: Park only in areas designated for horse trailers, and leave enough room for other trailers to enter and exit. Do not park so close to the trailer in front of you that they can't open their doors, and don't prevent the trailer next to you from being able to tie up their horse.
• Tying: Tie your horse to the trailer or any other available tie areas, like a hitching post. Use a high line if you're tying to trees to prevent damage.
• Muck: Clean up any manure, shavings, hay, etc., and put it back in your horse trailer to take care of at home. You can dispose of muck outside the horse trailer only if there is a designated muck area.

On the Trail

• Signage: Obey all signs! Keep to areas where horses are allowed, and do not disregard any private property or trail closure signs. Do not attempt shortcuts on land you're not supposed to be on.

• Manure: Encourage your horse to keep moving along the trail when they're passing manure, so it can degrade faster. Plus, scattered manure tends to be less offensive to other trail users. If you stop for a rest, scatter your horse's manure piles before getting back on.
• Waterways/Mud: Enter waterways only at designated trail crossings, and avoid muddy trails. If there is mud on the trail that you can't avoid, ride it slowly at a walk to avoid slipping and help prevent damage to the trail. It's best to avoid fragile areas altogether to minimize your impact on the environment.
• Uneven Areas: If there are any uneven areas left by you or your horse, fill them back in. For example, if your horse paws a hole into the ground during your lunch break, don't just leave it there.
• Steep Hills: Travel in a switchback pattern when going up and down steep hills to help with sliding, protect your horse's legs, and prevent their hooves from digging deeper into the ground.
• Trash: Take all trash out with you! If you come across litter that wasn't yours, pick it up and pack it out anyway to be thrown away.

• Rate of Speed: Rate your horse to the same speed the horse in front of you is traveling. Do not get left behind, then run to catch up, especially if there are other riders behind you (all of them will be impacted); encourage your horse to stride out. If you are riding the lead horse in front, practice gradual and consistent speed transitions to prevent rider frustration behind you. If there is an inexperienced horse or rider in the group, travel at the best speed for them.
• Signals: The most experienced horse and rider should be in the lead, and they are responsible for communicating with the rest of the group. Within your group, establish the hand signals you will use for slowing down, stopping, etc. Also, look behind at the rest of the group at regular intervals to check on their safety status (for example, if you see a horse at the back getting excited and bucking, then slow down).
• Passing Other Horses: If you see a lone horseback rider or group of horses ahead of you, do not run up on them from behind. Begin by calling out loudly to alert the riders and horses of your presence if they don't see you, and express your desire to pass when it's safe to do so. Pass on the left-hand side (if you're able) at a slow rate and wait until your group is a ways ahead before picking up more speed. Passing horses can cause a race mentality, so be alert and adjust accordingly for everyone's safety.
• One-Horse Length Distance: Maintain a one-horse length between each horse in the group, whether you're riding on a single-file trail or in a wide, open area. Do not tailgate the horse in front of you! When you're entering and exiting obstacles such as a water crossing, maintain the one-horse length to give everyone enough room.

• Dismounted Rider: It is imperative to wait for any dismounted riders to be mounted again before you keep trail riding. Whether they're opening a gate, picking up a dropped item, checking their horse's hooves for rocks, or something else, the whole group should wait for the rider to mount again. A horse can get spooked if it's herd bound and starts to get left behind.
• Gates: Before your ride, it helps to talk to the trail manager or property owner about which gates should be closed or left open, in case you ride up on a gate that is already open. Wait for the gate openers and closers (if it's not the same person) to be through the gate and mounted again before riding off. Don't leave any gates open behind you!
• Drinking Water: Depending on the water source, leave enough room in between each horse while they drink their fill. If it's a water trough, do not let your horse itch its face on any hardware or on the trough edge (the bit, headstall, or reins could get caught and spook the horse or break). Don't let your horse rub heads with any fellow horses either. Make room for any subsequent horses wanting to drink water after yours is done, but don't go too far. Wait until every horse is done drinking before leaving the watering spot.
• Waterway/Mud Crossings: Enter all waterway and mud crossings at a walk, leaving a horse length in between each horse. Some horses have a harder time passing through water or mud crossings, so slow down and take the time to get them through. It can help to allow a confident horse and rider or two to pass through first to encourage the nervous horse (or rider) to follow. Wait until all group members are through the crossing before you pick up any speed.
• Be Considerate: Simply put, think about the whole group instead of just yourself. Some horses and riders might not be as experienced as others in the group, and they may quickly become insecure if the group is not considering their inexperience or pushing them too hard. Also, if there's a horse that is having a particularly hard time and spooking, rearing, etc., the group should change the dynamic however necessary to help keep the horse and rider safe (even if that means splitting up the group). If you have a horse that is a kicker, inexperienced, etc., then color-coded ribbons in their tail can be helpful.

Equestrians arguably have the most responsibility to communicate with other trail users on how to safely pass horses; however, they must do so in a kind yet productive manner. It doesn't help the situation if emotions arise and a party or multiple parties become hostile. Many trail users have never encountered horses up close, let alone passed one on a multi-use trail.

You will find the same to be true for any hikers or runners with dogs, as there are many dogs who have never seen horses and don't know how to react to them. Canine companions can become startled by or aggressive toward horses on the trail, and horseback riders must ensure any dogs are safely restrained before passing. All users—dogs included—are sharing the trail, so use common courtesy on a multi-use route. Below, we will lay out some simple rules for hikers, runners, bikers, and horseback riders when they are either meeting or overtaking a horse and rider.

Meeting a Horse/Rider

• Hiker/Runner: Speak to the horse and rider. When it's safe to do so, step to the downhill side of the trail in a visible spot and stand still. As the horse passes by, avoid any sudden movements and continue to speak calmly. Do not try to pet the horse, especially without the rider's permission!

• Biker: Slow down your bike and come to a stop at a safe, stable spot. Speak to the horse and rider to say hello and ask what they'd like for you to do. Some horses do better passing a stopped bicyclist while other horses might be more comfortable stopping off of the trail and having the bicyclist pass instead. Follow the instructions the rider advises and calmly speak to the horse while passing. Wait until the horse is a ways behind or ahead before increasing bike speed.
• Horseback Rider: Say hello to the fellow horseback rider and slow down to a walk. If on a single-track trail, the smaller group or group of horses that's less agitated should pull off to the side (preferably in a wide, open area if possible). Allow the passing group by at a walk without letting any of the horses touch noses, and notify each other if there are any more horses coming up from behind or ahead. Wait until there's a good distance between both groups of horses before increasing speed.

Overtaking a Horse/Rider

• Hiker/Runner: If you're hiking or running at a faster rate than the horses, call out to the rider to alert them of your presence and desire to pass. The horseback rider should pull the horse over when it's safe for them to do so, and they may turn the horse to face you. Stop and wait until the horse is controlled, then proceed when the rider gives you the okay. Speak calmly to the horse as you pass and avoid any sudden movements.

• Biker: Preferably, a cyclist will have a bell on their bike to help alert people ahead of them of their presence. If there's no bell, then call out to the rider that you're approaching, slow down or stop altogether, then ask to pass. Some horses are especially agitated by bikes coming up from their rear, so allow the rider to get the horse under control and let them turn to face you (if they'd prefer to do so). Avoid any sudden movements and speak calmly to the horse. Be prepared to either pass slowly on your bike or get off to walk by with your bike in hand—whichever method the rider advises.
• Horseback Rider: If you are the faster horseback rider and coming up on another rider or group from behind, slow down to a walk and call out to ask to pass. Allow the other riders to slow down further or stop, then pass on the left side at a brisk walk. Don't let the horses touch noses or get too close, and notify each other if there's any more horses coming up from behind or ahead. Wait until there's a good distance between both groups of horses before increasing speed. You may find that some riders urge past at a higher rate of speed, and this is usually due to a lack of courtesy or an especially agitated horse that is easier handled by passing more quickly.

Q: What should I do when I come across an off-leash dog while horseback riding?

A: Even if you are riding multi-use trails that require dogs to be on leashes, there are unfortunately instances of irresponsible owners who have their dogs off-leash when they're not supposed to be. Slow your horses down and come to a stop altogether, then politely ask the owner to put their dog back on its leash. Stay calm and avoid eye contact with the dog, as they may interpret this as a challenge.

If the dog becomes excited and runs to approach the horses, remain calm, stand tall, and yell at the dog (wiggling your whip at them if you have one on hand is also helpful). Sometimes, changing directions and calmly riding your horse away to a safer place can deter a persistent dog, especially if it's following you.

A loose dog that is too excited or anxious about seeing horses can quickly escalate to aggression and cause them to attack your horse's legs. Be prepared with your seat and hands to guide your horse to chase the dog off if it becomes aggressive. Some riders choose to carry pepper spray, which can be used to ward off an aggressive dog if other methods aren't working. Do whatever you need to do to keep yourself safe! Should you be involved in a damaging incident with a dog while you're horseback riding, report it to the authorities and park service staff (if relevant).

Q: What should I not do when meeting a horse and rider on the trail?

A: Do not be silent or hide behind anything, such as a tree. Avoid any sudden movements that might spook the horse, and don't run up on a horse from behind or speed past them. Also, don't wear headphones altogether, or at least wear only one, so you can hear and talk with the rider to keep everyone safe. A startled horse puts the equestrian and any other trail users at risk, so communicate with the rider on what to do and yield to their right of way.

Whether you ride alone, in a group, or on multi-use trails, implementing safe trail practices is of the utmost importance. It is wise to be aware of the yielding rules, so you and all other trail users can stay safe while enjoying nature. We hope you enjoyed this guide on how to respect and share trails, so you're better prepared the next time you go out on an adventure with your equine companion. We encourage you to reach out to our friendly customer service team at 1-800-620-9145 or info@ridingwarehouse.com for assistance if you have any further questions. In the meantime, happy riding!