Walking is the acceptable trail gait. After all, trail riding is a pleasurable experience
If you have a horse that even considers kicking at other horses approaching from behind, warn the unsuspecting rider by tying or braiding a brightly colored (red) ribbon on their tail. The red ribbon is the traditional signal that a horse is a kicker.
If you are following a horse with a red ribbon, obviously it would be safer to maintain a little more distance between you. Keep in mind that your horse could move to avoid the kick and put you in its path instead.
Stallions are to be identified with yellow ribbons tied to halter or bridle. The yellow ribbon is the traditional signal.
Horses that are buddies should be kept together on rides. Buddies can be real problems if split up so let buddies be buddies.
At water spots on trail, don’t crowd other horses. Ask if it’s ok to move up and water beside another horse.
Don't pass a group at a high speed. If the horses in the group are surprised, they might spook.
Look for upcoming obstacles, and warn others. If you must duck to avoid low branches, warn the other riders to be ready to duck, too. If you spot a hoof-sized hole in the trail, call out "Hole to the right" or whereever the location is spotted.
If passing a horse on a trail moving in the same direction as you, let the rider and horse know you're approaching simply by saying, "Trail, please". The rider should then move to the right as far as is safe or simply stop their horse for the approaching rider to pass.
Do not follow immediately behind another horse. On flat narrow trail, keep at least one horse length between horses when following. If you can’t clearly see the hocks of the horse in front of you, you’re too close. Allow more distance at a trot or canter.
On roads or two-track lanes when riding abreast maintain a reasonable space between horses. Crowding too closely assures, if one horse spooks or bolts all riders in the group are at risk. Give yourself a little cushion of safety space.
When going up and down steep hills keep several horse lengths between horses. If trail is particularly hazardous, wait until front horse has cleared trail before proceeding.
Horses are social animals that don't appreciate a strange horse galloping up on them.
Don't allow slow-moving horses to fall too far behind the group. If they do, they may become anxious, and even resort to rearing or bucking.
Establish a method for downward transitions. Horses can pile into each other during unannounced slowing or stops. Use a hand signal or your voice to convey your intentions to the rider behind you. That rider should relay the message to the rider behind him and so forth.
When crossing streets stop. Wait a few minutes. Praise your horse and then cross the street.
Leave gates as you found them. (Open or closed)
While on the trail let us remember we are Good Samaritans. Be your brother's keeper. Do not allow intentional or unnecessary harm to occur to anyone on the trail.
Don't litter. Don't spoil the view by leaving trash on the trail and campsite.
Horses should have water available all night, so that they are fully hydrated at the start of the day’s ride.
If horses are tied to a stationary object, rope should be tied to a point higher than point of horse’s shoulder (above chest level) and rope should be just long enough to allow horse to barely reach ground with its nose, long enough for horse to lay down but not get foot over rope. Horse may be tied shorter, as long as horse can reach feed and water.
Camp with your horse if possible
Suggested items to carry on the trail
a. Sharp pocket knife
b. Hoof pick
c. Some way to tie horse on trail. Halter bridle, halter under bridle, lead rope.
d. Drinking water for yourself, snacks for yourself and/or your horse. Electrolytes (in hot weather, horse MAY need electrolytes on trail.)
e. Leather string for stirrup emergencies
Walking is the acceptable trail gait. After all, trail riding is a pleasurable experience
