A Trail Rider's Guide To Environmental
Awareness
1. Do not litter. What you carried in, you can carry out. And
if you have room pick up what others have carelessly left behind.
2. Do not smoke while riding. Instead, dismount at a designated
spot chosen by the Trail Boss, and carefully butt out, completely.
You don't want to be responsible for a forest fire.
3. Leave your campsite neat and tidy. Spread your manure or
deposit it where your hosts have asked you to. Don't leave large
quantities of hay behind. Return your site to as natural looking
as possible.
4. Do not damage crops. Access to farmland does not mean
galloping across planted fields. Carefully ride single file around
the edge of any crops or stay on a path. This also applies to
lawns while riding in residential areas.
5. Stay on the trail path. Deviations from the path lead to
unnecessary destruction of vegetation.
6. Keep your horse moving while dropping manure. Small lumps
disappear more quickly and don't inconvenience other trail users.
7. Spread any piles of manure your horse may drop while at rest
stops.
8. Never allow your horse to damage trees by chewing or pawing,
while tied at rest stops.
A Trail Rider's Guide to Public Awareness
1. Be friendly towards other trail users. Stop, speak, answer
questions, whatever it takes to present a good image of equestrian
trail users.
2. Present a neat appearance while riding. Remember that you
represent all equestrians while in public.
3. Drinking and riding do not mix. Confine your alcohol to your
camp area.
4. Have control of your horse at all times. If necessary,
dismount and lead your horse through areas of high activity. If
you remain mounted, proceed no faster than a walk
5. Respect private property. Get permission from landowners to
use their land. Leave gates as you find them and don't bother
livestock. Never cut fences.
6. It is recommended that all trail riders carry 3rd party
liability insurance. Check with your agent.
7. Any child under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
A Trail Rider's Guide to Equine Awareness
1. Condition your horse and yourself before venturing out on a
long trail ride.
2. Maintain your horse with a healthy diet, regular
vaccination, shoeing and worming program.
3. Allow your horse to drink along the trail whenever water is
accessible.
4. Teach your horse to picket or tie quietly and safely.
5. Use only equipment in good repair. Bring spares of necessary
equipment such as reins, girth and halter.
6. Stallions are the direct responsibility of the rider/owner.
Check with the Ride Hosts before bringing a stallion to a ride.
Junior riders should not ride a stallion.
7. If you use a tie-down or fixed martingale, make sure you
undo it before allowing your horse access to deep water.
A Trail Rider's Guide to Safety Awareness
1. Tie a red ribbon to your horse's tail if he is known to be
cranky or kick. Better still, work with your horse to train him
not to kick.
2. Keep 2 horse lengths between you and the horse ahead.
Crowding leads to upset horses and kicking.
3. Inform others of your intention to pass. Pass only at a walk
and on the left.
4. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Long pants, shirt
with sleeves and boots or shoes with a heel will make your ride
safer and more enjoyable.
5. Don't pass the Trail Boss without his permission. He is
aware of the trail hazards, you are not.
6. Never leave the ride without informing the Drag Rider or the
Trail Boss. They will decide if the ride should wait for you or
continue.
7. Don't let branches snap back at the rider behind you.
Instead, lift the branch up and over your head.
8. Inform the Trail Boss if you don't feel comfortable with any
obstacle or pace. You are not obligated to attempt anything you
don't want to such as steep hills, river crossings, cantering. You
know your capabilities and your horse's better than anyone, and
you are responsible for your own safety.
9. When riding on the road, always ride on the right hand side
and as far off the road as you safely can. Even though horses do
have a right to the road the same as vehicles, drivers today are
not educated about this fact, and it is a dangerous place to be.
10. When riding on the road, ride in single file with an
experienced horse in the lead and another bringing up the rear.
11.When crossing a road, do so only when the way is clear for
all horses in your group to make it across. Cross quickly at a
walk and directly across to the opposite shoulder.
A Trail Rider's Guide to Campsite Etiquette
1. Respect your hosts wishes regarding dogs. Do not bring any
dog if the hosts have asked you not to. If dogs are allowed in
camp, they must be leashed at all times. Remember the dog must be
left in camp all day, so provide the necessary comforts to keep
the dog happy and quiet until you return.
2. Notify your hosts of your attendance with a phone call, if
they have asked for an RSVP.
3. Be self-sufficient for all your needs. Bring your own food,
toilet and camping supplies as well as all your horse's feed and
equipment.
4. Water is usually provided but be considerate of rural water
supplies.
5. Campfires are permitted in designated areas only. Check with
your hosts before lighting one.
6. Keep your campsite clean and take your garbage home with
you.
7. Dispose of manure by spreading it around or as per the
instructions of your hosts. If in doubt, ask.
All this and more information about trail riding is included
in a booklet produced by the Ontario Trail Riders Association and
available with your new
membership.
