ONTARIO TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION INC.


Equestrian Trail Development

Do you.......
........want more trails to ride?
........want to know what you can do to help?

The Ontario Trail Riders Association has been developing equestrian trail opportunities since 1970. OTRA is a volunteer organization whose mission is to promote trail rides and the creation, development, preservation and safe use of trails. Many of the trails available today to equestrians in Ontario can be directly attributed to the tireless work and dedication of OTRA and its members. Please note though, it is important that trail development begins from local horse people wanting local trails. So if you would like to see more equestrian trails in your area, here's some ideas on how to get started.

What can YOU do to help?

          • Be aware of any trail development in your area

          • Attend public meetings held in regard to trail use or development on abandoned rail lines, conservation lands and provincial parks

          • Be sure to sign in for attendance, show equestrian as your interest and bring as many fellow horse people as you can

          • Be aware that numbers count!

          • Volunteer to be the equestrian representative on your local trail committee

          • Speak with park officials regarding horse use and offer assistance as it is needed

          • Volunteer on work committees for trail building activities or clean ups

          • Form a local club to organize equestrian activities using the trail

          • Gather information on the economic contribution of the horse industry in your area and show how it will increase with the development of a trail

          • Encourage the development of equestrian camping and "bales 'n breakfast" facilities close to the trail

          • Offer to educate other trail users on how to approach a horse and rider on the trail

          • While on the trail, be courteous to all users and remember that you represent all equestrians to them

          • Leave only hoofprints

          • Clean up after your horse in the parking lot

          • Stay clear of environmentally fragile areas

          • Stay off trails not designated for horse use

Join OTRA to lend your support to our continuing efforts in trail development and more  important - become active yourself.

Check out our Trail Update page for information on developing trails.

 


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Created 2003 Updated December 2009
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