Trail Riding Tips

These tips were compiled in order to make all trail rides and camping rides safe and fun for everyone. They are also very helpful if you are new to trail riding!
  1. For safety reasons - no dogs on the trails. A lot of state parks (Watson Mill) and camping areas (Silver Spur) do not permit dogs on the trail.
  2. On a trail ride, don't leave the group and go out on your own unless you inform the group.
  3. Tie horses properly when you take a break on the trail. If you have a horse that chews on trees, put up a picket line. This is becoming a major issue on some private, State and Federal lands.
  4. Stay on the trails - several State and Federal trail riding areas get complaints about folks not staying on the trails.
  5. If everyone is walking their horses and you are in the front, don't let your horse run up or down the hills (see #6).
  6. If you would like to speed up - gait, trot, canter or gallop - let folks know that you are about to "change gears"!
  7. When overtaking other horses on the trail, ask to pass. Don't gallop around them - walk by them. If being passed, stop and allow the horse and rider to go safely around you.
  8. When coming towards another group of horses on the trail, the smaller group should yield to the larger group and get off to the side of the trail or if possible, get off the trail completely.
  9. At watering holes, if your horse "fouls the stream" or likes to walk in the water, try to go last or go downstream. Wait your turn and don't let your horse push its way into the watering hole.
  10. Don't allow your horse to "bump" into other riders or their horses. Keep your horse a safe distance from the horse in front of you. This is especially important if you are gaiting, trotting or cantering. If your horse kicks, put a red ribbon in it's tail.
  11. If a ride is scheduled for a specific time, be prepared to ride out at that time.
  12. Don't litter! If you carry it in, carry it out!
  13. Veteran Kel-Mac trail riders should be patient and helpful to new trail riders.
  14. Be safe and courteous to all riders on the trail.