Do’s and Don’ts of Trail Riding on Maryland’s Public Lands


provided by Trail Riders of Today


Maryland has been blessed with a wide array of beautiful trails through- out the state. From the Atlantic Ocean where we may ride on the beach, to fl at farmlands, to moun- tain trails in the western portion of the state. T ere are federal, state and county parks which all have multi-use trail systems. Horseback riders share these trails with hikers, bikers, bird watchers, families with strollers, dog walkers, etc. Here are a few simple tips to help keep our multi-use trails open and safe for horses.


not maintained, resulting in degradation of the vegetation and soil supporting it. Un- fortunately, trampling by a horse is more destructive than hikers on foot, mountain bikes and even off -road motorcycles.


Know the Boundaries


Do be aware of your surroundings and with whom you are sharing the trails.


Be Aware of Your Surroundings We all need to be aware of our surroundings


and work towards desensitizing our horses to the various situ- ations they may encounter. Safe- ty is the main concern for ev- eryone, not just the trail rider. While on a ride, if your horse is showing fear, ask the other trail user to give your horse some space and a moment to overcome his fear. Remember, a calm rider makes for a calmer horse, though that can be a challenge for some of us!


Right of Way When it comes to passing on the trail, the


horse typically has the right of way. T e other trail users should step aside and allow the horse and rider to pass. T is does not always mean the rider should insist on being fi rst. T e rider must judge the situation. Sometimes it is bet- ter to yield to the other trail user. For instance,


if there is someone on a bike coming up from behind, the bike is probably going faster than the horse and rider, the rider should step aside and allow the biker to pass.


Clean Up After Your Horse Don’t ride on saturated or muddy trails.


We, as trail users, need to improve our public image in order to retain the right to ride on public lands. Manure, hay and shav- ings do not belong in parking lots! If there is not somewhere pro- vided to dispose of these, put them in your trailer and take back to your barn. Park offi cials have been contacting horse groups about this


issue and riders may be denied parking if this sort of behavior continues.


Trail riders should also be aware of the boundaries of the public lands on which they are riding. Many public parks with trail access back up to private farmland. Respect the farmers and their crops by avoiding the temptation to ride through a fi eld or along the edges of it. Unless you


have permission from the surrounding land owners themselves, stay on the park side of the property line.


Volunteer to Clear Trails


Don’t stray from the marked trails or ride on private prop- erty without prior permission.


Know When to Stay Off the Trails When we have had heavy amounts of rain as


we had this spring, it aff ects the quality and sta- bility of the trails. Although the sun may come out for a day or two after the rain subsides, a general rule of thumb is to wait 24 hours for every inch of rain that has fallen. Riding through areas with wet soil can create muddy bogs, causing the land to retain the water and mud long after rainfall. In order to preserve the trails, make sure to give them ample time to dry and fi rm up. Also, check with park offi cials before heading out on the trail in case any paths have been closed due to storm debris or excessive water.


Stay on the Path Riding on public paths cleared specifi -


Do remember to pick up all manure, hay and shavings from parking areas.


www.equiery.com | 800-244-9580


cally for trail riding is a privilege. As such, it is expected that all trail riders remain on the paths indicated for their use and avoid trail blazing and making new paths. Rider- created paths are often poorly routed and


T e majority of the trails are cleared and maintained by users and volunteers, not park staff . Do your share and remember that other trail us- ers are shorter than a horse and rider. Trimming upper branches is our job as riders. Trail Rid- ers of Today has a program where you can report your trail maintenance hours,


even if it is only 15 minutes. T ese hours are then reported to DNR. So get out there and carry clippers and trim as you go!


Smile and Enjoy the Ride


T e most important thing of all when riding on public land is to enjoy the beautiful trails we are so very lucky to have here in Maryland. Don’t for- get to give everyone you meet a smile, you are an ambassador for every horseback rider on the trails!


Do smile and enjoy the ride! JULY 2018 | THE EQUIERY | 19


Bob Keller


Linda Davis


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