Conserving Our Trails Kurt Pluckhorn Maryland is home to over 100 public parks
that off er equestrian-use trails. We have parks in every county across the state, and trail rid- ing adventures abound for all levels of riders, from coastal vistas to mountain passes. T ese parks are managed and maintained by state and county resources, but they need our help to keep them in good shape. Trail users, whether on foot, bike or horse-
back, have a duty to protect these trails if we want them to remain open for generations to come. Here are a few tips on how horseback riders can be trail stewards while enjoying a lovely ride.
• Ride on Dry Trails – Rainfall tends to be heaviest in the spring here in Maryland and when it rains, the quality and stability of trails can suff er. T e same can be said for heavy snowfall as it melts during winter months. A general guideline is to stay off trails for 24 hours per inch of rainfall. Riding through areas of wet soil can create muddy areas that end up holding water long after the rain has stopped or the snow has melted.
nated for horses. In addition, riding in a single fi le line on trails helps reduce trail damage.
• Educate Before You Ride – Be sure to scope out the trail system before you start your ride. Most parks have online maps and all will have posted maps near the entrance of the park, if not at every major trail head. Planning your route ahead of time will help prevent overuse of heavily traffi cked trails. Also be sure to fi nd out if there are any trail closures before you head out and be sure to respect trail closure signs.
• Clean Up – Although picking up manure dropped on the actual trails may not always be possible, cleaning up after your horse in park- ing lots and along roads is. If the park you are riding in does not have a designated manure disposal area, pack it in your trailer and dispose of it at home. Also, keeping your horse moving while it poops on a trail will naturally spread out the manure. Cleaning up after yourself and your horse applies to trash too! Littering comes with substantial fi nes in most parks.
• Small Groups – It may be fun to get a large group of friends together for one massive group ride, however the more horses traveling the same trail at the same time, the more damage each footfall creates. Riding in small groups lessens the impact on the trail surface.
Trail Conservation Tip - Ride on dry trails and be sure to stay on marked paths.
• Stay on the Path – It may seem like a sim- ple request, but it is a vital one! Stay on trails designated specifi cally for horses. Trail blazing can create soil erosion or damage wildlife ar- eas meant to be bypassed. In addition, trails are marked for use by park offi cials and often there is a safety reason behind a trail not being desig-
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• Slow Down – A leisurely walking trail ride has less impact on the trail surface then a high- speed gallop. Plus, walking allows you to en- joy the scenery longer and chat with friends along the way. For the safety of other trail users, horseback riders should always slow to a walk when passing hikers, mountain bikers or park vehicles.
• Waterways – Some trail systems have access to watering areas where you can allow your horse to drink or take a cooling dip. Be sure to only access water through designated paths and never ride up or down embankments along wa- terways. Doing so not only puts you and your
horse at risk for falling, but also creates erosion areas and damages vegetation holding embank- ments in place.
Trail Conservation Tip - Be sure to only enter wa- terways at designated crossings to help prevent bank erosion.
• Share the Trails – Every public park in Mary- land that off ers equestrian-use trails also opens those trails to hikers, and often mountain bik- ers as well. T e “right of way” for multi-use trails is that bikers yield to hikers and horses while hikers yield to horses. Technically, horse- back riders have the right of way on multi-use trails, however it is our job as riders to repre- sent the community well. T e Maryland Horse Council has long supported the shared use of our natural resources, so “peaceful coexistence” is our goal. Be kind to those you meet on the trail. You never know, you might be their fi rst introduction to the horse community!
• Volunteer – T e best way to ensure healthy trails is to help maintain them! Contact your local park offi cials or trail group and fi nd out when trail clearing days are scheduled. Or even better, get permission from park offi cials to or- ganize a trail clearing day of your own!
T is article was compiled from TROT, Extension Foundation and AQHA. THE EQUIERY YOUR MARYLAND HORSE COUNCIL PUBLICATION | APRIL 2024 | 25
Katherine O. Rizzo
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