Trail Riding on Public Land

Nikki Salo · Grand Prix

Trail Riding on Public Land

justice · Grand Prix

Some public, some private, it all intertwines so we frequently have to deal with other traffic. The motorized stuff is reasonable, they know we are out there, WE can hear them coming long before they can see us so often enough have time to get a visibility plan in order. Most of the dirtbikes and mountain bikers are out there later in the day so we ride earlier. Unwritten but commonly followed is that " there are horses in the woods in the morning".

The foot traffic, joggers are usually ok, bent on getting on down the road, but those with little ones in strollers and dogs not leashed are far worse.. Rude, feeling encroached upon if we ask for a little room to pass, grossly offended if we ask that the dog be temporarily contained, and could they not hide behind trees when we approach? Take your trash home with you, too.

Barnmouser Ash · Grand Prix

It's sad to see that the general public hasn't the slightest clue about horses these days. 100 years ago it would be common courtesy to allow horses to pass, or contain your mutts for the 2 minutes it takes to walk by without risking getting your dog kicked in the head, or my horse's legs being attacked. I agree also that it's a common courtesy to take your trash home with you. Nobody likes a litter bug.

As far as public land goes, when I was training some mustangs for a guy last year, we had some BLM land that all the locals liked to go riding on/running/take their quads and bikes on/etc. I never came across anyone as I always went out at weird hours, but on my way up the driveway to the trail land I came across curious neighbours quite a few times. Also had to avoid some rather zealous dogs more than once, and occasionally some overly excited horses in a pasture I rode past on my way. Never seemed to come across anyone that wasn't courteous, but the loose dogs were rather frustrating.

justice · Grand Prix

100 years ago, horses were the primary transport and passing had it's own issues. Things got sticky when automobiles entered the scene. Dogs were just dogs then and likely just another part of the working day/environment. They aren't managed the same way today.

It IS sad that some people can't accept anything but themselves and their own space limitations. Too many folks don't play well with others. I am in New England and public land is rare, small, hard to access with horses. It is also very crowded with many that perceive themselves far more important and feel entitled to it more than some stinky horse and rider. Very speshul, indeed : )

Generally, we find this type mildly entertaining as they are rarely dangerous, just ignorant and self-absorbed, unaware.