1. Always stay a horse length behind the horse in front of you. Do not permit your horse to crowd the horse in front of you.
2. Ride single file unless the circumstances permit riding abreast.
3. Do not get out of line and charge up or down the line of horses. This can spook the other horses and easily cause an accident.
4. Do not let any riders get out of sight. Stop if necessary.
You and your horse are a team. You have a responsibility to your horse that ensures his safety along with your own. Be sure to carry basic equine emergency supplies in case your horse is injured on the trail. Tack shops carry convenient kits that you can carry in your saddle bags.
Make sure your horse is in proper physical condition to travel the trail comfortably. Just like human beings, horses need proper conditioning for athletic events such as trail riding. Altitude can an additional hazard if the horse is not conditioned and is taken several thousand feet above its normal altitude for a trail ride.
Be sure your horse’s hooves are healthy and shod if the trail is rocky. Check local maps or with the Trail Boss on horse water availability on the trail. Always have extra water in your trailer in case there is no water on the trail.
It is a good idea to have a tube of equine electrolytes in your saddle bags if your horse becomes over tired during the ride.
A halter or a lead rope is always a good piece of gear for trail riding. An “E Z Boot” that fits your horse’s hooves is a handy piece of gear to have in your saddle bags in case your horse throws a shoe.
Always have a supply of tools including Chicago Screws and a Leatherman™.
As the saying goes the strength of a chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link. This is very true of the group of people that you ride with.
Keep groups small and carry lightweight gear to reduce the number of animals needed.
Obtain a map of your destination and determine which areas are open to horseback riders.
Be sure to let fellow riders or the Trail Boss know if you have any food or medicine allergies or special conditions in case of an accident.
Make a realistic plan, and stick to it. Always tell someone of your travel plans.
Contact the land manager for area restrictions, closures, and permit requirements.
Check the weather forecast for your destination. Plan clothing, equipment, and supplies accordingly.
Carry a compass or a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit and know how to use them.
Carry water and emergency supplies even on short trips.
Pre-plan camp locations that provide plenty of room and the proper environment for confinin