RIDGE RIDERS
Rain, rain, rain. Hopefully August will be drier for a trail ride.

 


Trail Ride Information

  • Trail information (directions, length, terrain description, any special skill requirements ie: crossing water) will be posted on the website once the ride is made available. All riders should check the ride information ahead of time.
  • Groups larger than 12 riders will be broken into two groups for safety.
  • Riders age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Riders need to contact Gus with their name and phone number: 424-9924 or flanitsa@yahoo.com. If we need to cancel a ride it will be done at least 24 hours ahead of the ride-start time and those who made reservations will be called.
  • Riders bring their own food/snacks/water, as well as water for their horse (some locations will have water available).
  • Riders must sign in with the Trail Boss at the trailhead; this sign-in will serve as a release. (And if someone gets lost, we'll know who it is ; )
  • Appropriate equine headgear and saddles are required. Please bring a halter and leadrope so you can tie your horse when we stop for lunch.
  • Barefoot horses are the responsibility of the individual rider.
  • Never feel embarrassed to wear a helmet – it’s your head you are protecting.

   

The Trail Boss will choose a route and speed (usually paced to the least experienced rider) which will make a safe, fun ride for everyone. Remember, not everyone is an experienced rider, and most horses are not bomb proof. Before you think of going on a trail ride, you and your horse should have mastered the basic skills of stop, go, and turning in both directions; ability to cross water is helpful too. Check your tack to make sure it’s in good repair. Let someone know where you are riding. Have ID on your person and on your saddle; carry your cell phone on your person – your horse can’t use it should he run off with it in your saddlebags.
 

Ride Etiquette

  • Don't ride ahead of the Trail Boss – he/she knows where you're going.
  • Stay in front of the Drag Rider – he/she's watching your back.
  • Don't ride away when a rider is off their horse and/or trying to mount up. This can cause panic in the horse left behind.
  • If you have to stop anywhere on the trail, inform the Trail Boss or the Drag Rider and the whole group will stop. The Trail Boss will then decide to either wait until the rider is ready to proceed, or to continue, leaving the disabled rider with the Drag Rider.
  • If you want to pass the person in front of you, please give a warning alert, ie: "Passing left".
  • Don't ride nose to tail; the horse in front may kick, your knee being in the prime “kick” zone.
  • Tie a red ribbon in the tail of a known kicker.
  • When climbing up or down a hill, keep a horse-length between your horse and the one in front; do not run up or down hills.
  • At water crossings, leave room for horses to cross, but don’t ride off until all horses have had a chance to drink and cross.
  • Make sure all riders agree before trotting or cantering on the trail.
  • If the ride is on marked trails, stay on the trail; on off-trail rides, try not to ride single file as that will create a trail.
  • Leave gates as you find them
  • Show courtesy to others who share the trails.


Thou Shalt Nots

  • No alcohol or drugs on the trail

  • No smoking

  • No firearms allowed except those authorized by the Trail Boss

  • No stallions

  • No dogs

  • No littering

 

Photos of Previous Trailrides