BECOME AN AMBASSADOR FOR HORSES

For everyone’s sake, it’s wise to make an effort to educate the uninitiated about sharing the trail with large, reactive herd animals who bolt first and ask questions later. I try to be friendly about it, but I do ask other recreational trail users to speak up when approaching a horse, especially when coming up on a blind curve. I let them know that stepping off the trail and going behind bushes or trees makes them appear to be a predator to my horse. Most of all, though, I thank them when they’re being courteous, and I go out of my way to let them know that, like them, I am just interested in enjoying the trail.

If I run into a few hikers or bicyclists who to want to pet my horse, and my horse seems agreeable (which he’s often not), I usually oblige. I find this to be very good public relations for both horse and pedestrian. One rider I know makes it a point to stop and talk with