BE LIGHT ON THE LAND

How can you help keep trails open for equestrian use? Ensure that your horse’s presence won’t adversely impact the environment or others’ use of the trail. Follow these tips to help keep trails in tip-top shape.

Report wet trails. Horse hooves can be hard on wet trails. If you find a slick or muddy area, promptly report the issue to trail officials so it can be repaired.

Stay the course. Stay on designated trails. It’s tempting to meander off the beaten track, but your horse may tread on new vegetation or add to erosion in tender habitats.

Pick up, pack out. Don’t drop trash or leave behind anything. Pitch in and clean up others’ trash when it’s safe to dismount.

Manage manure. Be aware that some non-riders associate horse manure with dog feces and complain about “road apples.” If your horse passes manure on the trail, it’s usually fine to just keep going. But if manure is of particular concern, and it’s safe, dismount and kick the manure off the trail. Do clean up after your horse at trailheads and horsecamping sites. (For more about light trail use, visit