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SAFETY/RIDER GUIDELINES

• Helmets are encouraged for adults. Youth riders (less that 18 years old) are required to wear helmets.
• Proper riding attire should be worn including boots (or sturdy shoes with a 1/2" heal), and long pants. Sun protection is recommended (hats, sunglasses, gloves, sunscreen, etc.)
• Horses must be ridden with a saddle, proper bridle, hackamore, side pull, or bosal.  Bareback pads are not proper saddle, halters and lead ropes are not acceptable as head gear for riding in the competition.
• Riders may use one hand or two, regardless of the bit used.
• Tie downs, martingales, cavessons, are not permitted.
• It is recommended that unshod horses be equipped with boots.
• Riders should carry essentials such as water & medications. 
• Check your cinches at least once during a ride and before riding up or down hills.
• There must be at least two riders per group and not more than four riders per group unless given an exception by the ride chairman.
• Companion (non-competing) riders will be allowed.  Companion riders should not expect to perform obstacles.
• All riders going out on the trail for a competition are required to attend a rider's meeting prior to the event. At this meeting the riders will be given their course information and obstacle guidelines.
• Dogs and stallions are not permitted on trail competition rides.
• Smoking, drinking alcohol, or using recreational drugs on a horse is not permitted on trail competition rides.
• Disqualification- Any rider may be disqualified for any unsafe or unsportsmanlike conduct.  Falling off a horse, or a horse falls, results in the team being disqualified. 

TRAIL ETIQUETTE

• No Tailgating - To avoid being kicked, keep at least one-horse length between riders.
• Don't lag too far behind.  Since horses tend to be herd bound, too much space between them can cause them to be anxious.
• If your horse kicks, tie a red ribbon on its tail and be sure to bring it to the attention of the rider behind you.  
• The pace of the ride should b geared to the terrain and the abilities of the least experienced rider.
• If you want to pass another rider or switch places, communicate with that rider then pick a safe and wide place on the trail to pass.
• Keep to designated horse trails and avoid injuring the environment. 
• If you pack it in, pack it out. Do not leave trash behind.
• Leave gates the way you found them - open or closed or obey signage.
• Be polite and friendly to others using the trails. Always ride at a walk past anyone met on the trail.  Riders have the right of way before pedestrians and bicycles. However, it may be a good idea to allow bikes and faster moving pedestrians (joggers) going the same direction as you to pass.
• When starting or stopping, make sure all the riders in your group are mounted and ready before moving off.
• Communicate with each other. If someone needs to stop, everyone should stop and wait.  Never take off away from your group without notice.
• Problems with jigging or anxiety on the trail can sometimes be alleviated by changing the group dynamic. For instance, put an anxious horse in the lead for a few minutes, or change the lineup so that two horses that aren't getting along are not by each other.
• Try to maintain a walk when moving up or down hills.

(adapted from Certified Horsemanship Assoc. Trail Guide Manual.)