•Walk the first half-mile or so to warm up the horse’s and your muscles

•Ride with awareness. Know where problems might occur—such as a water crossing, bridge or passing by a obstruction.

•Keep two horse distances apart to avoid kicking.

•Go the speed of the greenest horse or the most inexperienced rider.

•Walk along rocky terrain and down steep hills.

•Know the local wildlife. If bears are a concern know how to prevent an encounter.

•Avoid riding along roads if possible, especially at peak traffic times or in darkness.

•Don’t pass someone going a slower pace.

•Warn riders behind you of low branches, stumps, holes or other hazards.

•Hand signals for horseback riders are the same as for cyclists. Use them to signal riders at the back of the pack and along roads.

•Ride well-known trails when the light is poor.

•Most of all, pay attention to your horse’s condition. Don’t override him so that s/he continues to enjoy going out.

Happy Trails.