TRAIL USE & SAFETY

In order to encourage good horseback riding practices and educate the public about horses, below is information about trail use, road safety, and other issues confronting equestrians. Feel free to print out the articles to keep for future reference.

POMFRET HORSE & TRAIL ASSOCIATION

How to Ride Out a Storm

It may be sunny and clear when you head out on the trail, but storms can sneak up on you when you're far from the barn. Here's how to handle four sudden and serious changes in the weather. Read more

Road Safety for Motor Vehicles & Equestrians

For hundreds of years horses were a common sight on roads, as they provided the primary source of transportation. Today, horses, riders, and carriage drivers are usually seen on roads only when they need to traverse from one trail to another. They do have a right to be there (unless it is a highway) and it is important that automobile drivers know how to share the road with equestrians. It is the responsibility of the motor vehicle operator to slow down when passing horses and riders, or when necessary, to stop to be sure the rider has the horse under control before passing. Read more

Lead-Horse Trail Etiquette

A trail ride with a few barn buddies should be enjoyable. And even a small group on a casual outing will benefit from established guidelines and a sensible trail leader. If you're that leader, here are a few do's and don'ts to help make your ride safe and pleasant, from North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC) judge Jim Ferris. Read more

Rules for Riding on the Trails for Hikers, Bikers, and Riders

The regulations for multi-use trails on public lands are standard in Connecticut: mountain bikers yield to hikers, and cyclists and hikers both yield to horseback riders. This right-of-way rule acknowledges that horses have special needs and may react unpredictably. Riders need to direct each encounter. Read more

There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.

               ~ Winston Churchill

A canter is the cure for every evil.

              ~ Benjamin Disrael

There is no secret so close as that between a rider and his horse.

              ~ Robert Smith Surtees