The Equestrian Lifestyle
Part III
We are Trail Riders
Maintaining
The Equestrian Lifestyle
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“The pleasure of trail riding is saddled with constant risk and uncertainty.”
Trail Riding Requires Constant Effort
Injury and Illness – Remember fortitude from part I? Horseback riding has been cited as one of the most dangerous sport activities. Even caring for horses is rife with risk. Falling, being stepped on, body slammed, being dragged while tangled in tack or training equipment, losing fingers or toes, and of course, broken bones, concussion, and even death. Whoever coined the phrase “healthy as a horse” may not have had an in-depth knowledge about the delicate health nuances of these noble animals. Lameness, illness or injury are inevitable and can happen without warning in the barn yard, in a stall, while trailering, while out on the trail or from a herd mate. “Plan for the worst, hope for the best" is an appropriate cliché for equestrians.​
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The Financial Commitment that comes with owning horses for trail riding is enormous often continuing for decades. A horse’s usable/healthy life span is about twenty-six years, though most mindful and able-bodied owners will continue to care for their horse(s) during chronic illness/lameness and through its retirement years. Conceivably, all-encompassing commitment can last upwards of thirty years The cost of horse keeping is subjective and largely influenced by regional economics which can vary greatly from state to state. Equestrians face ongoing financial challenges that negatively affect their ability to keep horses and enjoy trail riding. For many, 2008 marked drastic financial hardships as fuel prices soared; seasonal and regional droughts coupled with fertilizer shortages caused hay prices to skyrocket. Then in 2020, Covid-19 induced mayhem that many are still trying to financially recover from. Add to that the current inflation rate plus attrition within equine professions which has created limited availability of large animal veterinarians and farriers. All of these factors have put a choke hold on caretakers, sending many a good horse down the dark road to Mexico or Canada and priced many trail riders out of the lifestyle.
Looking for a ready-to-ride trail horse? Be prepared to spend upwards of $10,000. The advent of online horse auctions has driven equine prices up to levels that are out of reach for many trail riders. The detailed expenses of horse keeping are vast and substantial. Contributions to the local and national economy from equestrians of all disciplines are significant. The American Horse Council gathers data for their Economic Impact Study of the Horse Industry which includes the monetary contributions of horse keeping for recreational purposes.
Limited Riding Opportunities – Threats of equestrian trail closures and integration with other uses such as cycling and/or motorized use has been a constant threat since the 1970’s. The huge disparity in the availability of equestrian trails and camping areas compared to other trail user opportunities is noticeable. Roughly 10% of all public trails are open to equestrian use, even though in the grand scheme of trail creation and long-term upkeep, horse trails are the least costly to create and maintain if they are planned and developed properly. Historically, equestrians are the most committed - not only to the never-ending, costly care of their animals but also in their volunteer efforts and monetary contributions helping to maintain the public trails they depend on for recreation.
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Creating Safe Trail Experiences – Be a Positive Experience!
More than any other trail mode, equestrians are the most at risk when others do not understand how to interact around horses. All trail users must unite in their efforts to create safe trail experiences for equestrians (and others) while using public land. Hikers, cyclists, cross country skiers, trail runners, bird watchers, photographers, ATV operators – can all commit to “being” a positive experience. There are simple actions that contribute to safe trail use if equestrian trail riders are nearby. Stop your feet, stop your wheels, cut your engine and talk, say “Hello!” The horse will hear your voice and recognize the human under the frightening backpack, sitting atop a silent cycle, gliding on whooshing skis or sitting in a loud, rattling ATV. The simplest act of talking can put the horse (and rider) at ease, especially if it’s an unproven trail horse. Allow horse riders ample time to pass, unhindered and without annoyance. Try to appreciate the incredible amount of time and effort the rider has put into the magnificent animal he/she is astride.
Park Personnel – Keep a watchful eye for riders during trail maintenance projects especially while operating chainsaws, brush hogs, tractors, chippers, or when driving on horse trails. Shut down equipment before horse and rider reach your location and talk - say “Hello!” When the horse and rider are about 100 yards away it is usually safe to resume equipment operations. Furthermore, ranger staff must be empowered to enforce rules for all trail users - horse riders included. Plan exclusive horse trails whenever possible and educate non-equestrians about proper etiquette, especially on multi-use trails.
Dogs on Leash, Leash in Hand - Frequently overlooked is the importance of keeping dogs on visible leashes, where leash laws have been established. The belief that horses are “just like big dogs” is dangerous thinking. Dogs are predators by nature and horses are prey animals, the hunter, and the hunted. Both react differently to stimuli. A frightened horse could cause tragic injuries to itself or the rider if it is not accustomed to dogs running about, among other things.
Road Travelers – Revving an engine or sounding a horn can provoke a horse to react with potentially deadly consequences. When overtaking a horse and rider, simply slow down and pass wide, especially if you have a loud motor. Stop and wait if you encounter a horse and rider crossing the road; there are rules in most states that allow horse and rider the right of way when crossing the roadway. In Ohio the rule is: ORC 4549.01. To those who practice positive trail etiquette, your contributions to trail safety are undeniable and do not go unnoticed. You are a gift to equestrians!
Commitment Above and Beyond All Other Trail Users - The extended costs, labor and risk involved with horse care is immense even in the simplest horse keeping scenario. The daily obligation does not go away, and the expenses seem to outweigh the benefits. Equestrians endure all of this in the name of trail riding and for the horses’ sake. It takes significantly more time, money, effort, and grit to enjoy a trail ride but what unifies all trail users is the need for accessible, safe trails. If you're ever discredited by someone who refers to trail riding as a hobby, be sure to enlighten them, kindly; hobbyists do not endure the complex financial and physical hardships that trails riders do.
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Trail riding IS a lifestyle not a hobby.
Originally published in American Trails April 2019
Edited version published as a three part series in Horse Trails of America "The Trail Journal" June, July, August 2023