Riding with Intent
A Horsemen's Guide to Trail Ethics
By Lora Goerlich
"The duty of maintaining access to bridle trails on public lands is not just in the hands of policymakers or land managers; it begins with equestrians themselves. Equestrians must take consistent measures to keep bridle trails accessible and sustainable for future generations. Ignoring the issues or, even worse, engaging in destructive behavior jeopardizes equestrian access to public lands."
Internal Layers
"When I initially recognized the difficulties that trail riders have encountered over the years, along with solutions for preserving trails, I felt a surge of excitement. I believed equestrians were eager to find ways to protect their valuable trail assets. After all, they seemed to be engaged in ongoing struggles over trail preservation with other trail users and public land managers. However, the reality was quite surprising. I soon discovered the actions of many riders do not align with the goals of trail preservation, and information specifically aimed at helping riders preserve trails is rarely shared.
Isn't it fascinating how some equestrians passionately call out non-equestrian trail users—both in person and on social media—for not following the rules? But where's the same energy when it comes to holding fellow equestrians accountable for breaking enforceable rules and etiquette? From riding with off-leash dogs to navigating off trail to avoid muddy areas these actions harm our beloved trail habitats!
Let's clear up a common misconception: volunteering isn't the only way to support bridle trails. While volunteering is certainly impactful, it's just one piece of the puzzle that helps keep trails accessible. Not everyone can volunteer, but every trail rider on public land has the power to embrace "The 15 Principles of Equestrian Trail Ethics." Ride with the intention of keeping trails open!
