Prioritizing Safety on Mixed Use Trails • Stopping is More Effective Than Yielding
By Lora Goerlich
“The management of public lands, especially trails, is a complex issue that involves balancing the interests and safety of various user groups, including hikers, cyclists, equestrians, and others. When exclusive trails for each activity aren’t possible, the public agency in charge has additional (and ongoing) obligations when equestrians are included.
Today’s prevailing etiquette on shared trails emphasizes yielding to horses and riders. However, the term “yield” is subject to individual interpretation; it does not universally mean stop. This alone will cause conflict and confusion. When non-equestrians only slow down there is still serious risk especially if additional triggers are present, such as non-equestrian loaded with pack gear; hikers with dogs on or off leash; walkers pushing strollers; fast moving cyclists and trail runners; or motorized vehicles. Adding to the confusion are non-standard signs that pair yield and stop directives and/or safety signs that are difficult to understand and too wordy. Merely putting up signs – or worse, no signs, then hoping trail users will “just get along” is not a viable solution.
When horses are present, the most effective directive is for non-equestrians to come to a complete stop. “Stop” directives eliminate ambiguity and are the best choice on mixed-use trails, significantly reducing the chances of injuries to the horse, rider, and other trail users. Along with stopping, verbal communication with the rider is imperative - this allows the rider to guide the remaining interaction based on their understanding of their horse’s behavior (what this means is... if a horse rider knows their horse typically does not react negatively in the presence of bikes, etc. they have an opportunity to allow other trail user(s) to pass).
In areas where park agencies create and maintain shared use trails it is the agency's responsibility to:
1. Create firm and uncomplicated signage - "Stop for Horses" should be the universal standard
2. Maintain a hands-on presence in the field, especially in known conflict areas
3. Provide ongoing educational and enforcement campaigns
4. Establish enforceable rules to protect vulnerable trail users (equestrians) ©”
When multi-use trails are created, the primary responsibility for conflict mitigation and maintaining trail safety rests with park agencies because they possess the authority, resources, and overarching view necessary to implement comprehensive safety measures which should include clear signage that communicates rules and guidelines for trail usage, educating the public about trail right-of-way, and enforcing rules in problem areas. This is a dynamic, hands-on process; it's never a one-time task. Trail systems that lack proper enforcement and educational support from park staff, combined with a high presence of non-equestrians who are unfamiliar with safe horse interactions can pose serious risks for equestrians.
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Clear Trail Signage on Multi-Use Trails is a Serious Issue!
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Straightforward, easy-to-understand trail signs is so important! To illustrate this point, I’ve created a brief video that highlights how much simpler it is for cyclists to interpret uncomplicated signs on a multi-use trail.
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Whenever horses are present on trails, it is important to avoid mixed messages, ambiguous instructions, lengthy directives, and whimsical signage. Safety around horses is a serious matter.
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Lastly, signs serve as reminders rather than enforcers. Simply installing signs does not guarantee compliance. When signs, safety support and educational campaigns fail, it's probably time to investigate trail re-alignments for everyone's safety.
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The vast majority of equestrian trail riders go to great lengths to acclimate their horses to a myriad of potential trail scenarios; bikes, heavy equipment, off road vehicles, dogs, bridges, traffic... the list is endless. None of this training/acclimation will ever guarantee that a horse will not react when faced with trail challenges/obstacles. This is why it is hugely important for other trail users to act appropriately in the presence of equestrian trail riders. Simple acts create safe trail experiences for everyone."