Whether you hike, bike, ride your horse, or take your motorcycle on the trails, it’s important for everyone to stay aware of each other and enjoy the outdoors responsibly together. In Idaho, it’s common to encounter a herd of sheep guarded by an Anatolian Shepherd Dog or even some wandering cattle. Trails are often shared by a mix of users, and I’m glad to say my experiences so far have been positive ones. But it’s good to know how to react when you encounter others. Each user is different and has different challenges to deal with – most especially those on horseback.
Common Trail Etiquette with horse encounters on the trail is:
- Bikers yield to Hikers and Horses
- Hikers yield to Horses
I have found that when I see a horseback rider approaching, I usually ask the rider what they would like me to do. Some have no issues and others may have a nervous horse. Again, every encounter is different, and communication and respect can go along way and not only keep the trail flowing but also creates a positive experience for all.
I truly appreciate the trails – the ability to share trails with different users and the fact that we can all have these positive experiences on public lands.
N.S