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[RC] Multi Use trails - Jonni JewellI think the key thing we all must remember when using trails that are open to other types of users, is to be a good equestrian ambassador. If you have trouble with someone on a bicycle on a trail they ARE allowed on, try to politely educate them as to how to deal with sharing the trail with horses. As Jim said, teach your horse to deal with what ever might be sharing the trail. When you pass a hiker, bicycler etc. on the trail, say HELLO. Comment on what a beautiful day it is to be out on the trails. Chat with them when given the chance. Many of the other users are afraid of the horses. Bike riders don't always know to say something when they pass. They think the noise will spook the animal. If your horse kicks them as they pass, I would not want to have it go to court, as you could be found at fault for having an animal that kicks on a public trail. (the laws can twist things in directs one never expects) Explain to them to call out to a rider, that they would like to pass when you have a chance. Suggest bells on their bikes for the horses to hear. If you have a HUGE problem with bike riders, then try to go to the local bike shop and ask if you could leave some hand outs on how to work together with horses on the trails. If there is a local mountain biking club, offer to speak at a meeting. We need to always work WITH these other users, so to not lose trail access all together. Don't make the other users thing that equestrians are jerks. Jonni ============================================================ If people would just think of the hoof as the foundation for the horse like a house foundation. when your horse plants his foot down in the ground and pushes forward if the foot isn't 100% balanced your chances of injury go up. ~ Paula Blair ridecamp.net information: http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/ ============================================================
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