Travel & recreate with minimum impact

· Stay on established trails and routes and other areas open for horse use. Be aware of prohibited areas.
· Know which roads are open to vehicles.
· Cutting switchbacks and taking shortcuts can destroy vegetation and cause others to use the unauthorized route.

Respect the environment and the rights of others

· Respect and be courteous to others who want to enjoy the lands you are enjoying.
· Be considerate and honor other's desire for solitude and a peaceful outdoor experience.
· When riding, be especially cautious around hikers and bikers.


Educate yourself plan and prepare before you go

· Check with the land management agency for permits or use requirements.
· Check the weather forecast for your destination. Plan clothing, equipment and supplies accordingly.
· If you will be using private property contact the land owner(s) for permission.
· Carry a map and compass and know how to use them.
· If possible, do not shoe horses prior to a trip. New shoes cut up the ground more than worn shoes.
· Make certain your trailer lights work.

Allow for future use of the outdoors, by leaving it better than you found it

· Whenever possible, use existing campsites designated for horses. Camp on durable surfaces and place tents on a non-vegetated areas. Do not dig trenches around tents.
· Camp at least 200 feet from water and trails.
· Hold horses 200 feet from lakes, streams, huts and camping areas.
· Avoid damage to vegetation when tethering your horse. Do not tie horses to trees, small limbs saplings or shrubs. Use a highline for tethering.
· Use yards, paddocks or hitching rails where provided.
· Report lost horses immediately.
· For cooking, use a camp stove. They are always preferable to a campfire in terms of impact on the land.
· Observe all fire restrictions. For campfires, use only fallen timber. Gather firewood well away from your camp. Do not cut down trees.
· Let fire burn down to a fine ash. Ensure the fire is completely extinguished.
· Leave your surroundings as you found them.

Discover the rewards of responsible recreation

· Hiking provides the opportunity to get away from it all and builds family traditions.
· Help preserve the beauty and inspiring attributes of the great outdoors for yourself and generations to come by horseback riding responsibly. Remember-if you abuse it, you’ll probably lose it! Do all you can to protect the forest and lands that mean so much to you.
· Respect the environment and other trail users. By using common sense and common courtesy, what is available today will be here to enjoy tomorrow.



Tread Lightly!’s Horseback One Page Tip brochure contains more information for you when you ride in the great outdoors.