“There are many wonderful places in the world, but one of my favorite places is on the back of my horse.” Rolf Kopfle
As mountain residents, we enjoy some of the most beautiful trails in the nation to ride our horses on. Not just a few, but several right in our backyards, not to mention the amazing places all over our state. Riders “down the hill” go to a lot of effort just to come to our local trails. While many local horse people are very comfortable riding local trails, others may need people to ride with or the fear of the unknown keeps them from venturing out. Some friends moving here from the west coast noted that in California, horse riders are more concentrated into communities, but here we are spread out and it can be difficult to connect.
Trail riders come from all disciplines and use trail riding as a break from the arena or a horses usual job. Of course it is also a great way to socialize, enjoy riding and Colorado with friends and family.
As trail riders, we hold quite a bit of responsibility in our hands. Our most important job (other than staying alive) is as horse riding ambassadors to keep the trails and parking lots accessible to our horses and rigs. It is no secret that the majority of the local trail users are bikers and hikers. We are the minority, but pedestrians and bikers must yield to us, because plainly, we could be killed if something goes awry. Hold that privilege and responsibility with appreciation and respect.
Be kind, be aware of your surroundings. Most bikers and hikers encountered are aware of our frailty and predicament. As prey animals, horses get a little nervous when encountering fast moving people on wheels and people hiding in bushes ready to pounce on them, not to mention the dog that has been waiting for the chance for a good sniff of a horse. The majority pull off the trail, stand in a conspicuous place and talk to the horses. Avoid being rude or officious. We need to get along with our fellow trail users. Start a pleasant conversation with them to get them talking. Let them know that your horse needs to see and hear them.
Be proactive and aware of your surroundings. If possible, put the more trail savvy horses at the front and back of your party. That way if a bike comes up quickly, the horse is less likely to react and cause a chain reaction. Of course, stay on the trail (unless muddy) and walk while passing other trail users. If you are on a young horse or one with little trail experience, keep your eyes open and as soon as you see a bike or person, talk to your horse and the person. If the trail allows, turn your horse toward the person/bike as soon as you notice them so your horse can get a good look at them. If possible, pony young horses initially off of more experienced horses to get them used to the trails and other users.
Venturing first on more open trails is wise. Open trails give your horse a chance to see someone coming from a distance. You can step off the trail and let your horse see the bike coming. Some open trails under an hour from our area are Bear Creek Lake Park, Chatfield Park, parts of Elk Meadow and Mount Falcon.
Take care of each other and ride to the level of the least experienced horse or rider in your party. If you want to go on a fitness ride, go out with others with the same goal. If you are meeting various friends and friends of friends, consider it more social and be flexible. Although in our mountains, no matter the speed, you and your horse will get a work out. Get a feel for the other riders and their horses. If you think you might want to trot, first ask everyone in the party if they want to. Then, let them know when you are transitioning back to a walk. An easy way to not be invited back trail riding is to take off at a canter/gallop without warning. This is a good recipe for getting someone in your party bucked off or taken off with.
Some of our best local horse trails include Alderfer Three Sisters, Kenosha Pass, Pine Valley Ranch, Elk Meadow Park, Flying J, Beaver Brook Watershed, Mount Evans Wilderness, Gashouse Gulch, Staunton State Park, Little Scraggy Peak and Miller Gulch. I recommend going early or later in the day, even after dinner is a great time during our long daylight hours in the summer. In addition, weekdays can be wonderfully quiet at local parks.
Riding horses is one of the most natural ways to experience the beauty and peacefulness of the mountains. Wildlife are more comfortable with our horses than people on their own and horses can take us places we would struggle to go without them. Stay safe and enjoy your summer riding around our beautiful state with your horses and friends!
Resources:
Margi Evans’ Riding Colorado I – II and III books are a must have for Colorado trail riders.
ridingcolorado.equineexplorer.com
mtnhomes4horses.com/category/trail_guide
jeffco.us/open-space/parks/
horsechannel.com/horse-news/2013/09/13-trail-etiquette.aspx
Heather McWilliams © 2020
