Turkey Mountain attracts a wide variety of people – hikers, runners, cyclists and more. As folks come out, they get to learn the “rules of the trail” so everyone can enjoy themselves and be safe.
But there is another group of trail users out there, and they also have a few needs of their own. And those would be the equestrians, folks who ride their horses at Turkey Mountain.
We reached out to a member of that community, Betsy Barnes, and she gave us this excellent list of things to think about when you encounter someone on horseback at Turkey Mountain. Here’s what she said:
Let horse riders know you are behind them. Horses spook and kick. They have shoes on. Metal shoes. Trust me when I say a kick from a horse leave an impression you will never forget. One day when riding, I looked down at my horse’s side and saw a bike tire. Thankfully my horse is used to some of this. Not a word from the biker or a sound on that day. That could have ended so badly for all involved were my horse not calm. Thankfully, nothing happened.
Also let riders know if you are walking, running or riding toward them. We need a chance to move. Rapid movement coming toward a horse can be scary to it. This can cause the horse to spook and injure rider, horse, and anyone near by.
Horses have the right-of-way. I can’t speak for others, but we always try to move if there is a place for us to move. Sometimes on the single track trails we don’t have this luxury. Please allow us to pass rather than risk our horses footing. We will move quickly and offer a very grateful thank you!
Sometimes we surprise each other around a blind curve. Pay more attention around those spots. Two of the favorite trails are Pink and Yellow. Both have some very blind areas. Please approach these with caution.
Horses are big and can hurt both the rider and those on the ground. If you see a rider having a problem with a horse, stop and let the rider gain control of the horse. Please don’t approach – this can actually complicate things and risk everyones safety. I know my horse. My horse knows me. There is a level of trust there that is just hard to explain. My horse does not have these feelings of trust with new people any more than a child does.
Also, in the parking lot. We know the lots are beyond full to capacity. We try to use the trails at less traveled times but sometimes Turkey Mountain calls to us on those same beautiful days it calls to everyone else! Trailers need more space than a car to exit the parking lots. Don’t park so close that we can’t exit the parking lot.
One more thing: dogs. Dogs running up behind a horse can be kicked. Some dogs try to herd or bite at horses. Please, please control your dog. Your dog should never approach a horse or other dog on the trail without permission from the owner. This can put everyone at risk. Accidents are often preventable with just a little planning.
So there you go. Solid advice from a longtime rider who shares the trails with you. Read and heed, and have fun out there!
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