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TRAIL SAFETY RULES

1. Don't cluck; it could cause other horses to run.
2. Keep several horse lengths apart; the faster you go, the greater the distance.
3. All riders stay on the same side of the road.
4. If a vehicle scares your horse, turn him to face it, so he can see it.
5. If a horse rears, give a loose rein and push him forward with your legs.
6. If a horse runs backward, loosen your reins and push him forward with your legs.
7. If a horse bucks, pull his head up and move him forward with your legs.
8. If a horse bolts (runs away), try a quick pull and release, or circle him, or use a pulley rein.
9. If your horse shies (jumps sideways or spins), shorten your reins, sit back and down on the horse and close your legs. You can circle your horse and then push him forward with your legs.
10. If your horse refuses to go past something, urge him on with your legs or dismount and lead him past.
11. Going uphill, lean forward and do not pull on the reins.
12. Going downhill, lean back slightly.
13. Pass another rider only at a walk or trot.
14. Warn someone ahead if you are coming up beside them or past them.
15. Watch out for holes and wire.
16. Warm the horse up by walking the first half mile out, and cool him off by walking the last half mile home.
17. In the middle of a ride, it is all right for the horse to drink all he wants to. At the end of a ride, do not let a hot horse drink heavily--just 10 or 12 swallows until he is cooled off.

*** IMPORTANT NOTE ***
A riding helmet is DIFFERENT from a bike helmet. The padding is in differnet locations. Wearing a bike helment will not protect you as much as a equine helmet would. I would recemed that you visit Jeffers Equine Supply and check their helmet inventory. I have found that they have the best price