Antietam National Battlefield - horse riding policy (U.S. National Park Service)

Horse use is subject to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 36, Section 2.16 (b), which prohibits "the use of horses or pack animals outside of trails, routes, or areas designated for their use." More specifically, Section 2.16 of Antietam National Battlefield's "Park Compendium" states as follows: "Horses are permitted on tour roads and the Snavely Ford Trail in groups of five or under. Riders are limited for safety to two horses abreast on tour roads and single file on the Snavely Ford Trail. This includes living history programs. Horses are prohibited on paved foot trails, parking areas, or on agricultural permittees' pasture or cropland. All riders and/or drivers shall obey traffic laws in accordance with Maryland State Law."
Groups of ten horses or more require a special use permit signed by the Superintendent. Permits may be obtained by sending a written request to: Antietam National Battlefield, P.O. Box 158, Sharpsburg, Maryland 21782 or by contacting the Division of Natural Resources and Protection at 301/432-2243. Requests must be made two weeks before the scheduled ride. Groups of five or fewer horses do not require a special use permit.
To protect cultural resources, jumping of stone walls and fences or riding faster than a canter is prohibited. Riders will be held responsible for damages to park resources.
Horse trailers are not to be parked in the Visitor Center parking lot. They are to be parked in the grassy area on the west side of Dunker Church Road, south of the Dunker Church.
The area where horse trailers are parked as well as any areas where horses have been tethered for any length of time must be clear of debris.
Horses are not to be left unattended, to prevent interaction with and injury to other park visitors.
During inclement weather, the Snavely Ford Trail may be closed to visitor use.
Stables that charge a fee for trail rides must possess a concessions permit approved by the Superintendent.
All accidents must be reported to a ranger or other park employee as soon as possible.
All visiting parties, regardless of size, must report to the Visitor Center to pay an entrance fee before touring the park.