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Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Horse Safety & Etiquette
Equestrians and Bicyclists yield to one another on a trail in Cheeseboro.

Part of having an enjoyable experience in the Santa Monica Mountains is ensuring that everyone is safe. Riding a horse in a multi-use enviroment requires even a higher level of awareness. Remember, safety starts with the individual!

 

Reading and following these tips will make sure we keep our parks a plesant place to visit.


 

Safety

·         Stay on maintained trails and observe all posted signs.

·         It is best to ride with a buddy and tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

·         Watch for overhanging branches from shrubs and trees.

·         Keep horses at a walk when passing other visitors and stay to the uphill side.

·         Carry first-aid and your vet’s phone number in case of emergency.

·         Bring water for yourself and have water in your trailer for your horse. Stream water may not be suitable for all horses, and is unavailable in many areas.

·         Walking dogs while riding horses is not advised since dogs must always be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. (*Dogs are not allowed on State Park backcountry trails.)

·         Loose horses are not permitted on park trails.

 

Etiquette

·         Be courteous to other trail users. Hikers and bikers should yield to horses, but may be unaware of protocol.

·         Horses are only permitted to walk, trot, or canter on park trails. Galloping is not permitted.

·         Horses are not permitted in picnic areas, campsites, and lawn areas.

·         Please, do not lunge horses in park.

·         Manure must be picked up from parking lots and other developed areas.

 

Resource Protection

·        Horses are allowed only on designated trails. They must keep out of ponds and only cross streams at designated trail crossings. Off-trail use is not permitted.

·        DO NOT tie horses to trees. Please use hitching posts or ground tie or hobble.

·        After rains, check with national and/or state parks for trail conditions and closures. Trail use is not recommended when trails are wet and prone to damage.

·        Grazing is not permitted.

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Last Updated: October 25, 2009 at 13:03 MST