How many trail riders have an encounter with an endurance rider only to go away with a poor impression of the sport? Often­times it is simply because the endurance rider is so wrapped up in themselves and their horse that they never give the trail rider a passing thought and in return leave a bad impression with the trail rider.

You represent endurance riders and AERC every time you are on your horse in a public place. Non-endurance riders seem to have little trouble in identifying us.

You may be wondering how you, just one person, could influence anyone. Every time you have any contact with any other horse person you are representing our sport.

On-trail etiquette

When you are at a ride or just training make sure you take the time to be courteous to everyone you come into contact with. Never fly pass a trail rider screaming "passing on your right" even if you are running up front. If the trail rider is on a young horse or is inexperienced this can be a terrifying experience.

Often when coming up behind trail horses in a ride, you will see the trail riders rush off the trail with a look of terror in their eyes. Be sure to stop and talk a little to them as more than likely they have already had a bad encounter with an endurance rider in the past. It doesn't take much of a genius to know what their conversation will be about in the few minutes following an experience like that.

You need to slow down, say a few nice words, then ask if it would be okay to pass. Be sure to let them know if you think their horse is pretty, is behaving well or whatever nice compliment you can genuinely give them. It only takes a moment to be nice but it only takes one bad encounter to make an impression that will be almost impossible to erase in that person's mind.

If we are not courteous, these trail riders will not be your friends. They will complain to the forest ranger about the dangers of the endurance rides as well as to other trail users, and may even sabotage trail markings in revenge. I realize that some areas have many trail riders and it is not always possible to stop and chat with all of them but you can slow down and be polite and courteous to all of them.

Get involved

Though endurance riding is not the sport for most trail riders, we do have a few things in common besides our love for horses. One of the things we have in common is we all use the same trail systems. So let's use this as a starting point to get involved with the other trail users in making a contribution that will help them as well as us and will go a long way with public relations between us.

All trail users can unite with the common goal of keeping our trails open. We need to get involved in local trail groups that spend time working on the trails. The Back Country Horsemen organization is a good example of a group that pulls all trail users together for the common goal of trails. Go out and work side by side with the trail riders and get to know them personally. Let them know that you are interested in helping out on work days.

Make the time to go out and take a "pleasure" ride with some trail riders. You do not have to make every ride you go on a conditioning ride; this can be more of a training session for your horse and at the same time it can spread goodwill toward endurance riding in general.

Trail grants

AERC has several thousands of dollars set aside for trail grants. Another way to have endurance riders make a good impression to the other trail users and land managers is by helping out with funding on trail projects in your area.

These grants are available for any project that the Grants and Trails committees feel are worthy and you can apply for one. Examples of past projects: clearing and spreading gravel on parking areas, getting water in a horse camp, putting in electric to a horse camp, rerouting a trail, building a barn in a horse camp area, building bridges or low water creek crossings.

Ask other trail users and land managers if they would be willing to partner up with you and AERC in obtaining funds. Team up with other trail user groups that can help the work and funding and you will be able accomplish some large projects that all trail users will be able to enjoy.

Make sure that some kind of recognition plaque for AERC be placed in a highly visible area where the work was completed so that other trail users can see that the endurance riders are pulling their weight when it comes to trails.

Clean camp area

When leaving the camping area after a ride be sure to clean your area. Leave no trace of the endurance ride campsite. Clean up your hay and manure or spread it as directed by the ride manager or as the camp mandates. What we leave behind (or don't) makes a big impression on the other trail users and land management. In all the years I have managed rides I am always amazed how well the endurance riders clean up. Keep up the good work!

Horse people have a hard time when it comes to unifying. We get in our own little groups and don't really think about each other. Horse people have the numbers to sway government officials if we would just unite. Do your part in representing endurance riders by uniting with other trail users and becoming part of the solution. Make sure the impression you give is a great one. Be a role model for others to follow. G