Guidelines for Organizing and Participating in Trail Rides

Liability Issues and Sample Release Form

The Frida Icelandic Riding Club (FIRC) would like encourage members to organize rides for club members and to invite members to participate in rides sponsored by other groups.  To make trail rides as enjoyable and safe as possible, riders are encouraged to follow some suggested guidelines.  

• The leader (or ideally the leaders, if there can be more than one group) should ride the trail to confirm its suitability, expected duration and speed of the ride, endeavor to obtain or make a trail map, as well as confirm parking availability. 


 


• The ride should be submitted to directors@firc.us to be placed on the club events calendar. 


 


• A notice should be sent to the FIRC membership announcing the ride and specifying whether number of groups, the expected pace and duration, the terrain, the date and time, and if possible a rain date. 


 


• If riders are sure that they are comfortable with  the advertised duration, pace, terrain, before they sign up for a ride, they should inform the leader they are coming and provide a phone number, for any last minute changes.


 


• Riders should arrive at the assembly area with a horse in adequate condition, evidence of a current negative Coggins, a complete set of functioning tack, fly spray, a rake to clean up, any special medication they may need, an easy-boot or Old Mac in case a horse can not continue in the event of a lost shoe, and a red tail ribbon if a horse might kick.


 


• Recommended also for rides on warm days is a sponge (for the horse) and water for rides (preferably ice water in an insulated saddle pack).  Riders are responsible for removing all manure, hay scraps, etc. from the parking and congregations areas, either to a designated dump or bagged and carried out. 


 


• Leaders could bring a first aid kit (including Neosporin, benadryl, tweezers, string and duct tape), hoof pick, clipper, and folding trail saw for trimming branches.
   

• For the enjoyment of the riders, leaders should endeavor to maintain the advertised speed and duration, but safety is paramount.  Leaders should assure that riders do not become lost, and that anyone wanting to stop early knows the way back, is accompanied by someone who does, or waits by the trail for the group to pass on its return.  Leaders should announce gait changes, and riders should not pass the leader.


 

• Everyone must slow to a walk when passing hikers.  Riders are a good horse ambassador if they are friendly to families they pass, especially ones with children.  Riders always are in danger of losing access to trails, so please do not ride off marked trails, speed past hikers, or leaving trash and manure.