Trail Tips
Safety is key when you're riding, of course, but a little courtesy, friendliness and common sense can go a long way and help all of us continue to enjoy the trails together.
Our beautiful multi-use trails and open spaces are here for everyone, not just horse people. During a ride, you and your horse may encounter walkers, strollers, dogs, hikers, birders, mountain bikes, runners, cross-country skiers or snow - shoers. To access the trails, you may need to travel briefly on streets shared with cars, bicycles and garbage trucks. You may pass yards and open spaces with romping kids, bouncing dogs and noisy landscape equipment. Phew! But don't worry, it really can be safe and fun for everyone! Here are a few helpful ideas you may want to keep in mind.
Respect all users
Think of yourself as an ambassador — every time you encounter someone on the trails, you're really a diplomat who's helping to ensure our horses remain welcome trail users. Try to educate and thank others for their courtesy.
Be friendly and use common sense
Trail etiquette does require preferential treatment for the horse. But be aware that many people don't know that (yet) and simply may not understand that horses can weigh over 1000 pounds, accelerate from 0-30 mph faster than a race car, and are hard-wired to run from anything that seems dangerous or unusual. By communicating a little with other trail users, you can help make friends for all of us who love to ride.
Encourage bikers and hikers to speak up and say "hello" so your horse can identify them as humans (not monsters). While you're thanking them, politely explain that even if your animal isn't reacting badly, another horse they meet might be frightened if they approach quickly or silently, so it's always a good idea to say "hi."
Always give drivers who slow down a friendly wave to say "thank you." That person speeding up behind them with the cell phone and the coffee cup may actually see you and get the idea too.
Be sure to tell any property owners you meet how much you appreciate their generosity. As open space disappears at lightning speed, it is worth the extra effort to thank the people who are willing to share their land and generous enough to let us enjoy their trails.
Be prepared
Make sure someone knows where you're going and when you left. It only takes a second to leave a note back at the barn.
Wear something bright so you'll be visible.
Take along your cell phone. Keep it on you in a pocket or a fanny pack — that way, if you get do get separated from your horse, your phone won't canter back to the barn without you.
Leave no trace
Avoid using the trails during winter thaws, in spring mud season, and after heavy rains.
Even if a trail looks firm, it may be very soft beneath the surface. An inconsiderate rider who slogs through muddy or soft trails will leave permanent damage and dangerous holes that can trip a hiker or catch a horse's leg down the road.
The general rule of thumb is that if you can see your hoof prints, you shouldn't be there. Try to be patient — a day or two can make a big difference — and the trails will dry up soon.
Be sensitive about "road apples," especially when crossing a driveway or road. If you can, clean up after yourself. One rider told us her neighbors prefer to have their bushes fertilized, not their approach to the mailbox; so she keeps a little folding shovel in her car trunk and swings by after rides to re-distribute any inconveniently dropped manure.
Report any problems
Running into fallen trees? Low-hanging branches? Slippery bridges? ATV tracks? If you encounter any problems on the trails, please alert BTA/BOLT Contact Us >
Support BTA/BOLT
The trails and woods of Boxford may seem magical, but it takes a lot more than magic to get them there and keep them that way. Many people devote many, many hours of hard work all year long to ensure right-of-ways, prevent trail closings, deal with housing and road development, and maintain and preserve the trails. If you can swing a rake, cut a branch, come to a meeting, or write a check, you can help too!
Please get involved > or donate > today. You'll be helping your community and contributing to your own future. Thanks!