Pine Ridge Horse Trail System Use and Safety

The horse trail system is designated for horses and foot traffic only. These trails are intended to provide a calm environment for horseback riders, and walkers. To protect all trail users, electric bicycles, scooters, ATVs, golf carts, motorcycles, dirt bikes, and any other motorized vehicles are not permitted on the horse trails.

Horses are prey animals and may react suddenly when startled by fast, quiet, or unfamiliar movement. Electric bicycles and motorized vehicles can approach quickly, create unexpected noise, disturb footing, and leave limited time for a rider to respond. A frightened horse may bolt, spin, rear, or move into another trail user, creating a serious risk of injury to the rider, pedestrians, the vehicle operator, and the horse.

Unauthorized vehicle use can also damage the trail’s surface. Tires and motors may rut sandy or wet areas, widen narrow paths, erode shoulders, disturb wildlife, and create unsafe conditions for horses whose hooves depend on stable footing. Once the trail surface is damaged, it becomes more difficult and expensive to maintain and less safe for everyone who is allowed to use it.

All users are asked to respect posted signs, remain on designated trails, keep the area quiet, and yield appropriately to horses. Walkers should announce their presence when approaching a horse and step to the side of the trail when safe to do so. Riders should maintain control of their horses and communicate clearly with others on the trail.

For the safety of horses, riders, pedestrians, and the preservation of the trail system, please do not use electric bicycles or motorized vehicles on horse trails. Keeping these trails limited to horses and foot traffic helps prevent accidents, protects the trail surface, and preserves the intended equestrian experience for the community.

Sincerely,

Gail A. Denny, CMCA, AMS, LCAM