Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work with courtesy, care and consideration for others and for the land.
- Leave only hoofprints and guard against fire
- Help others to see you: wear hi-viz aids, even off-road
- Keep dogs under close control. This usually means on a short lead which is not possible from horseback so it may be best to leave dogs at home
- Observe byelaws where displayed at the entrance to a site
- Take the BHS Ride Safe training if you ride on roads.
Care for the land
- Keep to the bridleway or byway unless on land with designated open access for horses. Check the Ordnance Survey map if there is doubt.
- Do not jump fences, hedges or walls – you may cause damage
- Horses’ hooves can damage surfaces after wet weather. Avoid routes where this happens if possible. Avoid areas with heritage or conservation value which may be very fragile
Courtesy to other users
- Pass others at walk and slow down well before your reach them, they may be frightened of horses or uncertain how to act
- Be able to stop in the distance that you can see ahead
- Acknowledge courtesy shown by other users
- Adopt ‘Share the Trail’: each encounter with another user is a chance to build cooperation – a smile and a short chat can work wonders!
- Encourage cyclists to call out when approaching horses. Many cyclists are unsure what to do around horses.
Consideration for farmer