SEAT is a family oriented group, organized to promote safe and pleasurable trail riding. Everyone has concerns when trail riding, especially in a large group, often in unfamiliar surroundings. Common sense should prevail. Developing good trail riding manners comes with experience. All riders should review the following guidelines which are written to enhance the enjoyment and safety of all. Remember, we are all responsible for promoting and developing our sport and its reputation!

SAFETY

1. The Ride Coordinator will determine the pace of the ride based upon the conditions and ability of horses/riders present, which may include separate flights.
2. Green horses or riders should have a green ribbon securely affixed to the tail of the horse. A horse is considered green if he is inexperienced at this type of riding or group outing, skittish or unpredictable in any way. A red ribbon should be affixed to the tail of any horse even slightly prone to kick. Stallions must be identified by a yellow ribbon in their tail.
3. Keep at least one horse length between you and the horse in front, unless you have made a previous arrangement with the other rider.
4. Safety helmets are required for riders 18 and under. Hard hats are highly recommended for all riders.
5. Juniors must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The adult sponsor cannot leave the junior without permission from the ride management. Juniors must provide a written permission slip if riding with someone other than their parent.
6. The ride coordinator will have available the first aid kit at all SEAT rides. Emergency items will be carried on each ride. Full first aid kit will remain at the trailer.

COURTESY

1. Always obtain permission to ride on any land. Obey all No Trespassing signs, unless express permission has been given by the land owner or lessee. Assume all fields are planted; ride on the edge of fields, never ride between the rows. Don’t ride through people’s yards. Be considerate of the landowner’s rights and unexpressed wishes. Never forget that it is his land, so he is always right. A silent complaint often leads to losing the right to ride.
2. Make sure the area around your trailer is free of manure and trash before you leave. If you must clean out your trailer, ask where the manure should be placed.
3. Do not litter on the trail. Make sure that you carry any trash out with you, even if there is other litter already on the trail. If you are smoking, dismount and make sure that all smoking material is completely extinguished.
4. Announce your intention to pass, and on which side you will pass, well in advance. Pass carefully and considerately, making sure there is adequate room. Accelerate to a pace slightly faster than the horse being passed. Avoid any sudden movements, such as a whip, rein or hands which may upset the horse. The horse being passed should yield to the faster horse(s). Extra precaution should be used when passing horses with colored ribbons in their tails. If a rider simply wants to go at a faster pace, first announce your intention to all horses around, allowing them a few seconds to prepare.
5. When riding through wooded trails, do not hold back branches as you pass. The limb may cause injury to the horse/rider following you.
6. Announce any hazards to the rider behind, who in turn, should pass it on. Use a simple call such as “‘Ware hole.”
7. If another horse/rider in your group stops, wait quietly until all are ready to move on. When stopping for water on the trail, do not block the trail. Let your horse drink, move out of the way and wait for your riding partners. Never leave the last rider behind.

MISCELLANEOUS

1. Directions to each conditioning ride will be available upon request (contact any SEAT officer or Ride Coordinator). Every attempt will be made to find a central point to convoy to rides and to provide a lead and drag driver. It is suggested that you have directions to each ride, in case you become separated from the group.
2. Experience will teach you exactly what items are necessary on trail rides. Basic suggestions are: sports bottle with water, hoofpick, halter and lead rope, basic first aid supplies and aspirin.
3. Each rider is responsible for their actions and those of their mount. Ignorance of the rules does not absolve the rider of the responsibility should an accident occur.
4. Dogs are not allowed on the trail, however, they may accompany you to the ride. They must remain on a leash, either tethered or under control at all times. Dogs may not roam at large! Please confine your dog to your trailer area, unless the dog is specifically invited to surrounding trailer sites. Make sure to dispose of dog waste in general trailer/horse area.
5. Know your horse’s limitations. Avoid over exertion of your horse. Be aware of his condition throughout the ride. Let someone know if you even suspect a problem with your horse.
6. Inhumane treatment of a horse is unacceptable.
7. Violation of the rules is grounds for disqualification from the event and action by the club.