Do you walk your dog in state parks or public recreation areas?
I have a horse and dogs, so thought I'd use this page as an opportunity to educate people who maybe don't have equine experience.
This weekend a friend and I took our horses to a recreation area to do some trail riding. While in the parking lot with our horses, 3 separate families arrived with their dogs and let them loose to run in the park, completely ignoring the "keep your dog on a leash" signs and paying no attention to our horses nearby.
I understand that dogs need to run, play, and exercise, but people also need to be respectful of others while in a public area.
The place where we were riding was heavily wooded with hills, blind curves, and lots of areas where riders wouldn't see a loose dog or dog owners wouldn't see horses ahead of time. Horses are prey animals and their first instinct when spooked is to run. Running scared can lead to bucking and tripping, riders falling off, and people getting trampled, leaving behind a long list of potential injuries to both a horse and rider.
If you're in a public area that allows horses and you see them, or even see a horse trailer in the parking lot, please keep your dog on a leash. If you encounter horses on the trail don't hide! Speak to the riders to make yourself known and keep your dog calm and nearby. If your dog is loose be sure to regain control of them so that they don't run to or scare the horses. It's a good idea to stop and let the riders pass or ask what they prefer (horses have the right of way.) If you come up behind a horse also make yourself known by speaking with the riders so as not to spook the horse. These simple actions will help keep everyone safe.
Horses, hikers, bicyclists, and dog walkers can all easily get along if we have good communication and look out for everyone's well being. Happy Trails!
