How can you convince non-horse people that horse manure on public trails is not as problematic as they perceive?
:shrug:

I have to get a laugh from talking to some folks about it, but in the end I get kind of frustrated at the sheer ignorance of some of the responses.

Like this excerpt:
(Talking about requiring horseback riders to pick up their horse poop like dog owners do)

“I get it that the person who is riding the horse would have to get off the horse every couple of minutes to pick up the poop, and a plastic bag wouldn't be sufficient. You would need some sort of large barrel (maybe just a bucket if you were going a short distance).”

Miles of Trials: Horse Poop and Such (http://carpedherdiem.blogspot.com/2009/07/when-you-walk-dog-you-are-required-to.html)

GOOD GREIF! :rolleyes:

How many people have horses that poop every couple of minutes? :killingme

What other things do you hear from NON-HORSE PEOPLE about the negative impact of horses on trails?:coffee:

My boyfriend rants and raves about horse poop on trails. He claims it taints the water supply for backpackers. Not really sure how to respond to that, other than sorry?

I would be interested to hear opinions on this.

On multi-use trails I guess you could dismount and kick it to the side. Carry around a barrel or bucket? Not the best idea. I do get that bikers and hikers would consider it unappealing.

On multi-use trails I guess you could dismount and kick it to the side. Carry around a barrel or bucket? Not the best idea. I do get that bikers and hikers would consider it unappealing.

I take my dogs on walks to go potty, it's not like you don't take a horse to go potty. As a young girl I had a horse, would run around the barn on my bare feet.... somehow horse poo doesn't freak me out.... We didn't have the problem, we had plenty of private wooded acreage and nobody complained.

Years later being on the other side, a biker/hiker on a trail with horse poo.... it still doesn't bother me but I can see where others might get upset. I just learn to ride my bike with my mouth closed :lmao:

What about the bags on the back of major city carriage horses :shrug: What about feeding after a ride? Even not putting them in the pasture before :shrug: IDK how it works anymore. I'm far removed from all my horsey activities :frown:

Its not that hard to dismount your horse and kick it off the trail. Especially in State Parks where others use the trail.

Just a common curtesy and keeping the peace to be able to use these places to ride.

How can you convince non-horse people that horse manure on public trails is not as problematic as they perceive?
:shrug:

I have to get a laugh from talking to some folks about it, but in the end I get kind of frustrated at the sheer ignorance of some of the responses.

Like this excerpt:
(Talking about requiring horseback riders to pick up their horse poop like dog owners do)

“I get it that the person who is riding the horse would have to get off the horse every couple of minutes to pick up the poop, and a plastic bag wouldn't be sufficient. You would need some sort of large barrel (maybe just a bucket if you were going a short distance).”

Miles of Trials: Horse Poop and Such (http://carpedherdiem.blogspot.com/2009/07/when-you-walk-dog-you-are-required-to.html)

GOOD GREIF! :rolleyes:

How many people have horses that poop every couple of minutes? :killingme

:jameo:

What about bird poop, or squirrel turds, or raccoon poop..or possum poop?
(FYI: opossums prefer to poop in running water and their poop is reason enough NOT to drink the water!! :barf:)
Give me a brake....horse poop is all grass and grains, amd it biodegrades nicely...ak any gardner about that!!!

Dog poop is from a meat eater...grrrrrr...and does not biodegrade as nicely as manure.

I would rather step in horse poop any day than deal with doggie poo.......

When I taught riding at a summer camp, we did dress the ring 2x a day..just shoveled in up and tossed it into the woods...that was it....

I am a Biker, Hiker, Backpacker, etc... I guess I've been around horses to long to care anymore. There are days when I am not trimming horses, I drive by farms just to get a wiff. Ha ha! Signs with horses = poop... People have to many demands today...and just need to get over it.

Its not that hard to dismount your horse and kick it off the trail. Especially in State Parks where others use the trail.

Just a common curtesy and keeping the peace to be able to use these places to ride.

I think they could all carry polo clubs or what ever they are called and knock the poop at each other. How would they like it if I took my dog to crap in their exersize yard?

It does get a bit much sometimes. I bike in Cedarville and it's all over the trails. Plus My dogs think it's a treat and want to eat it! EWWWW!!!!

Yes, it is better than dog poo on the trails.

I just live with it and try not to run over it.

:jameo:

...horse poop is all grass and grains, amd it biodegrades nicely...ak any gardner about that!!!

Dog poop is from a meat eater...grrrrrr...and does not biodegrade as nicely as manure.

I would rather step in horse poop any day than deal with doggie poo.......

When I taught riding at a summer camp, we did dress the ring 2x a day..just shoveled in up and tossed it into the woods...that was it....

So, using this logic if I were a vegetarian then you would have no problem with me taking a dump where you ride, hike, bike etc?

Oh give me break, even if you were vegetarian human poop is SO much different than that of horse poop.

It would be courteous to hop off and kick it off the trails, but:
- sometimes you don't even realize they're doing it;
- some people do not have that option, as it is very hard to mount/dismount;
- not many horse people think twice about it. when my horse poops I don't immediately think, oh wait, maybe I should get that, whereas when my dog poops that is what's going through my mind.

From now on maybe I'll try and think about it in multi-purpose trails and parks, but honestly I've never thought it was a big deal.

I tell bikers and hikers we meet on the trail that we may have left a few happy apples back there....sorry! That usually makes them smile and watch for it.

Having marked (and had to REmark) many a trail in my day, bikers/hikers have their evil little ways of getting even with horseback riders, so i call it square.

Trail ettiquette.

Be kind to those that follow

Think about how pissed you would be if the parks forbid the horses because of it? Whos fault is it then?

Leave it as it was for you. Clean up after yourselves and your animals.

So, using this logic if I were a vegetarian then you would have no problem with me taking a dump where you ride, hike, bike etc?

I can honestly say that people who follow a STRICK veg diet, i.e. NOTHING processed, all raw and such..... those people don't have stinky poo.... I am dead serious. If your gut flora is in check you can let a :geek: fly and nobody will know. This I know from first hand experience.

My boyfriend rants and raves about horse poop on trails. He claims it taints the water supply for backpackers.
Tainting water situation= if the water has not been tested by the health department for purposes of human consumption .......DO NOT DRINK IT! That is just silly!:shocked:
On multi-use trails I guess you could dismount and kick it to the side. Carry around a barrel or bucket? Not the best idea. I do get that bikers and hikers would consider it unappealing.
We try to practice dismounting and kicking it off the trail if we see it happen, but we occasionally miss it. I usually get my son do it!:whistle:

:jameo: What about bird poop, or squirrel turds, or raccoon poop..or possum poop?
(FYI: opossums prefer to poop in running water and their poop is reason enough NOT to drink the water!! :barf:)
Give me a break....horse poop is all grass and grains, and it biodegrades nicely...ak any gardener about that!!!
Dog poop is from a meat eater...grrrrrr...and does not biodegrade as nicely as manure.
I would rather step in horse poop any day than deal with doggie poo.......
VERY TRUE!! (not to mention rabbit, fox & deer poop)


It does get a bit much sometimes. I bike in Cedarville and it's all over the trails. Plus my dogs think it's a treat and want to eat it! EWWWW!!!! Yes, it is better than dog poo on the trails.
I just live with it and try not to run over it.

That’s because some dogs think its nummy!!:drool: I know I have one too and she loves to give kisses after, YUCK!



So, using this logic if I were a vegetarian then you would have no problem with me taking a dump where you ride, hike, bike etc?
Be VERY CAREFUL! Some horseback riders have been known to carry cameras in their saddle bags! (not to mention Ahhemm, COPPER HEADS and chiggers this time of year)

Oh give me break, even if you were vegetarian human poop is SO much different than that of horse poop.

It would be courteous to hop off and kick it off the trails, but:
- sometimes you don't even realize they're doing it;
- some people do not have that option, as it is very hard to mount/dismount;
- not many horse people think twice about it. when my horse poops I don't immediately think, oh wait, maybe I should get that, whereas when my dog poops that is what's going through my mind.
From now on maybe I'll try and think about it in multi-purpose trails and parks, but honestly I've never thought it was a big deal.
Good points! Human poop is full of bacteria that cause disease, namely, E-coli :barf:

Trail ettiquette.
Be kind to those that follow
Think about how pissed you would be if the parks forbid the horses because of it? Whos fault is it then?
Leave it as it was for you. Clean up after yourselves and your animals.

Yes, I agree. BUT, does it bother anyone when they are traversing the trails, to find water bottles and other litter on the trails, (such as energy bars wrappers)? :shrug:Horseback riders carry these types of things in their saddle bags? No need to throw them away on the trail. But I can’t tell you how many times we have stopped to clean up after some careless LITTERBUG! :tantrum And what about cigarette butts?




ALSO: AT LEAST HORSE POOP IS BIG ENOUGH TO SEE SO YOU CAN AVIOD IT IF NECESSARY!


HERE IS AN INTERESTING LINK:
http://www.californiastatehorsemen.com/enviro/ENVIRO-poop.htm

What about EROSION? Anyone see that as a problem?

Tainting water situation= if the water has not been tested by the health department for purposes of human consumption .......DO NOT DRINK IT! That is just silly!:shocked:

We try to practice dismounting and kicking it off the trail if we see it happen, but we occasionally miss it. I usually get my son do it!:whistle:


VERY TRUE!! (not to mention rabbit, fox & deer poop)




That’s because some dogs think its nummy!!:drool: I know I have one too and she loves to give kisses after, YUCK!




Be VERY CAREFUL! Some horseback riders have been known to carry cameras in their saddle bags! (not to mention Ahhemm, COPPER HEADS and chiggers this time of year)


Good points! Human poop is full of bacteria that cause disease, namely, E-coli :barf:



Yes, I agree. BUT, does it bother anyone when they are traversing the trails, to find water bottles and other litter on the trails, (such as energy bars wrappers)? :shrug:Horseback riders carry these types of things in their saddle bags? No need to throw them away on the trail. But I can’t tell you how many times we have stopped to clean up after some careless LITTERBUG! :tantrum And what about cigarette butts?




ALSO: AT LEAST HORSE POOP IS BIG ENOUGH TO SEE SO YOU CAN AVIOD IT IF NECESSARY!


HERE IS AN INTERESTING LINK:
http://www.californiastatehorsemen.com/enviro/ENVIRO-poop.htm

What about EROSION? Anyone see that as a problem?

Good for you at picking up someone elses litter. That is a good practice. It would be the best if folks would just pick up after themselves

Good for you at picking up someone elses litter. That is a good practice. It would be the best if folks would just pick up after themselves

I AGREE!
:buddies:

I tell bikers and hikers we meet on the trail that we may have left a few happy apples back there....sorry! That usually makes them smile and watch for it.

Having marked (and had to REmark) many a trail in my day, bikers/hikers have their evil little ways of getting even with horseback riders, so i call it square.

AKA: road apples:lmao:

POOP happens, people need to lighten up! :buddies:

POOP happens, people need to lighten up! :buddies:

yup!

My boyfriend rants and raves about horse poop on trails. He claims it taints the water supply for backpackers. Not really sure how to respond to that, other than sorry?

I would be interested to hear opinions on this.

Tell him no more that the cows over the hill that are standing in chest deep water to cool off in the summer heat just up stream from where he's backpacking.

I thought horse trails were marked as such. Meaning there are trails available that horses are not permitted on. If that is the case then where is the problem?

LEST WE FORGET, More than 90 percent of the paths/trails are here because of cows and horses in the first place.

I think it is of the same mentality that comes from something that my old neighbor used to say. Goes something like this: "City folks like living like the country folks, so they move out to the country (because it is nice quiet, natural living).....But when they get here, the city folks try to change how the country folks live!"

ALL OF A SUDDEN, it is no longer appropriate for country folks to use trails the way they were meant to be used. ANYBODY AGREE?

So, using this logic if I were a vegetarian then you would have no problem with me taking a dump where you ride, hike, bike etc?

Interesting point. Do vegetarians have poop like horses?

Interesting point. Do vegetarians have poop like horses?

Maybe if they were eating a lot of hay. :lol:

The Horse | Scenic Trail Act Could Expand Equestrian Access (http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=14947)

:yahoo:

Poop happens, I do however feel really bad when my horse pees at a moments notice and I see a biker nearing the recent puddle. (Sorry mountain bikers) Horse poop usually doesnt splatter or stick, just flattens out.

Maybe somebody needs to read The Little Book of Horse Poop or perhaps a Horsepoop Clock or crappy nightshirt?

Farriers' / Hoofprints Sleepwear & Slippers (http://www.hoofprints.com/horsemanure.html)

:lol:

Maybe somebody needs to read The Little Book of Horse Poop or perhaps a Horsepoop Clock or crappy nightshirt?

Farriers' / Hoofprints Sleepwear & Slippers (http://www.hoofprints.com/horsemanure.html)

:lol:

TRUE STATEMENT:
"City folk pay to go to the gym. I can clean stalls for free! It's a great fitness workout routine - 7 days a week."

Most of us can add to that, putting up and putting out hundreds of bales of Hay. Loading and unloading hundreds of bags of grain. And not to mention chasing after an occasional loose horse. :jameo: or the one that hates to be wormed!:whistle:

I don't know if I'd call it "for free" though, but at least there is a point to it!!!!

CountryLady,

As an avid mountain biker and trail runner, I yield the trail to horses each and everytime I encounter them. As a member of my community, I yield the trail with courtesy and friendliness for the safety and enjoyment of the rider and horse. I approach the horses slowly, calling out to let them know I'm there and stopping until the riders let me how they want to proceed. Sometimes, they move off the trail while I pass and other times, I move off the trail and wait until they pass. In some cases, I've waited 5 - 10 minutes while the riders get their skittish animals under control and move off. I really don't mind. I happen to like horses.

So, as a courtesy to all the users of public, multi-use trails, please reciprocate the courtesy extended to you and take a few minutes out of your ride to kick your horses sh$t off the trail.

CountryLady,

As an avid mountain biker and trail runner, I yield the trail to horses each and everytime I encounter them. As a member of my community, I yield the trail with courtesy and friendliness for the safety and enjoyment of the rider and horse. I approach the horses slowly, calling out to let them know I'm there and stopping until the riders let me how they want to proceed. Sometimes, they move off the trail while I pass and other times, I move off the trail and wait until they pass. In some cases, I've waited 5 - 10 minutes while the riders get their skittish animals under control and move off. I really don't mind. I happen to like horses.

So, as a courtesy to all the users of public, multi-use trails, please reciprocate the courtesy extended to you and take a few minutes out of your ride to kick your horses sh$t off the trail.

amen to that! I have had to dismount many times to push piles off the trail.
This is a common courtesy to others that use the trail. This also shows others that you are trail friendly with securing the option of horses being allowed to continue use of these wonderful rights and privilege's. Not all public parks allow horses and with all the growth to land for developement why ruin it?

amen to that! I have had to dismount many times to push piles off the trail.
This is a common courtesy to others that use the trail. This also shows others that you are trail friendly with securing the option of horses being allowed to continue use of these wonderful rights and privilege's. Not all public parks allow horses and with all the growth to land for developement why ruin it?

This thread reminds me of a nice package I received from my neighbor! My kids were so excited to see this box at our mailbox so they ran to open it and it was full of horseshait!! Dumb arse forgot to take his address label off so I took the package back to him as a friendly neighborly gesture and let him know his package was accidently delivered to my house. Needless to say we exchanged some nice words and I left him with the shiat....Jerk just assumed it was from my horses. Last week I got a call from another neighbor biatching about crap at the end of her driveway, not my shiat either!! Just thought I[d share my shiatty story. :buddies:

amen to that! I have had to dismount many times to push piles off the trail.
This is a common courtesy to others that use the trail. This also shows others that you are trail friendly with securing the option of horses being allowed to continue use of these wonderful rights and privilege's. Not all public parks allow horses and with all the growth to land for developement why ruin it?

Do you :cool: while on horseback?

Do you :cool: while on horseback?

I'll admit that I went to Cedarville to ride once and didn't think about picking up any poop. Most the trails I ride are just through friends property so I guess I never thought about bikers.

Do you :cool: while on horseback?

I don't ride much any more but yes I smoke. Your point?

Do you :cool: while on horseback?

We were at a local parade on Saturday and a bunch of the Texas trail rider groups were there. I can't believe how many people were smoking on horseback! In a parade! I must say it looked a lot more natural in the full western regalia a lot of them were wearing than it would have if they had been all kitted out in English attire. :lol:

We were at a local parade on Saturday and a bunch of the Texas trail rider groups were there. I can't believe how many people were smoking on horseback! In a parade! I must say it looked a lot more natural in the full western regalia a lot of them were wearing than it would have if they had been all kitted out in English attire. :lol:

My dear, when Robin rides huntseat she uses a cigarette holder! :lol:

My dear, when Robin rides huntseat she uses a cigarette holder! :lol:

:killingme most of the time in the ring I am schooling with 2 hands and no free hand to puff.

We were at a local parade on Saturday and a bunch of the Texas trail rider groups were there. I can't believe how many people were smoking on horseback! In a parade! I must say it looked a lot more natural in the full western regalia a lot of them were wearing than it would have if they had been all kitted out in English attire. :lol:
My horses wrinkle up their lips, drop their head, shake it, snort and blow out their noses at the smell. :dead:

Is the stuff left over from the ciggie biodegradable like horse poop? I'm sorry, I don't smoke so i don't know what that is made of.

I don't ride much any more but yes I smoke. Your point?

Why?

On trails is bad enough, but I saw an Amish horse cover a crosswalk at the hospital yesterday.

Maryland has a "Leave No Trace: policy in effect at all state and local parks. We are all responsible for our trash…bio-degradable or not. I for my Clif Bar wrapper, you for your horse crap, the runner for his/her water bottle, the smoker for his/her cig butt. That’s how simple it is. No need to make it more complicated. Respect the trail and respect those that follow you on the trail.

Why?

Why do you care?

Maryland has a "Leave No Trace: policy in effect at all state and local parks. We are all responsible for our trash…bio-degradable or not. I for my Clif Bar wrapper, you for your horse crap, the runner for his/her water bottle, the smoker for his/her cig butt. That’s how simple it is. No need to make it more complicated. Respect the trail and respect those that follow you on the trail.



Leaving No Trace (http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/outdooradventures/lnt.html)

Below are a few examples of LNT ethics that you can employ while visiting Maryland's public lands.
Younger visitors can check out the Leave No Trace website for kids.


Minimize activity to approximately 12 participants to reduce potential adverse impacts of larger groups. Make sure everyone in your group picks up litter and leaves the area cleaner that you found it.

If possible, select a site for the activity that is under-visited and managed properly. Consult the Department of Natural Resources land manager to avoid sensitive areas or seasons that cannot sustain visitor use.

Travel single file on trails to avoid widening the trail or making new ones. Do not "pioneer" new campsites in areas where use is restricted to designated sites. Concentrating use -- except in very lightly used, pristine areas -- is necessary to minimize vegetation loss and soil compaction and erosion.

Dispose of human waste properly. Use the cathole method. Check with the Department of Natural Resources land manager on available facilities or any restrictions on human waste disposal. Some highly sensitive areas along waterways require that all human waste be packed out. Please be sure you have the equipment and skills necessary to comply with these protections to the environment.

Report trail damage or other environmental impacts that may need corrective management attention to the responsible Department of Natural Resources land manager. Volunteer for trail stewardship management projects. Help keep your natural resources attractive, healthy and available for future use.

Maryland has a "Leave No Trace: policy in effect at all state and local parks. We are all responsible for our trash…bio-degradable or not. I for my Clif Bar wrapper, you for your horse crap, the runner for his/her water bottle, the smoker for his/her cig butt. That’s how simple it is. No need to make it more complicated. Respect the trail and respect those that follow you on the trail.

As an avid Scouter very familiar with LNT guidelines (must teach them to scouts), I can tell you the policy includes guidelines for human waste, not animal.

While I don't appreciate animal waste on personal property, sports fields, or the like, on trails is no big deal to me. However, I do respect the fact that others find it distasteful. If I'm with my dog, I will be sure she is off the trail to eliminate as that is something I can control. However, not all horses stop moving to poop and if I'm cantering, I may not even notice unless I have someone behind me that says something. And if someone does let me know, I can promise you I'm not going to canter back, however far, to move poop off to the side. If someone finds it disgusting to step in, why should I have to get it on my boots either? Just because I ride horses, doesn't mean I'm all for poopy boots.

There are things that are part of an outdoor environment that each of us finds distasteful or annoying. The trick is deciding which hill to die for and which to just accept and move on.

I have been blessed to travel to several different countries in the last few years and I can tell you that Americans are the most tightly wound people regarding animals and their waste (well, on alot of issues, but that's for a different forum). Most of western Europe are avid walkers/hikers and I experiences and/or was told of very few "prejudices" against domestic animals whether livestock or household.

[I am NOT saying I'm an authority nor traveled to every village/city in every country. I am just saying the overall impression of the different nations in western Europe.]

There really are more important things to fight for/against in our world than where we should put animal waste in a natural environment.

OK, going to duck for cover since I'm the new girl here.

Dawn

How can you convince non-horse people that horse manure on public trails is not as problematic as they perceive?

The day after you convince non-smokers that smoking is not as problematic as they perceive.




Which will be two days after hell freezes over.

Yes, LNT guidelines regarding proper disposal of waste specifies human waste, not animal waste. However, the basic premise is to leave no trace. Leaving your animal waste on the trail is by any account, leaving a trace. Be it a dog or a horse.

My expectation is that I will always have to avoid the horse crap on the trails. Do I like it...no. Am I a realist...yes. My hope in responding to this thread was that perhaps those who ride their horses on public trails will at least consider their impact and respect the fact that the other trail users don't like the horse crap and never will. Maybe if you actually took the time to think about your impact, you might be able to come up with some ideas on how to minimize them. Seems reasonable.

How can you convince non-horse people that horse manure on public trails is not as problematic as they perceive?
:shrug:

I have to get a laugh from talking to some folks about it, but in the end I get kind of frustrated at the sheer ignorance of some of the responses.

Like this excerpt:
(Talking about requiring horseback riders to pick up their horse poop like dog owners do)

“I get it that the person who is riding the horse would have to get off the horse every couple of minutes to pick up the poop, and a plastic bag wouldn't be sufficient. You would need some sort of large barrel (maybe just a bucket if you were going a short distance).”

Miles of Trials: Horse Poop and Such (http://carpedherdiem.blogspot.com/2009/07/when-you-walk-dog-you-are-required-to.html)

GOOD GREIF! :rolleyes:

How many people have horses that poop every couple of minutes? :killingme

What other things do you hear from NON-HORSE PEOPLE about the negative impact of horses on trails?:coffee:

How would you feel if i came over to your house and left a steamer on your sidewalk???

WOuld it be okay if the horse pooped off the trail? It makes good fertilizer eventually. I would think that would be reasonable. It isn't that easy for some of us to get back on.:whistle:

Why do you care?

I am not at war with you. I just don't appreciate the negativity you occasionally bring to a thread. Most of the time your comments are fine. But you do have to admit that you occasionally get a little Xfill in the blankX with folks. I am not sure if it is that you have a personal issue with them, but I really don't care about that crap.

ON THE OTHER HAND:
:howdy:
I do care about horses. I do care about most things associated with them, including their peeps. I was just wondering, and you don't have to say. I thought you had like 8-10 horses or something. I was wondering if you weren't riding due to injury to you or horses or was it just a time factor? I personally haven't seen you on a trail ride since last years SMTR twilight ride at double tree farm. I think that was the last time. But that doesn't mean anything. No big deal really. Some times people don't ride cause they don't have any one to ride with. Lots of reasons I guess. :coffee:

Here is a good link that is geared toward horse traffic on national trails/parks.

Leave No Trace Horse Use (http://www.leavenotracedude.com/lnt-horses.shtml)

Specifically about waste:
Dispose of Waste

Pack out all trash and garbage. Do not burn or bury trash.
Kick apart manure piles each day at camp and after any rest breaks on the trail. If you stayed in an established campsite, carry manure away from camp to disperse it.
When breaking camp, check the area for pieces of leather, rope, and other odd bits that may have been dropped.

Traveling with Horses - A Directory of Horse Friendly Facilities, Trail Riding Information and Horse Stories. (http://www.travelingwithhorses.com/LNT/index.html)

How would you feel if i came over to your house and left a steamer on your sidewalk???

Would you really like me to answer that?:coffee:

Would you really like me to answer that?:coffee:

What, the sight of his quivering pink buttocks wouldn't do it for you? :killingme

What, the sight of his quivering pink buttocks wouldn't do it for you? :killingme

NO visuals ,.......PLEASE! UGH:shocked:

How would you feel if i came over to your house and left a steamer on your sidewalk???

Only if you are a vegetarian...

SadieLady...

Can you really do that? Have your horse poop off the trail? I thought they just dumped as they went along. As a non-horse person, I don’t really know much about it. Okay, I don't know anything about it...I just see the end results!

I imagine it would be difficult for some riders to get on and off their horses unassisted….most of the horses I've seen on the trail are quite large.

When there is an organized group ride with 4 or 5+ horses…..what considerations are given to clearing the trail up after that many horses? That’s a whole lotta poop! Do you or could you designate a rider as the “pooper scooper”?

If you and your posse use a specific public trail often (multiple times a week) could you designate one of those rides as a trail clean up day? Bring a small shovel and chuck the accumulated poop off the trail?


Country Lady....good link. The LNT guidelines are the minimum actions users should take.....dispersing the poop, regardless of when and where the horses drop it, is a good practice that benefits the trail and all the users...including other riders.

I am not at war with you. I just don't appreciate the negativity you occasionally bring to a thread. Most of the time your comments are fine. But you do have to admit that you occasionally get a little Xfill in the blankX with folks. I am not sure if it is that you have a personal issue with them, but I really don't care about that crap.

You seem to have it all figured out, go with it. After all you know everything thanks to google. By the way you posted not having a problem about your horse crappin at the parks and no one should have a problem with it to posting a link that states some of the parks rules on horse back riding. Oh by the way I know I am a Snobby Elitist, one of the other smarter forum members said so, after all I was trying to defend her about re cooping money out of pocket to horses she rescued and was reselling. And giving the money back to the one at fault.

interpret what you want not everyone agrees. Just remember some do come on here to seek information. Help, injuries, feeding, training. horse behavior, etc.

You seem to enjoy heated discussions yourself and inject yourself in provoking just as well as any of us. This is what makes interesting reading.ON THE OTHER HAND:
:howdy:
I do care about horses. I do care about most things associated with them, including their peeps. I was just wondering, and you don't have to say. I thought you had like 8-10 horses or something. I was wondering if you weren't riding due to injury to you or horses or was it just a time factor? I personally haven't seen you on a trail ride since last years SMTR twilight ride at double tree farm. I think that was the last time. But that doesn't mean anything. No big deal really. Some times people don't ride cause they don't have any one to ride with. Lots of reasons I guess. :coffee:

I personally own 3 I do not claim the others on my farm. Belong to the other half.

As far as not riding anymore, How bout a full kick in the face? And pushed about 8-10ft in the air to an asphalt driveway. Equilibrium takes a long time to get back after a concusion. Just sitting on a horse and having movement beneath you can make you nauseaus. still recooping

Its hard to ride when you work 6 days a week away from a farm and have to play catch up the 1 day a week your are off.
Where is the time to ride?

Yes the SMTR ride was going to be my first ride with others. I had a problem, I did not want to be up against a cluster of horses and be next to one that wore a red ribbon on the tail. But the horse was ridden right up in the middle of the bottleneck of other horses waiting to cross the creek. Horses were getting impatient and starting to turn hind ends, So I decided I did not want to have any accidents and decided to dismount and walk back to the trailer and wait for my group to finish their ride. my choice. I don't freqent SMTR that was the first time.

I have positive and negative comments this is a forum and sometimes we will not agree.

The whole purpose of this thread was to alleviate the misconceptions.
Misconception #1- horses poop every couple of minutes. NOT (well at least not my horses)
Misconception #2- people have to pick up dog poo, they should also have to pick up horse poo. BIG DIFFERENCE IN POO.
Misconception#3- Only horse cause erosion or compaction of trails

The only other concern I really hear about with horses and trail use is that of erosion. It is a fact that horses with shoes do have a negative effect with regard to erosion on public trails. But so do MOUNTIAN BIKES. It would be just as ridiculous to ask a mountain biker to pick up their bike when they come to moist parts of the trail and carry it across until there is a dry place “with good surface” to place their bike down and start peddling again as it is to always dismount your horse and kick the manure off of the trail.

One of the problems with erosion is made worse due to limited number of parks allowing equestrian use. So the same few parks are always being traveled by numerous equestrian folks. Seems to me it would implore greener practices if more trails were opened to the horse community so that people could ride locally instead of spending exhorbanant amounts of money burning fuels hauling horses to those few parks that allow equestrian use.
You seem to have it all figured out, go with it. After all you know everything thanks to Google. By the way you posted not having a problem about your horse crappin at the parks and no one should have a problem with it to posting a link that states some of the parks rules on horseback riding. Oh by the way I know I am a Snobby Elitist, one of the other smarter forum members said so, after all I was trying to defend her about re cooping money out of pocket to horses she rescued and was reselling. And giving the money back to the one at fault.
Another snide remark about google’ing. What it sounds like you are REALLY saying is “Those of you that think you know it all, REALLY ANNOY THOSE OF US THAT DO” Maybe the REALITY is more like this. Some of the people on this forum know how to read, and rather than any of them accepting any information on this forum that is posted by me, I try to give you an unbiased authority with which to reference. If you are having trouble with that,….. my apologies. I was not trying to insult your intelligence nor was I trying to overwhelm you with knowledge. However, I am beginning to see that referencing other articles really complicates the situation for some folks here. NOT SURE WHY, but it is apparent that it does.
IF you don’t like the rules that the national park has posted with their expectations of horses and trail use, tell them not me. Rules are Rules. If you don’t like them, vote to get them changed .

interpret what you want not everyone agrees. Just remember some do come on here to seek information. Help, injuries, feeding, training. horse behavior, etc.
Some do.
You seem to enjoy heated discussions yourself and inject yourself in provoking just as well as any of us. This is what makes interesting reading.
Do I enjoy heated discussions? Not really. Intelligent, interesting discussions? yes.
Well, let me attempt to inject a little levity into the situation.
$#!+ happens! While humans are usually toilet trained by the age of 2, and human waste has been known to spread disease if not disposed of properly, it is not appropriate, vegetarian or not, to crap in the woods. But if the urge does come about, people should be educated as to properly take care of it. We are all not scouts. But there is an acceptable practice to dispose of human waste when on the trail. EDUCATION IS THE KEY!

Having said that, not all people that use trails, are horse peeps. While we all have some common understanding about having to use the bathroom, all of a sudden, with no facilities in sight (or on site) Common knowledge tells common folks that it is unacceptable to leave feces on the trail. Right? um…. Maybe. For the common folk, non- horse peep type, that seems like good logic. After all we see signs posted everywhere at public parks and trails etc… requiring dog feces to be picked up. It just makes sense. But dog poop also carries disease/parasites that can be spread to people and other animals. Horses are an end host and the manure doesn’t pose a threat as does human or dog waste. The manure biodegrades very quickly, and while horses diets are made up of mostly plant life, the manure turns to soil very quickly as a result. I have mixed feelings about kicking off the manure while on the trail. While I often have my son dismount and kick the manure off the trail, on certain trails, when we happen to notice the occurrence. It does pose difficulty to always dismount a very large horse to do this without an acceptable mounting block close by. My young son is much more agile and can mount the largest horse we have even when riding bareback. So for him, it is not much of a problem. But others here have posted that it would be very difficult for them, and I expect that may be the case for a lot of folks. Also as a bicyclist, I personally would rather see the pile ahead, so that I may avoid it rather than have it haphazardly scattered with NO possibility of avoidance. JMO! That is one of the problems with dog feces, it is difficult to see, but Darn it if you step in it you smell it immediately. EWEe

Oh, that brings me to: Misconception #4- Horse manure stinks. Not really.

As far as me being provoking, I don’t think so.
I personally own 3 I do not claim the others on my farm. Belong to the other half.
Hmmm…. thought it was 8. Other half, ….same house hold support these animals?
As far as not riding anymore, How bout a full kick in the face? And pushed about 8-10ft in the air to an asphalt driveway. Equilibrium takes a long time to get back after a concusion. Just sitting on a horse and having movement beneath you can make you nauseaus. still recooping
Wow, that’s scarey, hope you recover soon. I am sure your ponies miss your quality time riding together.
Its hard to ride when you work 6 days a week away from a farm and have to play catch up the 1 day a week your are off.
Where is the time to ride?
At some point you have to decide, “Am I working to live or living to work.”
Yes the SMTR ride was going to be my first ride with others. I had a problem, I did not want to be up against a cluster of horses and be next to one that wore a red ribbon on the tail. But the horse was ridden right up in the middle of the bottleneck of other horses waiting to cross the creek. Horses were getting impatient and starting to turn hind ends, So I decided I did not want to have any accidents and decided to dismount and walk back to the trailer and wait for my group to finish their ride. my choice. I don't freqent SMTR that was the first time.
Well hope to see you out there soon. I don’t particularly like the bottle neck part of some group rides either. Most folks that like to ride at a faster clip usually head out first. Sometimes Lagging back with a few friends to enjoy a leisurely ride is more suitable, especially if you are having confidence issues with a particular mount or maybe you might be training a horse that has never been exposed to obstacles that are on a particular trail.
I have positive and negative comments this is a forum and sometimes we will not agree.
I think you are getting positive and negative mixed up with pros and cons for the reason of discussion.
i.e.
Pro-supporting argument, an argument in favor of a proposal or position
con-reason not to do something- an argument against doing something, or evidence supporting the view that something should not be done
negative - bad– unhappy discouraging, angry, or otherwise detracting from a happy situation.
positive- optimistic- confident, optimistic, and focusing on good things rather than bad
:coffee:

Country Lady....good link. The LNT guidelines are the minimum actions users should take.....dispersing the poop, regardless of when and where the horses drop it, is a good practice that benefits the trail and all the users...including other riders.

Thanks! I am glad someone appreciates it. :howdy:

The whole purpose of this thread was to alleviate the misconceptions.
Misconception #1- horses poop every couple of minutes. NOT (well at least not my horses)
Misconception #2- people have to pick up dog poo, they should also have to pick up horse poo. BIG DIFFERENCE IN POO.
Misconception#3- Only horse cause erosion or compaction of trails

The only other concern I really hear about with horses and trail use is that of erosion. It is a fact that horses with shoes do have a negative effect with regard to erosion on public trails. But so do MOUNTIAN BIKES. It would be just as ridiculous to ask a mountain biker to pick up their bike when they come to moist parts of the trail and carry it across until there is a dry place “with good surface” to place their bike down and start peddling again as it is to always dismount your horse and kick the manure off of the trail.

Another snide remark about google’ing. What it sounds like you are REALLY saying is “Those of you that think you know it all, REALLY ANNOY THOSE OF US THAT DO” Maybe the REALITY is more like this. Some of the people on this forum know how to read, and rather than any of them accepting any information on this forum that is posted by me, I try to give you an unbiased authority with which to reference. If you are having trouble with that,….. my apologies. I was not trying to insult your intelligence nor was I trying to overwhelm you with knowledge. However, I am beginning to see that referencing other articles really complicates the situation for some folks here. NOT SURE WHY, but it is apparent that it does.
IF you don’t like the rules that the national park has posted with their expectations of horses and trail use, tell them not me. Rules are Rules. If you don’t like them, vote to get them changed .

I have no problem with the park rules. I do not claim to know it all. Where do you get this from anything I have posted. The google thing does bother me. But its something you like to do. so keep doing it

Some do.

Do I enjoy heated discussions? Not really. Intelligent, interesting discussions? yes.
Well, let me attempt to inject a little levity into the situation.
$#!+ happens! While humans are usually toilet trained by the age of 2, and human waste has been known to spread disease if not disposed of properly, it is not appropriate, vegetarian or not, to crap in the woods. But if the urge does come about, people should be educated as to properly take care of it. We are all not scouts. But there is an acceptable practice to dispose of human waste when on the trail. EDUCATION IS THE KEY!

Having said that, not all people that use trails, are horse peeps. While we all have some common understanding about having to use the bathroom, all of a sudden, with no facilities in sight (or on site) Common knowledge tells common folks that it is unacceptable to leave feces on the trail. Right? um…. Maybe. For the common folk, non- horse peep type, that seems like good logic. After all we see signs posted everywhere at public parks and trails etc… requiring dog feces to be picked up. It just makes sense. But dog poop also carries disease/parasites that can be spread to people and other animals. Horses are an end host and the manure doesn’t pose a threat as does human or dog waste. The manure biodegrades very quickly, and while horses diets are made up of mostly plant life, the manure turns to soil very quickly as a result. I have mixed feelings about kicking off the manure while on the trail. While I often have my son dismount and kick the manure off the trail, on certain trails, when we happen to notice the occurrence. It does pose difficulty to always dismount a very large horse to do this without an acceptable mounting block close by. My young son is much more agile and can mount the largest horse we have even when riding bareback. So for him, it is not much of a problem. But others here have posted that it would be very difficult for them, and I expect that may be the case for a lot of folks. Also as a bicyclist, I personally would rather see the pile ahead, so that I may avoid it rather than have it haphazardly scattered with NO possibility of avoidance. JMO! That is one of the problems with dog feces, it is difficult to see, but Darn it if you step in it you smell it immediately. EWEe

Oh, that brings me to: Misconception #4- Horse manure stinks. Not really.

As far as me being provoking, I don’t think so.

Hmmm…. thought it was 8. Other half, ….same house hold support these animals? I own 2 animals

Wow, that’s scarey, hope you recover soon. I am sure your ponies miss your quality time riding together.

At some point you have to decide, “Am I working to live or living to work.”
right you gonna pay my bills?

Well hope to see you out there soon. I don’t particularly like the bottle neck part of some group rides either. Most folks that like to ride at a faster clip usually head out first. Sometimes Lagging back with a few friends to enjoy a leisurely ride is more suitable, especially if you are having confidence issues with a particular mount or maybe you might be training a horse that has never been exposed to obstacles that are on a particular trail.

Waited for all the riders to leave the trailers before we started out but seems we missed a few and they caught up

I think you are getting positive and negative mixed up with pros and cons for the reason of discussion.
i.e.
Pro-supporting argument, an argument in favor of a proposal or position
con-reason not to do something- an argument against doing something, or evidence supporting the view that something should not be done
negative - bad– unhappy discouraging, angry, or otherwise detracting from a happy situation.
positive- optimistic- confident, optimistic, and focusing on good things rather than bad
:coffee:

Think what you want Have a nice day

Who'da thunk horse poop would cause such a stink? :jet:

Who'da thunk horse poop would cause such a stink? :jet:

:killingme

I do not claim to know it all. Where do you get this from anything I have posted

Oh, …….you don’t like being called a KNOW IT ALL, well,…..NIETHER DO I. :whistle:

Well, Water off of a ducks back you know.:howdy:

You seem to have it all figured out, go with it. After all you know everything thanks to Google. By the way you posted not having a problem about your horse crappin at the parks and no one should have a problem with it to posting a link that states some of the parks rules on horseback riding. Oh by the way I know I am a Snobby Elitist, one of the other smarter forum members said so, after all I was trying to defend her about re cooping money out of pocket to horses she rescued and was reselling. And giving the money back to the one at fault.

What I said was this:
Another snide remark about google’ing.
What it sounds like you are REALLY saying is:
“Those of you that think you know it all, REALLY ANNOY THOSE OF US THAT DO”
I can have my own perceptions of what you say, especially when they come with snide remarks.
If I have perceived wrong, maybe you can clear it up for me.
I cleared up the reason I reference articles, aka by you “google’ing.
Think what you want Have a nice day
Have a nice day back, and take a day off and ride your ponies. They and you deserve it!
:smoochy:
THINK HAPPY THOUGHTS!
:buddies:

Oh, …….you don’t like being called a KNOW IT ALL, well,…..NIETHER DO I. :whistle:

Well, Water off of a ducks back you know.:howdy:



What I said was this:
Another snide remark about google’ing.
What it sounds like you are REALLY saying is:
“Those of you that think you know it all, REALLY ANNOY THOSE OF US THAT DO”
I can have my own perceptions of what you say, especially when they come with snide remarks.
If I have perceived wrong, maybe you can clear it up for me.
I cleared up the reason I reference articles, aka by you “google’ing.

Have a nice day back, and take a day off and ride your ponies. They and you deserve it!
:smoochy:
THINK HAPPY THOUGHTS!
:buddies:

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!meditating. Explain it to those that come to the store for something and I am not at the store. The world falls apart:killingme
I had my free time where I enjoyed riding every minute that I could so now those times are not the same and I don't believe I will ever ride as much as I used to. I have horses that I enjoy taking care of for now.

[QUOTE=Robin;4010857]hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!meditating. Explain it to those that come to the store for something and I am not at the store. The world falls apart:killingmeQUOTE]

That has happened! Besides, we'd miss seeing and talking to Robin if she didn't spend her life in her store. :smile:

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!meditating. Explain it to those that come to the store for something and I am not at the store. The world falls apart:killingme

That has happened! Besides, we'd miss seeing and talking to Robin if she didn't spend her life in her store. :smile:

Got an idea!..... Robin could announce ahead of time (like amish merchants do) and close for a....hmmm....... horse holiday.... and if you would miss talking to her, maybe a few of you could all plan to go with.

Horse holiday for ALL. :yahoo:

You could even call it a customer appreciation ride. :whistle:

Got an idea!..... Robin could announce ahead of time (like amish merchants do) and close for a....hmmm....... horse holiday.... and if you would miss talking to her, maybe a few of you could all plan to go with.

Horse holiday for ALL. :yahoo:

You could even call it a customer appreciation ride. :whistle:

:killingmeDoes not work for deliveries that are certain day scheduled by routine:buddies:

:killingmeDoes not work for deliveries that are certain day scheduled by routine:buddies:
:doh:
do you have deliveries every day?
:thewave:
maybe you could have a short day.
:starcat:
Anyway......
Just a thought!
:huggy:

:killingme

If you think that horses should be given more access to trails and would like to maintain the access you currently have, then become a trail advocate.

What does it mean to be a trail advocate? Simple....
1. Recoginize and understand the impact your specific usage has on the trails and trail users and take actions to minimize those impacts.
2. Form or join a trail advocacy group and donate your time to maintaining and repairing the trails.
3. Educate yourself and your peers on proper trail etiquette.
4. Engage other trail users in positive discussions to better understand their perceptions of your usage and to share your perceptions of theirs.
5. Communicate your trail advocacy efforts to your peers and encourage them to join in your efforts.
6. Lead by example.
7. Recognize that you have a responsibility to your horse, to yourself and to all the other trail users to ride in a safe manner.

As a trail advocate, you will be able to point to all the good you do for the trails when access issues arise. Actions speak louder than words.

We all want to enjoy our times on the trails....with a little respect and understanding for each other, we can do that.


:buddies:

If you think that horses should be given more access to trails and would like to maintain the access you currently have, then become a trail advocate.

What does it mean to be a trail advocate? Simple....
1. Recoginize and understand the impact your specific usage has on the trails and trail users and take actions to minimize those impacts.
2. Form or join a trail advocacy group and donate your time to maintaining and repairing the trails.
3. Educate yourself and your peers on proper trail etiquette.
4. Engage other trail users in positive discussions to better understand their perceptions of your usage and to share your perceptions of theirs.
5. Communicate your trail advocacy efforts to your peers and encourage them to join in your efforts.
6. Lead by example.
7. Recognize that you have a responsibility to your horse, to yourself and to all the other trail users to ride in a safe manner.

As a trail advocate, you will be able to point to all the good you do for the trails when access issues arise. Actions speak louder than words.

We all want to enjoy our times on the trails....with a little respect and understanding for each other, we can do that.


:buddies:

EXACTLY!!!!
I have been trying to do something just like this.
Thank You for your input!!!
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