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AAHC Trail Etiquette & Rules

  You are responsible for your own manners, those of your horse, and any guests you allow to attend with you. 

  Please read these carefully. This is not a document you can skip – because you are expected to understand, follow, and when necessary – remind your fellow members of what is contained herein. 

  Courtesy is important. We reserve the right to ask you and your guest(s) to leave at any time and without prior notice.

Red Clay Riding Society – Etiquette, Rules, & Community Charter

The RCRS Community Covenant: Safety, Trust, & Fellowship

The Foundation of Our Society The Red Clay Riding Society is built on the same pillars as our broader community: Safety and Trust. We operate like a close-knit fellowship—where every member is a steward of the environment and a guardian of the group’s culture. To keep our “small group” healthy and our trails open, we commit to the following:

  • Assume Positive Motives: We are a community of neighbors. We commit to being kind, supportive, and encouraging in every interaction—whether at a tailgate, luncheon, or social or helping a friend at a water crossing. We lead with grace and assume the best of our fellow riders.
  • A Safe Space for All: We have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, drama, or the spread of misinformation. RCRS is a sanctuary from the “noise” of our world — a place where we focus on the horses, the land, and each other.
  • Common Sense & Personal Responsibility: While we strive to create a safe environment, we cannot protect everyone in every situation. We are not here to cast judgment, but we expect members to use common sense and professional “barn sense” when interacting and doing business with each other and out in the community.
  • Constructive Communication: If concerns arise regarding safety or trail conditions, we bring them directly to a Steward. We handle “warning” situations with discretion to prevent excessive drama, ensuring our focus remains on the preservation of our riding access.
  • The “Right Thing” Transparency: Just as we ask for public transparency in our digital spaces, we ride with transparency in the field. We own our mistakes, we report our “nicks” to the land, and we work together to fix them. When in doubt, we are guided by: “what is the right thing to do in this situation?”

I. Arrival & Base Camp Etiquette

  • Parking & Tying: Park only in designated areas. Tie only to your trailer, designated tie areas, or using a safe high-tie. Do not tie directly to trees unless it is a true, medical emergency.
  • Waste Management: All muck, scattered hay, and trash must go home with you. “If your horse drops it in the parking area, it goes home in your trailer.”
  • Facility Respect: Clean up after yourself and your mount as if it were your own place. Fill in any uneven areas or “holes” created by your horse while tied.
  • Documentation: You must have a signed Liability Release, signed Etiquette Promise, and a current negative Coggins on file. You must be able to produce a Coggins copy in person upon request.

II. Stewardship of the Land

  • Trail Integrity: Stay on the permitted, marked trails. Do not create “pass-arounds” or new paths.
  • The “Green Space” Rule: Assume all open pastures or green spaces are planted crops. Ride against the tree line unless the trail is explicitly marked otherwise.
  • Water & Mud: Only enter waterways at designated crossings. Avoid muddy trails when possible; if you must pass through mud, do so at a walk only.
  • Moving Manure: Keep your horse moving while he passes manure on the trail to prevent “manure piles” that can damage trail health.
  • Signage & Gates: Obey all signage and voluntary trail closures. If a gate is closed, leave it closed. If it is open, leave it open. Never open/close a gate without explicit Steward permission.

III. Group Riding & Social Conduct

  • Group Courtesy: Do not run up behind or alongside other riders. If a member of your party is struggling with a crossing or has dismounted, the group waits until they are safely resettled.
  • The “Horse Savvy” Standard: It is not the public’s or other members’ job to desensitize your horse. If your horse is not trail-savvy, please consult a Steward prior to the ride to assess if professional training is required before joining group rides.
  • Safety Gear: ASTM/SEI certified helmets are required for all riders while mounted.
  • Youth & Guests: Riders under 18 must stay with their guardians at all times. Guests must stay with their sponsors and are limited to two “caps” (rides) for life.
  • Zero Tolerance: Drunkenness, fighting, bullying, animal abuse, or conduct endangering lives will result in immediate removal.

IV. Interaction with the Public

Our goal is to mostly ride on private property, however during hunting season we may organize rides in public parks.

  • The “Kind Encounter” Goal: On multi-use trails, horses technically have the right of way, but other users may not know this. Speak to hikers/bikers kindly to ensure their takeaway is a pleasant encounter.
  • Communication: Ask hikers/bikers to step to the downhill side of the trail while you pass. Share how many riders are in your group and ask how many are in theirs.
  • Reporting: If you suspect illegal activity, poaching, or see evidence of hunters on private land, report it to a Steward immediately.

V. The “Bottom Line” Agreement

  • Schedule: Private properties are accessible only during allotted AAHC ride dates or workdays.
  • Gates: Gates close promptly at the announced time; tardiness or schedule violations will not be tolerated.
  • Authority: AAHC holds the right to refuse any participant at any time, without notice or reason, for failure to follow these rules.

Your signing indicates you understand and agree to respect the rules and code of conduct.

Guidelines can only go so far. When you find yourself in a situation where the “correct” move isn’t clear, follow this advice: “Do the right thing.” This simple standard requires us to think critically about our choices and take ownership of our impact. Whether you are navigating a tricky trail or interacting with a landowner, if your goal is to do the right thing, you are exactly the kind of person this RCRS is built for.

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