CCSC Trail Ride Policies

The goal of CCSC's Trail Ride policies is to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the mounted club members as well as other trail users.

These policies address riders who are signed in for a CCSC trail ride. This is not an attempt to cover every possible contingency, and riders should always remember to treat other riders and trail users with courtesy and respect, to ride with foresight and safety in mind, and to treat horses with kindness.

This list of policies is in part intended to satisfy insurance requirements.

  1. A rider or guest must register and sign in with the ride leader. Each rider must have a release form filed with the CCSC, or must sign one before the beginning of the ride. All riders under the age of 18 must have a release form signed by a parent or guardian.
  2. Arider must either be a member of CCSC, or the guest of a member who is also riding. One guest per club member. A guest may ride a maximum of twice before joining CCSC.
  3. All riders under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a mounted parent club member at all times. No more than 2 children per mounted parent.
  4. CCSC recommends the use of riding helmets; however riders take responsibility for their decision to wear helmets or not.
  5. Horses of any sex may be ridden.
  6. CCSC is a family club. Please refrain from strong language.
  7. No alcohol is allowed on the trail, at rest stops, or in the parking lot.
  8. No riders under the age of 8 are permitted on trail rides. Regardless of a child's age, parents must determine if that child has the necessary skills to participate in the trail ride.
  9. Each rider must ride and control his own horse. No double riding or leadlining by a walker or another horse is permitted. A person walking in the midst of a mounted group represents a danger both to himself, and possibly to other riders. A line attached to another horse, or a human walking could possibly entangle another horse and cause a dangerous situation. This rule is not intended to prevent the leading of a horse, if that should become necessary due to some unforeseen circumstance.
  10. Riders are not required to go at the same pace. If you choose to go at a faster pace, be considerate and let the rest of the ride know what you are doing. Be sure you understand the trail route.
  11. The Ride leader is the authority on the trail to be followed. All riders must follow the same path, even if some are riding at a faster pace. One of the benefits of riding with a group is support if you are hurt or lost. If a rider separates himself from the ride, and is then late showing up at the trail head, the ride leader will automatically call search and rescue.
  12. If you choose to smoke, please be considerate to other riders and move to the rear of the ride. Under no circumstances may any portion of a cigarette or its packaging be dropped on the trail. Anyone smoking on the trail must carry a nonflammable ash receptacle.
  13. Remove all trash, manure, and hay you might have dropped in the car park.
  14. CCSC has the right to cancel rides for any reason.