Rio Grande Mule and Donkey Association
Ride Rules & Trail Etiquette
- No Stallions or intact Jacks are allowed on trail rides.
- Keep your equine one animal length behind others.
- Equines that are known kickers must have a red ribbon tied to their tail or tack that is visible from the rear.
- Do not stop unnecessarily. If a stop is necessary, move off to the side of the trail, and advise the trail boss that you are stopping.
- Stay behind the Trail Boss at all times.
- Do not lag behind the group; stay in front of the drag rider and with the rider in front within sight.
- Do not run or trot up behind another animal
- When passing, advise the riders in front of your intention, do so at a walk.
- Stay on designated trails.
- Dogs are not allowed on trail rides.
- Ride single file in hazardous areas.
- If you bring it in, you pack it out
- Leave all gates as you found them.
- No smoking on the trail
These minimal ride rules are to ensure that every rider has a safe, enjoyable ride. There are numerous other "rules" that could be listed, but if common sense is used, they are not needed
I)
Chaired by the “Ride Coordinator”
A)
Assisted by ride hosts
1) Different host for each ride.
II) Ride Coordinator’s duties
A) Recruit members that would like to host a ride
B) Coordinate rides with other club activities in an attempt to avoid conflicts with other RGMDA functions when at all possible.
C) Publish a ride schedule at the beginning of the year for the following 12 months.
D) Ensure that the ride host forwards the details of the ride that they are hosting to the newsletter editor 1 month in advance of the ride that they are hosting.
E) In conjunction with the ride host, act as trail boss.
F) Provide all members with a copy of the Ride Rules and Trail Etiquette.
III) Duties of the Ride Host
A) Establish place, date and time for ride
B) Pre ride trails to be ridden within 2 weeks of ride date
1) Secure necessary permission / permits from land owners.
C) Provide the newsletter editor of ride details, (on provided form)
1) Date, location, and time to be in the saddle
2)
Directions to the staging area
3)
Cost
4)
Details of the ride
(a)
Terrain
(b)
Suitable to drive, ride, or both
(c)
Availability of water
(d)
Availability of corrals
(e)
RV hook up if a campout
(f)
Length of ride
5)
Type of trail
(a)
Novice / intermediate / expert
D)
Ensure that the requirements
of RGMDA‘s insurance carrier are met.