Sharing the Trails with Horses in the Wissahickon Valley

At the Monastery Stable, we are dedicated to the preservation of the Wissahickon Valley and its equestrian activity. The Pennsylvania Equine Council has developed helpful information for park users who come into contact with horses and riders.

First, be prepared for the unexpected. Always slow down at curves and intersections or at any time the sight line is disturbed. Glass, tin cans or other debris on the trail can puncture bike tires or seriously injure a horse. Please pick up and carry out with you.

Did you know that horse manure is totally biodegradable and spreads no disease to humans or animals?

Please respect all trail users – we all love our park. Trail etiquette protects users and the amazing gem that is the Wissahickon Valley Park.

Protocol for Horseback Riders, Bicyclists and Hikers

Hiker Meets Horse

1. Call out a friendly Hello! With their poor vision, your hello reassures the horse that you are a human and not a hungry mountain lion.

2. Wait for a signal from the rider; she will know whether to just keep moving, to ask you to step aside or whether it is best for them to step aside. Remember horseback riders have the right of way in the park. Some horses do fine with hikers but become hysterical when a runner, especially a silent one, comes relentlessly toward them or up behind them.

3. The rider should greet you and let you know the preferable way of passing. Some riders are eager to stop and talk if you are. All should be friendly, but if a rider chooses to breeze on by without stopping, he may have decided that is the best way to control the horse. He is not being discourteous.

Bike Rider Meets Horse

1. Speak up! Bicycles are generally quiet and not heard by the horse or rider. Say hello a distance from the horse. If she is ahead of you, ask to pass if you want to do that and then wait for the rider to tell you what to do. Most will find a wider part in the trail and then step aside so you can pass, turning the horse so she can see you.

2. Keep responding so she knows you are not a cougar. When coming toward a horse, please pull over and dismount. Speak to the rider and he will let you know the best way to continue.

Horseback Rider Responsibilities

1. Be friendly and use common sense. Not every trail user knows about horses and how they react to perceived danger. We need to educate and to thank others for their courtesy so that horses continue to be welcomed on trails.

2. Stay on the trail and slow to a walk when passing hikers and cyclists

3. Wear a helmet

4. Take your cell phone

5. Talk to people and make friends for all of us who love to ride