Can Horses and Backpackers Share the Trail?

By Jessica

Many favorite backpacker trails are also favored by horseback riders. Can backpackers and horseback riders share the same trails? Is there animosity between the two groups or do they coexist in their passion to enjoy the outdoors? I’m not sure how horseback riders feel about backpackers? Are they annoyed by our presence on the trail or do they enjoy running across us on the trail? While I don’t know how they feel about us, I know there are mixed feelings among backpackers regarding horseback riders. And I’m saddened to report it.

Some hikers do tout a sense of snobbery against horseback riders. Their point is that hiking is much more strenuous an activity than horseback riding. Thus, hikers have a sense of entitlement to the trail, sort or we-work-harder-so-we-deserve-more attitude. But I’m not necessarily in this group of hikers. I love riding horseback riding. While I wasn’t fortunate enough to have one of my own, my best friend growing up did have horses. And we rode together ALL the time. So, I appreciate the fact that horseback riders want to enjoy the trails as much as hikers and backpackers. And I also realize that horseback riding is much more strenuous than it looks. I even enjoy seeing horseback riders on the trail. I just love horses and I get a kick out of being near them. (My dog is not so much a fan though. I’m not sure if he thinks they are big dogs and that’s what sets him off, but he seems more interested in fighting them than anything.)

Another and I feel quite legitimate case that backpackers take against horseback riders is the damage they cause to the trail. Horse hooves tear up the trail making backpacking less pleasant for those behind them. And speaking of horse behinds, horses leave quite large, quite unpleasant “gifts” on the trail that backpackers face the challenge of dodging.

While a similar case can be made against dogs on the trail, the damage and “gifts” dogs leave are much less severe. Plus, my dog, like most I would imagine, goes OFF the trail to take care of his business. But horses don’t go off trail. They their business while they are walking, ON the trail. And I understand that it would be too much to ask a horse to stop, go off trail, do their thing, and then return to the trail. I’m not necessarily OFFENDED by the horse gifts, but it does detract from the beauty of the trail, not to mention the unpleasant smell.

So what’s the answer? Should there be designated horse trails and backpacker trails so that the two will not cross paths? Either that or we all have to take this as a lesson in tolerance.

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