Please practice safe trail etiquette

To the editor:

As nice weather is bringing out more horseback riders, including myself, I would like to address trail and road safety.

To the majority of the motorized vehicles I encounter, on and off-road, thank you for being cautious and tolerant of my alternate mode of transport. In return, I try to be cognizant of, and yield to, other trail and road users as well

However, on two separate occasions I have had unavoidable encounters with young riders of dirt bikes. They seem to find it amusing to come up behind a horse and rider and see if they can start a rodeo by revving their bikes in place or spinning in the dirt around us in spite of my pleas to cease and desist or allow me safe passage.

In an effort to give them the benefit of the doubt, I would hope they are simply unaware of the dangerous situation they are creating. I urge them to exercise caution on the trails and be aware that even the most traffic- and trail-savvy horse can become extremely nervous and unpredictable around the loud, popping engines of dirt bikes.

At best, it’s inconsiderate and at worst deadly, should the horse unexpectedly panic, throwing or dragging even an experienced rider into highway traffic and beyond.

Let’s have a safe summer!

Kay Thon

Palmer