Riding and Camping Rules for the Equestrian Trail RiderThese are common rules and are intended to serve only as a guideline. It is your responsibility to know the rules as it pertains to your specific event.
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No Fireworks
No Free Running Animals
No Littering
Do not cut, carve, chop, or damage any live vegetation
Always respect the rights and property of others.
Missouri Conservation fishing and hunting regulations and license requirements do apply.
If there is a fee, it will be posted and must be paid prior to use.
No groups of 10 or more riders.
Obey restrictions on fires as they may be limited or prohibited.
Firing a gun is not allowed 1- in or within 150 yards of a residence, campsite, recreation area, or occupied site 2- across a road or body of water 3- in any kind of circumstance where a person may be injured or property damaged.
No equestrian camping allowed, unless stated otherwise.
No target shooting unless there is a designated shooting range.
Horseback riding is allowed only on roads open to vehicles and on designated horse trails or by special-use permit.
Do not build structures such as tables, rock fire rings, lean-to's, etc.
Do not leave camping area and equipment for more than 24 hours without permission from forest ranger.
Primitive disbursed camping is allowed along the equestrian trails as long as you stay 100 feet away from the trail and 200 feet away from any waterways.
Not all parks allow for equestrian camping. Check before you go.
Camping is limited to any 15 days within a 30 consecutive day period.
Campfires are the responsibility of the camper, and are restricted to the pits or grills provided.
All non-campers must leave by 10pm.
Quiet hours are between 10pm and 6am.
Hunting is not allowed.
Fishing may be allowed but with limitations.
The universal distress signal is 3 of anything-- 3 shouts, 3 whistles, 3 shots, etc.
Have a first aid kit for both you and your horse. Include a snake bite and bee sting kit.
Do not leave food out while you are away from camp.
Leave your trip plans with your family or a friend.
Have the right equipment and clothing for primitive travel and for the season of the year.
Carry waterproof matches, extra food, space blanket, map, compass, water purifying tablets, and any medication you might need. Carry these on your person in a fanny pack.
If you are thrown from your horse and are injured, it may be best to stay put as it will be easier for rescuers to find you.
Fill out trail registration cards if provided. This will let forest rangers know where you are at, when you should be back, and how many people are using the trail.
As you are riding, you should look at the trail behind you on occasion. In the event that you are lost or need to backtrack, it will not look as different and confusing.
Pack out what you pack in.
Ride and camp only where permitted. With so much land and facilities available, it is not necessary to be somewhere that you shouldn't be without permission.
Do not ride in any areas or any trails restricted to horses. There is a reason for the restriction and it is usually due to safety, to reduce conflicts, or to provide usage for other types of recreation such as hiking or ATV.
Campfires should be low and small in size. When you leave, be sure to scatter the remains of the campfire.
Do not tie horses to small trees. This will damage vegetation. It is better to use hobbles, pickets, or picket lines.
Picket stock at least 200 feet from waterways, camps, or trails.
Avoid over grazing in one area.
Scatter manure and smooth areas when breaking camp.
Human waste should be disposed of at least 200 feet from campsites, trails, and waterways. Dig a shallow hole and cover. Nature will handle it from there.
All horses should have a current negative Coggins test.
Stallions should display a yellow ribbon in their tails.
Horses that kick should display a red ribbon in their tails.
Stay on designated trail. Do not remove or rearrange trail markers, and always.... Courtesy is imperative.
Adopted from Missouri Trail Blazing by Laura Vonk, author of a complete guide to equestrian camping and trails in Missouri. Order your copy by contacting Laura, if not available in your local book store.