I recently went horse camping with a few friends who insisted on bringing their dogs.  Now, I brought my dog too, but she stayed behind when we rode the trails.  These trails would probably be classified moderate by most seasoned riders and horses, but I was on a horse new to mountain trails, big rock step-ups, narrow with drop-offs;  so for him these trails would be more extreme than moderate.  One of the dogs ran back and forth from the front horse to the back horse the entire time, spooking my horse when he burst out of the dry brush.   The other dog, quite old, struggled to keep up and refused to move over and get out of the way.  I had to pull up suddenly many times to avoid going over her.  The worst was when my horse was literally leaping up some huge 2' steps of rock, requiring a big effort on his part, and this old dog stopped right in front of us.  I could not pull my horse up in mid-jump or it would have been disastrous for me and for him... so we ran completly over the dog.  I felt terrible.  Turns out my horse did not even step on her, but must have bumped her with his foot as he hopped and leaped over her.  She was fine, but I was really steamed about those dogs making a difficult situation much worse.  I was wondering how some of you felt about dogs on the trail.  Or if it really depends on the combination of horse and rider experience and trail difficulty?  It was really dangerous a few times because of those dogs.  How would you handle if they wanted to join you on future rides?

It's not the dog, it's the owner.  Anyone who owns a trail dog, must have their dog trained well, and must respect others.  I am training a puppy to trail ride with us, if he doesn't mind he doesn't go.  If one of my friends are on a young horse he doesn't go, Kids, that don't ride good he doesn't go.  It's all about having control of your animal. 

Last year I was riding my 2 year old mule and a guy we were riding with was riding a 2 year old filly.   He had no control over that colt, and he kept running over my young mule.  You can imagine I was not a happy trail rider.  So just like horses you have to have control of your dog.  I told this guy he had to get away from me since he could not control his horse.  Same with the dogs.  If you are not comfortable riding with thier dogs, TEll them! 

If the trails are crowded, dogs should be left secured at camp. Wife & I have seen dogs tear into each other on trails when different groups meet from opposite direction. We have also found many a lost dog on trail and called the owners whose name is on the dog's tag. My pet peeve is the owner who brings his dog out for a run and the dog doesn't stay with the owner. These are usually the ones we find. Some have been lost for days and days. Once we found one that owner had been trying to find for 3 days. We ran across owner on one of the less traveled trails and he asked us to watch for his dog. We had gone about a mile when the dog came running out of the brush to us. We called the owner to let him know we had found it. Here at LBJ Nat'l it's best to leave the dogs at home or camp on weekends as trails are quite used. During the week, no problem usually taking dogs out on trail with you. Just use common sense.

I have been trail riding with dogs many times. I was on a very green horse who did not like dogs. She would try and kick at them every time. Before we went out, I told the owners that my horse likes to kick and strick out at dogs and I am no way responsible to what happens with her dogs. I kept my horse in the back and she kept her dogs away from me. Another lady left her dog back as she didnt want to take the chance of her dog getting hurt. I even brought my dog along who has been kicked by her before and he stays away. A year later, my horse doesn't mind dogs on the trail. I look at it as a good training exercise. If someone was on a green horse, I would keep my dog away from them. I think that the owner was inconsiderate/ignorant to the problems you were having on your horse. I should also add that when we go trail riding, there could be up to 10 dogs with us, sometimes more dogs than horses. I have 2 dogs. One always goes on the trails with us. The other will be left behind many times since she does not have the "respect" for horses yet.

 Open, honest and direct communication among a trail riding/camping group is imperative.  If I am on a relatively inexperienced horse, I will tell my buddies and ask for consideration.  Happy trails. 

I trailride with dogs occcasionally and respect my fellow riders about their opinion, but if I am riding public ground where I can take them, that is my perogative and perhaps Rostrenga, you should ride on private grounds that don't allow dogs period. Taking a dog on a trailride does not always mean a fox hunt.

Best dog I ever met out on the trail was trained to lay down as soon as we came up to them.  The dog was told to stay and stayed until both groups had passed by and then they called their dog.  We was all impressed and commented how we wished everyone riding with dogs would do the same.

I'm a dog lover and use to ride with my lab. I believe a lot is training but in general feel the best place for the dogs are back at camp.  It's safer for the riders and for the dogs and that's what's most important.  

Just last week my horse just about kicked a small dog walking behind my horse and I would have felt terrible if the dog would have been kicked.  It was the first time my horse kicked at a dog walking by while I was riding her.

I've know of two different times of a dog going under a horse, horse spooking and riders falling off getting very hurt.   Both were on a week vacation riding and couldn't ride the rest of the week ruining their vacation.  Worst part was that it was the same dog that caused both accidents two years in a row.

I wouldn't hesitate to mention to someone about their dog if it was really bothering my horses.  If they can't respect your safety then I probably wouldn't be riding with them. 

CLASSYGIRL98  PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING Federal Law regarding Public Lands 

USC Title 16 (Conservation)

In general, pets are permitted but must be restrained either on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length, caged or crated at all times. Park Superintendents and Managers have the discretion to further restrict areas open to pets (i.e., trails, buildings, campgrounds may be off limits).

Restrictions on pets in parks are as much to protect your pet as to protect park resources. Following are some of the reasons parks give for regulating the presence of pets:
--When a loose pet chases a squirrel or raccoon, the wild animal's ability to survive is threatened, and when it is threatened, it may react aggressively.
--There is a strong possibility in parks such as Yellowstone that your pet could become prey for bear, coyote, owl, or other predators.
--There is a possibility of exchange of diseases between domestic animals and wildlife. --Dogs, the most common traveling companion, are natural predators that may harass or even kill native wildlife that is protected within the park's boundaries.
--The "scent of a predator" that dogs leave behind can disrupt or alter the behavior of native animals. --Pets may be hard to control, even on a leash, within confines of often narrow park trails and may trample or dig up fragile vegetation.
--Dog and cat feces add excessive nutrients and bacterial pollution to water, which decreases water quality and can also cause human health problems.
--Finally, lost domestic animals sometimes turn to preying on park wildlife and must be destroyed.

First of all, I do not have a problem with other people's opinion regardless of how they agree or disagree. What I have problem with is arrogant, hateful people that voice their opinion like they know it all and everyone else is just plain dumb.

Second, I do not take my dogs into state parks or national parks or anywhere they are not permitted. I ride a lot in our local national forest and have yet to have one government official tell me that I need to take my dog back to camp.

Third, I agree with pasobeth that it is just as much responsibilty of the horse owner to have their horses get used to dogs. Not just because of dogs going with the riders but in case of an encounter with other dogs that may be along the trail.

I

I just had to add my 2 cents here.  We have been riding trails for years now.  Sometimes see people with dogs, sometimes not.  2 weeks ago we rode at Shimek park near Donnelson Iowa (awesome!).  We saw several dogs, and our friends had 2 as well with us on the trail.  I was totally impressed with the dogs we had with us, and all we came across.  My husband reminded me that with dogs, they spook up all the deer and other critters that may spook your horse!  I think both sides have valid points, but if a puppy dog scares your horse, maybe he needs more trail training??? 

I must adimt that I may have been "anti" dog on the trail before my personal experience, but a good trail dog isn't a big deal.  I would rather put up with a couple dogs than people letting their kids run their horses up and down the trail (but that's another can of worms!)

Also, my horse is 3 years old, and my husband rides a 2 year old.  Our 6 year old son also rides his own horse (she's 13).  So, it isn't like we were riding "seasoned" horses!!!

Happy trails

diane

A friend of mine had an experience where she was riding with a couple who always bring 2 or 3 of their 8 or 9 dogs along - anything from a german shephard to an italian grayhound to a pair of pugs.  The fellows horse spooked (probably not at the dogs) and he was thrown to the ground and injured.  He was not able to re-mount and ride back to the trailer.  His wife road ahead for help. As he attempted to walk back to the trailer, he encountered someone in a pickup along the dirt road who drove him back to his trailer.  However, this individual had his own dog in his truck so he could not take the other two dogs along.  This left my friend with 2 horse, 2 dogs, no leashes and no extra lead ropes to walk the several miles back to the trailers.  The hurt rider was taken to the hospital leaving my friend to drive his truck and trailer with all 3 horses and the dogs back home.  Luckily she is an experienced driver and was able to handle the large rig. Walking the dogs and horses back by herself was the difficult and potentially dangerous part.

Moral of the story...  Whatever you decide about riding with dogs, be prepared. In this case, the dogs did not cause the accident, but certainly made the "clean-up" more difficult.

happy trails....

For the record, I am not opposed to well trained, well mannered dogs that stay right with their owners on the trail; most horse owners have dogs, so their horses are not spooked by dogs. But that’s not the case; a lot of dogs are running way ahead of their owners out of site and out of the owner’s control. As the US Forest Service opens more and more hiking trails to horses, we encounter more hikers as we share the trails. A loose dog is not much of a threat to a person sitting on a well trained horse, but it’s a real threat to a hiker or someone on foot when a dog charges out of the brush. The public land is just that,  its open to horse riders, hikers, campers, picnics and others. We must all respect each other and be considerate.  It’s kind of like running a loud commercial generator or letting dogs bark after, no regard for others.

Boy, am I glad I trail ride on 1000's of acres of private land. The owners don't care if there are dogs and horses riding.

I see more accidents going to these trail/poker rides and people bring their "arena" horse out on the trail. 100's of people and horses and the horse is high strung and been on the trail 2 times in his life. Every time, an ambulance always shows up. Trail riding with 100's out there on a green trail horse is not smart. I have even had to call 911 when a lady fell of her horse because it spooked at some birds! Dogs are a very, very small problem of the injuries that happen out on the trail. Most are do to inexperienced horses/riders.

We ride once in awhile on a private working ranch that some friends own. About 800 acres. One stipulation that they have on anyone coming onto their property- NO DOGS ALLOWED.

I don't like dogs on the trail.  Most are not well behaved in anyone's eyes but the owners. 

My horses are well trained but since I choose not to ride with dogs, when I do have  to ride with dogs they are not used to it.  When the dogs are in the forest I have had my horse spook.  Why wouldn't he, there is noise in the forest and he can't see anything.  Since a horse is a flight animal, of course he chooses flight. 

I get tired of the owners calling the misbehaving animal, the dog that stop right in front of your horse in the middle of the trail, the dog that chases cattle in a pasture, the dog that gets to the water hole first and lays in it before your horse can drink, and I hate that my horse kicked a dog once. 

I leave my dogs at the trailer.  I too would love to let them roam and have fun, but not at the expense of others on the trail and or the safety of the dog.  I spend quality time with my dogs instead of expecting others to put up with them. 

Most of the problems I've seen stem from trail riders refusing to take responsibility for their own actions and that of their pets. If they have a dog along on a trail ride and the dog or dogs decides to chase some cattle and get shot they feel it is not their fault they didn't have the dog under control . It's the ranchers fault.

This very thing just happened not to long ago on a private grazing property in SE Arizona. The dog owner wanted the rancher arrested and was going to sue. He said his dog was well trained and was only chasing the cattle and wouldn't hurt them. The law was on the racnchers side in this instance but the dog owner may be able to  find and attorney somewhere who is hungry enough to try a law suit. The owner thought he had a well trained dog. 

If we take and unleashed dog on a trail that is NOT restricted by a, no dogs allowed sign, then we must be willing to deal and take responsibility  for the sometimes tragic consequences.

If you choose to bring your dog on the trail, I have one favor to ask.  When my horse accidentally injures your dog...don't call me names and talk bad behind my back.  I have been in situations with good and bad trail dogs.  About 10 years ago I was riding a good trail mare of mine in central Oklahoma with a group.  Someone brought their dog and about half way through the day, the dog decided to travel with my mare.  Not a problem usually.  I have dogs, they ride with me AT HOME.  This dog kept leaning in harder and harder on my mare's hind legs.  She kept trying to move over and move over but there wasn't enough room.  After 20 minutes of this battle over the trail, my mare had enough.  She unloaded both hind feet, something she had never offered to do before or since.  The feet both landed solid on the dog's right side sending the dog screaming into the woods.  Yes, my mare was reprimanded for this display so don't even begin to think this behavior was even remotely tolerated.  Needless to say, the dog was never seen again and his irresponsible owner spent the rest of the day complaining about me and my horse.  So, go ahead, take your dog, but when your dog gets injured or killed--bite your tongue and DON'T say a word.  Trail rides are meant for horses and mules, not dogs.

Montana & Cowgirl,

Please re-read my posts regarding repellant sprays...

I did not suggest, nor would I ever use something like that on dogs that belong to the people I ride with.  If I had a problem with those dogs, I would probably choose not to ride with that group, or I would ask the owners to restrain or control their dogs.

My reference was to any predatory animal that I would be likely to encounter on the trail, ie. a bear, a coyote, possibly a stray or feral dog (without owner present).  I can see the possibility that my own horse or myself could be affected by these repellents blowing back in the wind, but what would you suggest as an alternative?  I recently rode upstate NY through an area of berry patches.  There was lots of bear skat along the trail.  If momma black bear decided we looked more appetizing than the berries, what do you think our chances of outrunning that momma would be? 

Has anyone come up with a reasonable method of defense against this type of danger?  So far, I haven't heard of any bear attacks against horses on the trail, but here in NJ we have had several instances where bears have attacked, maimed and killed horses and ponies (as well as dogs)in their pastures and back yards.

"If you encounter an unrestrained dog (or any predatory animal) on the trail that is threatening your or your horses well being, you might want to resort to this non-toxic method of self defense."

Jakey 1, I did reread your post. You speak of using the spray on an unrestrained dog, does not say wild dog.  The original discussion was about people taking their dogs on trail rides with them.  Not wild dogs or bears.  I definitely would carry the spray if you are out riding with bears.  I'd even buy some extra's to practice with to make sure I know how to shoot it.  What happens if you miss? 

Up here in Northern NJ and Southern NY state, we've encountered some bear.  When the horses are aware, they generally stop dead on the trail.  Sometimes that's the only reason we know the bears are there.  I've never encountered a bear who acted aggessively, but I'm quite sure if one decided to attack we could not outrun it, especially on some of the narrow woodland trails we ride.  We've also had some problems through the years with wild dogs, some of which are domestic runaways, that run in packs and take down deer and other domestic and farm animals.

For that reason, I'd be interested to know if anyone has used the repellent sprays from the back of a horse.

Hello, I'm new here and just wanted to add to this topic.

I take my dogs more times than not when I ride trails.  However, I ride alone most of the time and my dogs are under voice control always.  There are times that I ride with friends and ask if they mind if my dogs come along.  If they have a problem with them, the dogs stay home simple as that.  I don't have the opportunity to ride in state or national parks as most of my riding is in national forests or on private land and I have yet to have anyone tell me to leash my dog as they are extremely well behaved and do not chase wildlife or cause any problems. 

I have encountered bear before - twin cinnamon colored black bear.  They ran like heck when they caught scent and only got a glimpse of them running like their heads were on fire and asses were catching.

I am an outspoken person yet if someone ask me if I cared if their dog went I would most likely lie and say I didn't care  so the person's feelings would not be hurt. 

I really believe the only people who like the dogs on the trail are the owners of the dogs and it is very selfish of the owners to bring them.  It is also more  dangerous riding with dogs than without them. 

Well about 30 minutes after I posted this a friend called and ask if I minded if her dog came.  I told her no even though I really cared and did not want the dog to go. 

How many of us do this. 

You got it right on the first try!  I love dogs but there are some I just don't think belong on a trail.  I have a basset hound and she thinks she would love to go riding but I know better!

Heck if you rode with us we would add 3 more, 2 heelers and an aussie! They sure teach a horse not to spook when they flush a cubby of quail out under the horse or come from out of the brush! They do obey voice command...heel!!!!  Is used around others....They don't need a 6' leash....We quit going to the regulated parks with rules and always more people! The wilderness areas on the populated side of the state are a zoo in my opinion! I ride to get away from that! It is the people that can't control there dog, kids, horses....whatever that make those who do suffer. I'll ride with a bad dog(biters=dead) over a bad horse anyday!

KRYS...We live near Albany...Have many miles of...private trails..we are spoiled!!! Have some property in Southeast OR near BLY....no city folk down there...The wilderness areas are far enough away to keep the day people away....I found that the wilderness areas on the west side get trampled by the day people....Hwy 47...must be north of us ...not sure...We thought of moving awile back but it was hard to find a place that you could ride out the back door!! 

I've owned a GOOD dog that required no voice to stay with me.Stayed close in and was wary of horses.BUT I didn't take him often.One of the reasons I did not was DOG FIGHTS.I've seen a few and seen the aftermath of dogs with one group encountering another group with dogs.I've seen a Harlequin Great Dane with 4 dogs on every corner of him and owners of the four hollering and screaming trying to get them off him.Two groups passing each other and the Dane did NOT start it.I've seen smaller dogs hurt bad because of this.Wife and I had a big sorrel half and half(Saddlebred/Walker cross)that was a racking machine.She was riding him and we went through a curve to the right on the trail at a gait and a dog that was with his owner(good dog) was just NEAR this horses left  rear and without missing stride poor dog got his nose kicked dead on through his butt.I saw it and he was  hit solid and dead on.Dog went into convulsions and pee'd all over himself and stopped moving.It didn't kill him but ALL of US sure thought at first it did.Dog rode back in the saddle to camp and next day still acted like he'd been hit by a Mack truck.Anyhow.I'd prefer unless REALLY out in the boonies for days leave dogs AT HOME.

There are two reasons I don't take my dogs on trail, the first reason is for the safety of the horses and riders and the second is for the safety of the dogs.  I don't want my dogs kicked by a horse, attacked by coyotes or bitten by rattlesnakes.   Here in SoCal, running around loose in the brush, especially in the spring & summer when the snakes are out, is a good way for a dog to get hurt.   

For those who think it is "ok" to bring dogs on the trail consider this: wildlife can not be controlled, dogs can and in every state there are leash laws for this reason.   I disagree with the rider being scared of the dog situation and relaying this to the horse.  Each dog gives off a unique scent, your dog is not familiar to my horses, strange dog, strange scent.  If you wish to disobey the law and let your dog loose on the trail, so be it, but be prepared to pay the consequences.  I also know if you ride on public lands that dogs are to be leashed at all times, some do not even allow them at all on trails unless the person is on foot, and the dog is leashed.

I do bring my dogs camping, but they stay inside the trailer and are kept occupied.  If someone approaches my trailer they will bark, but they do not carry on.   If someones dog is barking non stop then go to the park ranger and report them.  If you don't, then just ignore it or speak nicely with the riders upon their return.  They may not even realize their dogs were barking while they are gone.  We usually have someone who stays at camp because we have limited number of horses. 

As for dogs on the trail, I don't agree with it.  It is your responsibility to control your pet and obey the law.  In all states it is a mandated law that dogs be on  leashes or restrained in a proper manner (fenced or kenneled) at all times.  So if your dog causes injury or a wreck you will be liable for all law violations as well as liable for injuries, and reparations attributed to that incident.

I agree on the barking dogs in camp.  Sometimes it just takes a matter of speaking with them upon their return from riding. 

The nature vs dog issue is apples and oranges.  Nature can not be controlled and dogs can and legally should be.

JD,

Let me get this straight, you would rather endanger others lives vs being unselfish and leave your dogs back at camp or at home?  There are far more folks who don't ride with dogs, than those that do.  It is a matter of being respectful to the other riders.  If you wish to ride with your dogs, do so on your own property please. 

We have started riding in a older horse community near us. They have great riding areas and all of the properties are set back from the road with ample room to ride. I wanderred why noone rides there well we found out dogs. Luckly my horse isnt afraid and will back his ears and work a dog like a cow after running all the dogs that venture out to the road back in ther yards we no longer have a problem. We have had a number of people stop while I was chasing a dog and tell us thats why they no longer ride in the neighborhood. Its not really a dog problem its and owner problem. My horse is really calm about that kinda stuff however when we walked into a covey of quail while he stood there I almost jumped out of my wranglers.

If I am riding by someone's house in the country and they have a dog that is running loose I am not going to tell that person to tie up their dog. I chose to ride by that house with my horse, therefore it is my responsibilty not theirs to make sure my horse is used to dogs.

We have had far more spook encounters with deer, turkeys and other wildlife than we have ever had with dogs. Another thing is hikers with those huge scary back packs but I am not going to ask the hiker to take off his back pack. I am aware of my surroundings at all times and try to be prepared for the unexpected if it all possible.

We occasionally frequent a riding area that has a lot of mountain bikes. If I take a green broke horse to this trail then I know I am taking a big chance. It is my decision. It is my responsibilty to train my horse to those bikes before I even attempt to go there.

We will only take our well trained trail dogs to primitive camps where there is only small groups or no one but us. If we meet other riders on the trail, I pull way far back and am very courteous to other riders about making them aware of my dogs. We have never had a problem with our dogs.

If you ride in an area where you know there is a lot of deer do we dare ask the government to fence them in so are horses won't spook at them? I don't think so. DK

cowgirl98034

Did you even read the post about "apples and oranges"?  You can not compare a dog to a backpack (inanimate object) or to wildlife.  Dogs CAN and should be controlled.  It is not the horse owners responsiblity to buy a horse that tolerates all dogs.  That is impossible.  It is much easier to ask someone who is a dog owner to obey the law and control their animal.  The majority of people on the trails do not want dogs on the trails.  Especially if there are children riding on the trail.  So why not be considerate of the majority instead of trying to be selfish and please the minority?

If you are riding on a country road and someones dog is loose and runs into the road..that is not "a controlled animal".  If you or someone else got hurt, that dog owner would be liable.

The arguements you made make no sense whatsover.  Horses are going to spook at wildlife, that is a given that can not be controlled.  Dogs..can and should be controlled.   Where I ride, the trails are marked for horses, very very rarely do I come across hikers.  Bikers are not allowed on horse trails here in Michigan. they have their own marked trails.

There is no leash law in the rural area of our county. I have farm that I have a dog that would not hurt a flea run loose. Tell me how I could be held liable if you just happen to ride by my farm and your horse spooks at him?, Unless he tried to attack you and try to harm you or your horse I don't think I am being negligent. Debbie

If he leaves your property you could be liable. Living on a rual farm it is amazing how many people move out here and think I can just turn fido lose. Then wonder why they have problems with there neighbors or why the dogs keep disapearing.

"I am so proud of myself. I organized a group of women to ride at a state park. One of my friends ask if she could ask someone else to go and I said yes, but she can't bring her dog.

I get sick of hearing her call the dog and of course I think it is just an accident waiting to happen to have the dog run in and out of the horses.

I am proud, not selfish. 12"

Good for you. I'm sure your group will have a great ride. I alway try to play by the rules of my host, at least the ones I am aware of. I was not trying to suggest otherwise.

Okay, so what about the dogs loose on public trails that require dogs to be on leash?  What about the dogs someone else has along, that attack your dog or horse?  You can't tell me you and your horse have trained to 'suck-it up" and "ride it out"  if something like that, or many other situations occured.  You can't train to "expect" everything because "everything" is an unkown. My horse will walk across a tarp, carry it on his back, take me up the steepest mountain of bare rock with no trail, break a trail through brush and trees, but can't be expected to stand his ground if a bunch of dogs get in a loud snarling fight and are rolling his way...  nobody, horses included, wants to get mixed up in that.  My ride included a treacherous trail that the dogs ran by me again and again on, and nearly knocked my horse's feet out from under him trying to avoid stepping on them... I was very worried for me and my horse... sueing never occured to me at that point.  Living did.  Kind of hard to sue somebody from the bottom of the cliff in the river, 100 feet below... have you ever seen anyone fall 100 feet? But hey, I sucked it up and rode on, but eventually it came to an abrupt halt, when one of their dogs stopped dead, right in front of me when we were scrambling up a hilly, rocky trail.  I was last in line and my horse was anxious to catch up.  He was leaping up some step like rock ledges, and that flippin' dog stopped (she was tired) and my horse ran right over her.  God what a  terrible noise that was.  My girlfriend's husband was really angry at me and was yelling and stuff, but it was unavoidable.  You can't prepare for that; you can't train your horse to stop in mid-air while leaping up a challenging hill, to avoid some stupid dog...  yes, he's green, but some accidents are just unnavoidable.  And I was "minding my business" trying to enjoy a ride I had traveled a long way for and I was ready to ride, but they threw in the towel to care for the dog, who, ended up with no injuries!  It seems my horse managed to step everywhere but on her.  Amazing display of agility I think !   I do believe that if the public lands you ride on require a dog to be on leash, you should have your dog on leash.  If there's no leash law in that area, make the choice to ride there or go somewhere else.  If there's a leash law - that is exactly what you should expect to encounter... a dog on a leash.  *

Wow, this thread just keeps on going.  The issue we have in the trail riding club I'm in is that several places that used to allow dogs, no longer do.  They had leash laws, but people refused to keep their dogs on leashes; dog fights resulted, dogs peeing all over tents, coolers, taking them on the trails when it was prohibited, etc and the end result, dogs were banned from these locations.  There are places that still allow dogs, but I don't know of any State Parks, Water Management Areas, State Forests in Fla that allow you dogs on the trail.  So those of you that ride with your dogs, avoid Fla.

 I happen to love dogs, but I don't presently own one.  I enjoy petting them in camp, but I sure don't like them peeing on my stuff, barking all day/night, and I also prefer not to ride with them on the trail for the many reasons already provided.  However, growing up our dog went with us everywhere and he was well trained, but he didn't go with us when we rode with other people.   I think it's a matter of consideration.

We had one trip when a Rotti bit a woman in the face, removing a chunk of her nose, which resulted in 4 plastic surgeries...... 

There is no leash law in the rural area of our county. I have farm that I have a dog that would not hurt a flea run loose. Tell me how I could be held liable if you just happen to ride by my farm and your horse spooks at him?, Unless he tried to attack you and try to harm you or your horse I don't think I am being negligent. Debbie

You could be liable the same way a rancher could be held liable if a cow gets loose and hit by a car.  Failure to contain you animals. 

And keep in mind strays are a nuisance and some of us shoot them.  And a horse kick can kill.

Classy - I agree with you. The people I ride with train their horses to ride. Our horses are prepared beforehand and, although you can't prepare for everything, if something goes wrong, you suck it up and ride it out. These ideas about people being liable - I can't stand people who are sue happy. Mind your business and know that $hit happens.

It is called being responsible and respecting others.  Wildlife on the loose is one thing.  But dogs can and should be restrained. 

I agree with those that you can not train a horse to accept every single thing that they can be possibly exposed to.  Dogs do not belong on a public trail.  

I am not sue happy, I have seen what the end result is and I do believe folks should be held accountable for their actions.  A crime is a crime irregardless who commits it.   You can reason it any way you like.  It is about being responsible for your actions or in this case "inaction" as you would be ignoring your responsibility.

I agree, if you are riding a green horse, you should not ride in large groups or where you will be coming across groups of other riders.   When I ride our green horses on the trail we ride in pairs of two and on days when there is minimal trail traffic.  The horses have to gain trail experience somehow. 

Even my most sage and savvy trail mare doesn't like dogs, she doesn't even tolerate our own at home.  Some horses do not like dogs period.  Just as not all people like other people. 

Again, it is about training your horse to be all do all... but to the dog owner to be responsible for your actions or inactions.  There are consequences.

They don't have much endurance eaither.

Thanks, ClassyGirl;  hope to have some pictures of the group soon.  http://www.cloudfarms.com/pictures

Here is a link to a picture of the goat, one of the dogs and one of the cats. Just tested it and the link doesn't work;  if you are even remotely interested, pull up http://www.cloudfarms.com/  and then click on the cloud marked Pictures.  Thanks again.

If you try to control every situation before it happens you will simply go crazy.  You prepare the best you can, and as Rose says you should go prepared (helmet, whatever).  Cause if the dog don't get ya something else will. 

Happy Trails!

Believe me we have bigger problems than a dog on the trail, if we don't all ban together we're not going to have any trails to ride on.  Hope everyone looks at the thread - Right To Ride! If you want to be passionate about something dig your teeth into to saving our trails!

Wow- last Sunday I rode on some great trails that are shared by mountain bikes, families hiking and horses.  Hikers can bring their dogs on leash, but no off-leash is allowed.  A couple I passed was walking there 2 youngs dogs, and one of those dogs just about strangled itself trying to run away,  the horse scared him so badly.  Apparently he'd never encountered a horse before, or at least not on the same trail.  Poor guy, he wet himself and his eyes about bugged right out of his head.  The owner had to brace himself to keep ahold of that leash and prevent the dog from running off.  It was comical from where I was sitting :)  So in this instance, the shoe was on the other foot... dog afraid of the horse.  *

Just goes to prove there is always an exception to a rule.  As Issie said so well, we really need to pay attention to what is going in in the federal area about trails;  trails being closed, restricted and so on.  The Forest Service budget is in danger of serious cuts;  and their reaction to cuts will no doubt be to close trails.  Please contact your legislators and encourage them to support Ride to Ride.  Be well.