OK....I'm probably going to open a big can of worms here, but I just can't help myself. An acquaintance of ours was killed recently after she was thrown when a dog spooked her horse on the trail. We were not there at the time so I don't know for sure if alcohol was a factor but they are known to fill their saddle bags with beer before they set out. I'm not a big fan of dogs on the trail but that is a whole different issue. My point here is...Why do people feel they cannot have a good trail ride unless they are drinking? I am not opposed to having a little "adult refreshment" around the camp fire, but I have seen too many accidents happen when folks get so drunk they can't control their horse. Twice, I have actually seen people fall out of their saddles......on level ground! Also, the majority of trash you see on the trail is beer cans or bottles. Come on guys....you are on top of a 1000 lb. animal who needs you to be in control. Let's have a sober ride and then enjoy a little "toddy" around the fire.

Just my 2 cents.

RIDE ON!

Thank you Longears...Last fall we took a weekend at Long C in Westmoreland, TN and the camp does not allow any alcohol. One of the riders who had planned to join us actually backed out after finding out he couldn't bring his beer!! What a dope! We had a terrific weekend. I guess he just slung his saddle bags over the arm of his Lazy Boy. We were better off without him!

RIDE ON! 

Agree with everyone else that it's a bad mixture.  We do like our happy hours but I prefer to ride in the morning, so we all take it easy even after the ride. 

I also freeze water and gatoraide to take on the rides.  Ice tea is a good idea as well.

In some states you can get a duii on horseback as they are considered a vehicle.I have had a cold beer while on a ride,and it was gooood but like all things too much will hurt you.Ride safe and come back in one piece.

Pack it in pack it out.

As expected those that agree are posting.

I don't know how you can drink anything out of a can while on a  horse. I'd have more of it on my shirt than in my mouth.  When I go riding, I cover ground. At 6-8 mph I can't drink Pepsi out of can. I need a sports bottle with a squirt cap. So I'm pretty limited to water and gatoraid.

I see folks moseying down the trail with beer in hand. But they go for a 2 mile ride and think they have covered ground for the afternoon. My horses have too much go in them to mosey along.  They know when I saddle them up it's 15-25 miles so they might as well go to work and cover ground. Different types of recreation for different folks.

  Amen to that!!

We also live close to our fav riding spots and they are Nat Forest, and a State Parks. The State Park WILL cite you for open container on the trails, and for DUI if you don't pass a breathalizer. Since ALL Calif Rangers on patrol are P.O.S.T. certified, they DO HAVE full police powers. In the Nat Forest we are on our own, and the "Clowns" with the guns, "Jackbunnies" with dirt bikes, and a lot of just city jerks are screwing up the landscape and many leave their trash where ever they are. I guess they live like that at home in the ghetto too. In Calif, if you are cited for open container, DUI, or in an "incident" where the rangers have to make reports, the Dept of Motor Vehicles gets the reports as well.... That means no license when you come up for renewal, no registration for vehicles,  or to court until diversion and fines have been paid. ( Not to mention what your insurance company will do)  Just save it for around the camp and even there MODERATION is the key element.

Hu Raaa I'll drink to that ! bar tender sasperella all round....I'm buyen.

What?? make yurs tea ? with lemon ? oh ok then go fo the hard stuff.