avoiding accidentally trespassing?

[philosoraptor]

For those of you who trail-ride off your own farm or ride places other than parks:

How do you handle not ticking anyone off by accidentally trespassing while riding?

My area : a rural area of 50-150 acre farms, individual homes, occasional patches of small woods, and a commercial property here and there all mixed together. Back county roads are windy and without any shoulders. With so many speeders and all the new traffic (lots of development), it’s a bit risky to ride on the city/county roads. So it would be safer to avoid the busy paved roads and stick to trails, gravel lanes, and such.

My dilemma: Not all end/start property boundaries are marked or obvious. Some folks don’t give clear explanations where their farm ends when asked. Some people never seem to be home to ask. Some properties don’t even have a residence; the owner is in another state and it’s just a big investment. Sometimes a home is rented by one person, owned by another, but the only person you’ll ever see is the renter’s girlfriend; how do you easily ask for permission to ride?

Today I was riding through my neighbor’s farm with his explicit permission. I went past another cornfield that I thought was his… and a guy came out of his house across the gravel road. First words out of his mouth were “this is private property” not “hello” or “are you lost”. I explained the misunderstanding (I was still between cornfield and the gravel lane). I think he was OK with it but I felt really weird to be greeted in such a way.

Does anyone know if you’re riding in Maryland on named roads (these would be shared by more than 1 house, usually blue sign instead of green), is it really trespassing as long as I am on the right-of-way and not on someone’s lawn? If it is trespassing, do I need explicit permission from every homeowner in the development sharing the lane?

And when you’re going from Point A to Point B, what’s the best way to make sure nobody gets mad at you? Do any of you actually go down to the county courthouse, pull tax maps for those properties to figure out which house goes with which cornfield or woods, and then get in your car in advance going door to door to ask permission? Do you just ride and take your chances, but approach people to ask if you do see them?

If you’re riding and realize you’re accidentally on House A’s property, how do you ask? I don’t want to ride up his drive w/o permission to knock on the front door, but what do I do with the horse? If I am leading the horse up the drive, it’s the same as riding him isn’t it? Do I leave him tied by the road? How can I knock on the front door to ask permission if I don’t have permission yet to come up the driveway? :winkgrin:

Sorry for the dumb questions. I want to learn the right etiquette and not be one of those “bad” horsepeople.

Thank you!
May

P.S. I know my questions seem a little absurd but 2 weeks ago in my county we just had a crazy homeowner shoot a shotgun at a car who U-turned in his private drive. Both people in the car went to the hospital to be treated for wounds and he’s in jail now… but it’s terrfying to think some people are so paranoid about tresspassers.

[yellowbritches]

I never usually post on this forum, but saw this topic and thought it was timely, as I have the same question! We recently moved and are still learning where we can and cannot hack, introducing ourselves to the neighbors, etc. Shortly after moving I found a set of trails through the woods that bordered one of the cornfields I KNOW we are allowed to ride in. They were so obviously there, and joined nicely to the field that I assumed (yes, I know what assume means ) they were trails that the previous horse people had used. they come near some houses, and a couple just dump right into one yard, which, in the few times I rode back on the trails, I NEVER rode on (turned around as soon as I saw I was coming to an end). I rode on the trails both days last weekend, and a few days ago I went back again to find the trail tied off with a “Private Property” sign strung across it. I was flabergasted, a little peeved (I know property owners have all the rights, but what was the harm in having a couple of horses walk through the woods behind your house?), and a bit sad that it seems I might have ticked off neighbors. But I don’t even know who owns the land the woods and trails are on, so I don’t even know who to go to to apologize and see if we could get the trails back! And now I’m terrified to ride anywhere were I haven’t been exactly told is ok to ride!

Yet another problem with urban sprawl. Clueless city folk move to horse country, then don’t want anything to do with horses.

[citydog]

@yellowbritches

what was the harm in having a couple of horses walk through the woods behind your house?

As I understand it, the harm is that if you had an accident–even if it was your own fault, or no fault–your insurance company would seek reimbursement through the property owner’s, which would raise their premiums, and they would, insanely enough, have a liability risk. In theory you (well, probably not you, but you know, some folks ) could (and do!) sue. “They knew horses used those trails, but they put in a sprinkler system right next to it, and when it went off, my horse spooked, I was thrown, I missed six weeks of work and now have chronic pain! They owe me!”

Some states (Vermont is one) have laws that make it less of a liability risk for property owners, which makes folks here a lot more willing to allow equestrians/hikers/snowhoers/x-country skiiers access to trails on their land, and it’s good for tourism.

[xring]

Having lived in the country for many years, and being an outdoors person, I can understand people not wanting others on their property. First, there is the liability issue. Then, look how many inconsiderate people will trash your land with litter, or open gates and leave them, or even ride right through your yard after a heavy rain. Being a hunter, and knowing that is becomming increasingly unpopular with people, I believe it is important to respect others rights, especially as pertains to their property. If I don’t have written permission, on my person, I stay off others property. It is my responsibility to know the boundry lines of the property I’m on, and if I’m not sure, I don’t use that property until I am.

One thing I use to help gain permission is a ‘Release of liability’ form available from the Ohio Division of Wildlife. I provide this form, signed, to the landowner (not a renter). This form states that I promise to respect the property, not litter, leave things as I found them, and also releases them from liability for any accident I may have. My safety is my own responsibility. It also has my name, address, phone number, and a description of any vehicles I may be driving. Another useful tool is to volunteer to help them with their chores, or when hunting, to share any game harvested. Christmas and birthday cards are a nice touch, as is a neat, respectable appearance and a humble attitude. Can you tell I’ve been at this a while?

How about public trails? We’re lucky, in Ohio, to reportedly have more miles of public equestrian trails than all the surrounding stated combined. With a truck and trailer, one can find all manner of places to ride safely and legally. If you don’t have said transportation, look for a riding buddy that does. Contact trail riding clubs and your state Horse Council. Ask your Vet for leads, ask everyone you know.

I know road riding can be the pits. I trust our horses completely, but not the idiots in the cars. Good luck and don’t give up.

[arabhorse2]

When I moved to Podunk, I went and introduced myself to the neighbors. The closest was about 1/4 mile away, but I wanted to make sure they knew I had horses.

I asked about where I could and couldn’t ride, and every last one of them gave me permission to ride on their land. However, I never ride where someone has a “No Trespassing” sign posted. I figure it’s their land, and I’d hate it if someone decided to take it upon themselves to come on my property if that was posted.

There’s a huge tract of land that belongs to the local hunt club beside and behind my property, and they’ve been more than happy to let me use their land. I didn’t until I asked, though.

Maybe it’s a little more laid back where I live because most of the folks have been there for generations. Besides me and 2 more sets of neighbors who are coming in from Connecticut and New Jersey, everyone else has been there for years and years. And all of us have horses, which goes over really well with the local livestock owners.

[Prieta]

It has been on my mind a lot lately as I do not like riding on roads.

Snowmobilers join a club that works on obtaining permissions from land owners. In the permit letter, they explain that they will not trash the land, will respect the speed limit, etc. Also, they explain about the liability issues ( I don’t remember exact wording of it). We agreed to permit snow mobilers go across our land.

Now, I’m thinking that I’d like to do the same thing for horses but will need help to develop a good letter showing that we will not go over crop land, will not sue them for accidents, etc. I do not know if it will be well received by my neighbors…

[CC1]

Yes, I do pull tax maps (thay are online although sometimes hard to interpret!) and find the owners or just go knock on doors to ask. I’ve met some wonderful older residents that way! And not one has denied access.

Thre is one property however, that I have not done that for. Mainly because it has been horse trails for many, many years and the farmer who leases it does not have a problem with us riding through. I know, probably not the best thing to do but I have a huge fear of being denied access and cut off from the reservoir trails.

[gothedistance]

@MayS

For those of you who trail-ride off your own farm or ride places other than parks:
How do you handle not ticking anyone off by accidentally trespassing while riding?
Does anyone know if you’re riding in Maryland on named roads (these would be shared by more than 1 house, usually blue sign instead of green), is it really trespassing as long as I am on the right-of-way and not on someone’s lawn? If it is trespassing, do I need explicit permission from every homeowner in the development sharing the lane?

First, don’t gallop across private land, don’t go in huge groups that tear up the land, and don’t be a snob when you meet people. Act friendly, act courteous, wave big and smile at everyone. That legitimatizes you as a nice person who has no intent to harm – the main concern of the private landowner. Just ride and take for granted that you are OK. You don’t have to walk up and greet everyone – just do it when you feel it is necessary.

If you are talking about a road privately owned for the use of the landowners or their assignees, tresspassing by definition really applies to a deliberate intent to do harm. If you are merely using the road just to pass through, you should be OK. I routinely train on a private road up in the mountains, and have never asked permission to do so. I have, however, made the acquaintance with some of the landowners, stopping to chat and talk periodically. I also ignore, or speak gently, to any dogs that decide to tag along with me. I am very aware I am using the concurrant landowners’ good humor and generosity when I am riding up and down this private road, and adopt an attitude that I am the guest and act accordingly. Over the years I have become a fixture that the landowners recognize, and never fail to wave and greet.

And when you’re going from Point A to Point B, what’s the best way to make sure nobody gets mad at you?

Travel at a walk over unknown territory – never, ever tear through at a trot or canter or gallop. Don’t open gates unless you have permission to do so; don’t jump fences into fields unless you have permission to do so. Stay on the edge of fields, or on roads/bypways if possible. Don’t bushwack through the woods – stay on the established trails. ALWAYS be friendly and courteous to everyone you meet. A smile and a friendly wave go a long way towards neighborly diplomacy.

Do any of you actually go down to the county courthouse, pull tax maps for those properties to figure out which house goes with which cornfield or woods, and then get in your car in advance going door to door to ask permission? Do you just ride and take your chances, but approach people to ask if you do see them?

Most counties now have their taxmaps (and properties within the county) online. You can access the surrounding land and plat maps to see who owns what. If there are established trails that are not gated, use them unless you hear otherwise. I would never go door to door in a car – do it on a horse if you can. You’re more legitimate that way since that is the method you will use to access this owner’s property, plus you present yourself as more approachable and less frightening to a homeowner when you are holding a horse, rather than stepping out of a car.

If you’re riding and realize you’re accidentally on House A’s property, how do you ask? I don’t want to ride up his drive w/o permission to knock on the front door, but what do I do with the horse? If I am leading the horse up the drive, it’s the same as riding him isn’t it? Do I leave him tied by the road? How can I knock on the front door to ask permission if I don’t have permission yet to come up the driveway? :winkgrin:

Just ride through, or turn around and head back. Don’t ride on the lawn or anyplace mowed. Keep to the rough, or a drive. Leading a horse up a drive is NOT the same as riding it. If you want, come back later (in your riding clothes) and greet the neighbor. Explain that you rode through, ask if it’s OK, and if so is there is a place where they prefer you to ride so that you don’t disturb them. Tell them how often you might expect to use the trail, and if this is OK with them. If you think people will enjoy seeing you and your horse pass through periodically – you may be surprised that they really DO enjoy seeing a friendly horse and rider in this motorized world.

I know my questions seem a little absurd but 2 weeks ago in my county we just had a crazy homeowner shoot a shotgun at a car who U-turned in his private drive. Both people in the car went to the hospital to be treated for wounds and he’s in jail now… but it’s terrfying to think some people are so paranoid about tresspassers.

Which is why I suggest you NOT use your car to approach strange landowners. Horses are like big pets in most people’s eyes, and introducing your horse to a landowner can be a real treat for those who normally don’t have the opportunity to get close to horses. I find horses to be wonderful ambassadors, and create an immediate “friendly” environment when one is hoping to gain permission to use private lands.

[tbtrailrider]

I too am faced with a similar, maybe worse problem. There are no good shoulders to ride on here where I live (Kentucky). There is 400+acres within riding distance from me, and I was refused permission to ride there by the owner. He is afraid of liability. Kentucky law protects him completely. all he has to do is put up this sign…

"WARNING

Under Kentucky law, a farm animal activity sponsor, farm animal professional, or other person does not have the duty to eliminate all risks of injury of participation in farm animal activities. There are inherent risks of injury that you voluntarily accept if you participate in farm animal activities."

(4) Failure to comply with the requirements concerning warning signs and notices provided in this section shall prevent a farm animal activity sponsor or farm animal professional from invoking the provisions of KRS 247.401 to 247.4029.

(5) Nothing in KRS 247.401 to 247.4029 shall create a duty for a farm animal activity sponsor, farm animal professional, or other person to give a warning to a participant engaged in a farm animal activity with his own farm animal, or to a participant whom the farm animal activity sponsor, farm animal professional, or other person knows to possess reasonable knowledge of or experience with the inherent risk of farm animal activities, or who has represented to the farm animal activity sponsor, farm animal professional, or other person that he possesses reasonable knowledge or experience with the inherent risks of farm animal activities.

It covers vets, farriers, trainers, pony rides,basically says you cannot sue because you automatically accept the risks.

He still said no…

I used to live in Hunt Club Country, it was AWESOME…I miss it very much.

Cheryl,owned by Banjo, 5 yo OTTB

[county]

I think the best way to avoid being where you don’t belong is not to ride somewhere unless your 100% sure you are allowed to be there its just a common sense thing. Before buying this farm I farmed about 30 miles from the Twin Cities here in Mn. It was in the heart of what became hobby farm country many people from the city buying 5 and 10 acre parcels to have horses. I was totally amazed at how rude horse people can be and have no regard for others property. Riding through crop feilds, leaving gates to pastures open, throwing beer cans in feilds, I even had one lady I caught stealing hay off my feilds and her reason was she didn’t think it belonged to anyone ( guess she figured it baled itself ). I can see why land owners don’t want horses ridden on their property so often the privelage is abused.

[gothedistance]

@county

<snip>I was totally amazed at how rude horse people can be and have no regard for others property. Riding through crop feilds, leaving gates to pastures open, throwing beer cans in feilds, I even had one lady I caught stealing hay off my feilds and her reason was she didn’t think it belonged to anyone ( guess she figured it baled itself ). I can see why land owners don’t want horses ridden on their property so often the privelage is abused.

And therein lies the problem. This woman mentioned above was TRESSPASSING in every sense of the word - she was (in fact) on this land with the intent to do harm – stealing someone else’s property.

Not every rider “keeps to the code” – being polite, considerate, and careful not to intrude or take advantage of another’s property. When you pass through a property you should do so quietly, and as unobstrusive as possible. Imitate the wild animals – be shy of human abodes, be invisible whereever you go. Leave no trace except footsteps, and be one with the woods and edges of the fields. Be a soft, moving part of the landscape, rather than an eye sore.

Groups of riders are the worst. NEVER travel through private lands in a group unless you have prior permission.

tbtrailrider – I feel sorry for you that the land you mentioned is closed to riders, but…respect the landowner’s decision and find somewhere else to ride. Even in the most prestigous hunt country there are landowners who have shut off their land to both casual riders AND foxhunts, despite all the diplomacy measure that can be brought to bear. Riding on private land is a much treasured privilage we can ill afford to trample.

[citydog]

The snowmobile people here also go door-to-door getting permission. They have a written contract, bend over backwards to accomodate landowners (time of day trails can be used, speed limits, change of route), and have their own $2,000,000 liability insurance policy.

I’d also remind folks riding on others’ land to never ride when the ground is damp enough to leave hoofprints. When I lived in eastern Mass., we lost a key bit of connector trail because some #&*@wits rode through when the ground was sodden, and tore up the lawn.

[alysheba]

Maybe this can help you find approved riding locations in your area. Also, you can call the DNR.

http://www.arabianhorses.org/marketplace/Classified/great_riding.asp

[secretz]

Boy am I glad that someone decided to open the can of worms.

I live in a somewhat rural part of southern California. Although, most of my training consists of pavement. Any training up hills are through an area that’s determined as “no trespassing.” I’ve been riding through portions of this area for years and try to make sure there’s no damage when passing through these avocado/citrus tree lands. As for gates, if I can’t go around them, I just go back since most of them are locked. No one has really made a stink yet, but I don’t exactly want to be shot at either, and worry when someone might just pull out their shotgun. :eek:

[Prieta]

Group of riders are the worst…that does not make me feel good. I’ve been taking my girls out on rides on our land but we are getting bored with our farm. We’d like to expand beyond our farm…nonetheless, we will be deligent about being invisible and being friendly at the same time. I do not want anymore lands closed up to us, riders.

[gothedistance]

@Prieta

Group of riders are the worst…that does not make me feel good. I’ve been taking my girls out on rides on our land but we are getting bored with our farm. We’d like to expand beyond our farm…nonetheless, we will be deligent about being invisible and being friendly at the same time. I do not want anymore lands closed up to us, riders.

I’m not saying “family” as in Mom (or Dad) with daughters/sons; I’m saying “group” as in: unrelated individuals. One would have to be a total low-life to deny a parent with kids in tow; not so to a group of adults or teens who are clearly unrelated.

[Prieta]

Thanks, I feel better now. My daughter and I went riding on our “Pillsbury Doughboy” horses, SillySunny and Charm’s Pop just a few minutes ago - boy, what a difference from riding on Abby. It feels so FREE!

[Molly_Malone]

here in Colorado, it is up to You to find out where you may and may not ride - and ask permission to cross private land. What I did was get as many maps as I could that showed public and private lands and did my homework - however, we are blessed with A LOT of public land.

I would suggest you either join or form a horsemans council - here is a link to our local one - www.roaringforkvalleyhorsecouncil.com - or check with your state level horse representatives…we have the Colorado Horse Council - both types of groups act as advocates for horse owners, who BTW pump much money into an economy

secondly - write a trail guide to your area if there isn’t one - here is a link to a good resource for books - http://www.extendinc.com/twohorse/about.htm - click on maps or books - get people enthused to go out and make deals with land-owners

Unless we stand up and be counted, this situation is only going to get worse as land is chopped into smaller and smaller pieces - mountain bikers and hikers have done great work with getting local authorities interested and committed to trails for them - we can do the same!

Let us Unite!

[katarine]

Just ask, or stick around long enough to know what land sits abandoned, which land gets visited.

If caught, play dumb AND polite and apologetic all at once. I have had one lady go bananas on me, and I was riding on the right of way, not HER land at a walk. She’s nutters. I didn’t argue, I just kept apologizing and walking my horse away. Done.

If I ‘caught’ someone on our place, the very least they need to do is be really really NICE and POLITE and apologize if they are not welcome- not snarky or uppitty. It’s mine, I’ll share it as I wish- it is no one’s right to be there but me and mine.

You can definitely get tax maps and know who owns what. and by the by, don’t call and ask if you can ‘hack your horses out here’ = to nonhorse people, that’s jibberish. Speaka da plain ainglish

[hastyreply]

This is interesting. I live in Texas, and in a rural area. I am surrounded by farm land and if it’s not fenced and there are no crops growing in it I ride around it. Only time I’ve gone in crops is when I was spooked by traffic and it’s a my saftey or the crops. I go in places that have fences down or gates left open. If I’m asked not to ride somewhere I don’t. I’m the only person who does ride in this area. I ride a lot along the the one lane county roads. The only gates I ever open are one neighbors, when I take a short cut through his property. I don’t do it very often but I’ve alerted them to cows out and other problems enough time that I don’t think they care. They all know I’m the only one who rides around here so I suppose if they have a problem they will let me know. IF I had an accident I would just say it occured on my land.