New neighbors riding through our farm

[ABookworm]

I currently live in a community with private horse trails that back up to my property, arena and a large field that is fantastic for riding in. We all pay into the maintenance of the trails and thus are allowed to ride on them. Recently the neighboring community that does not have their own trail system has been coming over to ride our trails and use our arena so the whole perimeter has had a fence set up to close off the trails to anyone not a member. This choice wasn’t made out of wanting to take away riding space from other people, but to help protect ourselves in the event of an accident. No trespassing signs and fences go a long way when insurance has to get involved in an accident.

Currently, I’m looking into moving out of the community to go back home and plan on getting 5 acres. Unfortunately, the property I have my eye on doesn’t have any trails connected so my best option will be trailering a few miles away to a local forest preserve. I would never dream of riding on my neighbors properties, unless they offer permission, and have accepted that moving means I won’t be able trail ride as easily. It’s one of the tradeoffs of having your own horse property as it’s less likely to be connected to a trail system.

Personally, I would set up your fences and no trespassing signs. Check with your insurance to ensure that’s all they require, and just let your neighbors know that because of insurance purposes you cannot allow riding across your land. If you wanted you could set up an “easement” along the back of your property as a trail but I would speak with an attorney and your insurance before doing anything of the sort.

[Spudsmyguy]

I had two neighborhood boys who thought it was their god given right to cut through my yard to go play in some woods. I chased them out and they tried to explain what they were doing and I told them I don’t care, stay out of my yard. They gave me some attitude but did go around. Self-entitled little p__ks

[SuzieQNutter]

Have we had an update from OP yet?

[ComingAttraction]

Time to go meet your neighbors and be neighborly. It’s better to be friendly in case you ever need some help. Have them all sign release forms. Welcome to being an awesome neighbor.

[SharonA1]

@ABookworm

Recently the neighboring community that does not have their own trail system has been coming over to ride our trails and use our arena so the whole perimeter has had a fence set up to close off the trails to anyone not a member. T

I’m curious as to whether the other people were offered any kind of membership? Not judging either way; I was just curious, as it seems like the more financial resources for the trails, the better (as long as the trails are not overused and people are respectful of the rules, etc). I am wondering how common it is to allow memberships to non-abutters, in order to increase revenue as well as offer more people the pleasure of nice trails.

[ABookworm]

Years ago they were offered a yearly “pay to ride here membership” but the idea that they had to pay to use the trails and arena was not something they were willing to do. There’s not a lot of turnover with properties so it’s the same “old guard” fighting each other about it.

It all comes down to insurance issues and the owners of the trail system being protected in the event of an accident. As we all probably know, even the most surefooted, bombproof horse may stumble one day resulting in an accident. The last thing homeowners want is a lawsuit because a rider got hurt.

[lorilu]

And I’ll add a story. The community next to my street has a perimeter trail system. My neighbor is a driver, and she and her husband had permission to use the trail if they maintained it. Worked fine for many years. Then someone’s dog came OVER the fence at her (she was riding); she came off and broke her wrist. She did not press charges (I sure would have, it was “grandson’s dog visiting for a few days…”). However, soon thereafter, that association told my neighbor they could no longer ride on the trail - and it is now overgrown and unusable.

[Rackonteur]

@3PonyFarm

You could go over and start riding in their indoor arena.

Great idea! OP, you could ride onto their property and right up to the door of their indoor and say you want to do some schooling in there because you can’t do it in your hayfield because you want your grass to grow.
Now, please take that with a 4-lb. block of salt!