TRAIL WARNING! Singing Woods/Clifton, VA

[Trixie]

There’s a REASON for the alledged booby traps- they aren’t homocidal maniacs for cryin’ out loud. Don’t overdramatize this. They are human beings protecting their turf! That’s all.

Um, no. Sorry. Unless the barbed wire appeared on someone’s private property where the trail access is not protected by easements (rare in Clifton), I would file it under homicidal maniacs, not “protecting their turf.”

Of course, until we know where the barbed wire was strung, it’s all speculation. Riders do need to know where they are and are not welcome - however, the area in general has an influx of folks who are new to the area and don’t seem to realize that the easements are there and have been in place for decades. Communication and knowing the land and the law are key here. Stringing wire across a public-access trail is an extremely hostile act.

If it was across a power line or access to a power line, I’m sure the power company will have something to say about that also.

[CanterQueen]

@Trixie;3387871

Stringing wire across a public-access trail is an extremely hostile act.

If it was across a power line or access to a power line, I’m sure the power company will have something to say about that also.

Trixie, you are sooo right!!!

[joe21]

[QUOTE=wateryglen;3387794]

A lot of time; it’s repeated trespassing that ticks off a landowner. They feel violated or disrespected. Their land is an extension of themselves IMHO. Once they meet you; RESPECT is restored. There’s a REASON for the alledged booby traps- they aren’t homocidal maniacs for cryin’ out loud. Don’t overdramatize this. They are human beings protecting their turf! That’s all.

And finally…it’s harder to deny a friend than a stranger.[/QUOTE]

Again, I agree with your point. As to approaching the landowner, that is a matter of preference, and depends in the individual and situation. Barbed wire set up as a booby trap (as opposed to a fence) is a very hostile act of a individual with a problem. Sure, it is possible to defuse the situation in person. It is also possible to meet a ticked off person with a loaded rifle (as was mentioned in an earlier anecdote).

A barbed wire trap CAN seriously injure or kill someone. There is no drama in this - it is simple fact. For that reason, it is illegal (and immoral) to set deadly traps - even on your own property.

For the same reason, you cannot sit in your backyard with a rifle and shoot at people that happen to ride across your (unfenced) land. Saying “but I only meant to shoot them in the leg” isn’t an excuse when you kill them. “I only meant to fire a warning shot” isn’t an excuse when you hit them in the leg.

Someone setting such a trap can only fall into one of two categories: “homocidal” or “complete friggin’ idiot.” I am not sure I would waste my time trying to deal with either category. Just as your suggestions show a right way for riders to handle things, there is a right (morally and legally) for landowners to do things. A real fence, or even a “private property” sign is a good start. That’s assuming this is indeed private property.

[Carol_Ames]

Way back when!once upon a time

It was my understanding that when that area first became developed that it was designated as an an"equestrian community;with a home owners having access to the trails;the entire community being connected by the trails;):yes:

The was also talk about an indoor arena to be available the community, was that "olivers’?

[foxhavenfarm]

Oh my gosh! All this talk about Clifton is bringing back childhood memories of foxhunting with Pohick Valley Hunt back in the early 80’s. Used to ride the Manassas Battlefield trails too. Haven’t been back to VA in 20 years, but I hope the trail situation gets worked out safely for you guys.

[wateryglen]

It is not “immoral” or “illegal” to set up deadly traps…etc. You can do a LOT on your own land that can endanger others and it’s legal. Case in point…Landowner where I boarded once allowed trapping on his land that he allowed riders on. My horse stepped into and got trapped in a wire snare trap. The trap was for groundhogs & foxes & whatnot. He wanted pelts or something. The more the horse pulled/struggled - the tighter the snare pulled. Thank god he’s half draft and was calm enough to let me dismount & remove the snare which was quite difficult. They are made to only tighten not loosen. I called the Loudoun County Sheriffs dept and learned the following: Landowner had the right to trap and did not owe anyone a warning/a sign or even a courtesy telling to the barn folks. Removing or disturbing that snare brings a $500 fine and I was guilty. Even tho’’ I had permission to trespass; the landowner was not liable for me or horsies injuries had there been any. Removing/disturbing anything of the landowners was illegal and I was finable (think wire “fence” here).
Same landowner - another year. Barn beagle accompanying us on a ride gets caught in a leg trap (jaws w/teeth kind) which I removed from the beagle and took him back to the barn. We called police and same as above. I also rescued a fox from a snare a few weeks later and didn’t tell anyone.
This land was foxhunted regularly by a local hunt during trapping season. I notified them. They weren’t happy!
All the boarders were angry & indignant but it didn’t help. He was well within his rights apparently. WE may think it’s a booby trap…HE thinks it’s a wire fence?!! WE have to be careful about being judgemental about someone elses version of what a fence is!! Ya’ll would have a fit with my farm and my ratty old fence!! :winkgrin: It’s easily boobyable!! :D:lol:
I dunno, just my 2 cents!

[Mersy]

Intentional blocking of trails with a device that causes intentional harm to a individual is open for a lawsuit agianst the land owner.
Here in my state landowners have been sued for wrongful death (via decapatation by wire).
Old fencewire lying around, implements, junk, old wells ect. is NOT considered intentional harm towards individuals on private property. There is a difference.

[LexInVA]

So, what’s the word from the CHS? Anything planned for checking the trails yet?

[CanterQueen]

UPDATE - trails have been checked

From the CHS meeting last night: It seems the barbed wire may have been from an old fence and possible dragged into the trail by a deer. Rider and horse got caught up in it and once they were freed, they moved it off to the side of the trail – probably making it hard for the first searcher to find. Does NOT seem to be a spiteful act from a homeowner.

[LexInVA]

Well that’s good. Let’s hope there are no other surprises lurking in the woods.