The most effective way to prevent opposition from derailing a trail project is to ensure there is none – or that opposition is so minimal as to be insignificant. Understanding the causes of opposition is critical to moving forward. Though there are a variety of circumstances that can generate opposition, developing your organization and communication plan long before any trail plans are made can go a long way to ensure a broad base of support for trail projects.

Gwen Wills of the Pennsylvania Equine Council, will speak about the issues, solutions, and collaborations with local and state agencies, equine advocacy organizations and consultants that must be understood, developed and maintained to keep and expand trails access for equestrians. She will also address equestrian trail behaviors, including how to avoid potential conflicts and work with other user groups, good environmental practices that will protect trail corridor land and habitat from environmental damage.

This webinar will cover some basic insights on how sustainable and long lasting trails should be created. The discussion will start with proper design techniques, where the trail should go, where shouldn't it go and why. This will be followed by a talk about best management practices for construction that will create durable trails in many different terrain and soil types.

Trail riding is the most popular pleasure activity for horse owners. Building local horse coalitions, as well as partnering with other trail users, is imperative to ensure that equestrians have access to ride on public lands. This webinar will inform equestrians on how to advocate for horse use, develop partnerships with other trail-system stakeholders and work with public land managers to keep horse riding a part of public trail systems.

As we look forward to getting out and about with our horses, how can we take precautions to minimize bad experiences with people and vehicles on the roads and trails? This webinar will provide exposure to information and resources to give a heads up for fun and safe riding experiences.

The webcast will cover best practices for trail riding including how to determine where to go, route finding, safety, what to bring, how to prepare, how to select the right horse, how to deal with different situations that arise on the trail such as crossing streams, going up/down hill, seeing wildlife, and crossing roads.