"Trail Wars?" Horseback vs. Mountain Bike Riding Access & Insularity in the Outdoor Sports World
- Lily
- Jan 26
- 4 min read
In an era when sharing adventurous pursuits online has become both a hobby and revenue source for many, the insularity within most outdoor sports has become more visible than ever before. Whether you’re a hardcore thru-hiker obsessing over base weight or a trail runner fixated on the nutritional breakdown of every energy gel you slurp down, it is all too easy to become so consumed with the way you choose to get outside that you forget about everyone else’s experience. By becoming devoted to a niche activity, our perception of outdoor recreation becomes shaded by our own particular passions, leaving us to look at equally zealous trail users with often subconscious scorn. When a hobby becomes the cornerstone of your identity, it can be difficult to remember that trails were not built solely to support our individual goals. There is no one “right way” to enjoy the outdoors. The debate between horseback and mountain bike riders’ access to trail networks is indicative of a larger issue regarding trail equity and how the rise in popularity of outdoor sports has led to an increase in polarization and decrease in empathy.
Growing up in the Bay Area as a lifelong horseback rider and the daughter of an avid mountain biker, I am no stranger to antagonism between 4-leggers and 2-wheelers on trail. Known for being the birthplace of modern mountain biking, Marin county has also historically been home to many recreational equestrians, who too relished having access to miles of rolling single track trails which had been preserved from suburban development (and so contributing to the sky rocketing Bay Area housing market, but that’s a conversation for another day). Conflict between these groups has persisted for decades, pitting horses and bikes against each other when the real issue is their respective riders’ inability to effectively communicate their needs or consider the perspective of other trail users.
The issue of bikes and horses cohabitating public land is not entirely baseless. I have felt the surge of fear when a silent downhill cyclist comes screeching to a halt around a blind corner inches from my mare’s face and I know that even my seasoned trail horse could have an uncontrollable flight response from a surprise bike (or more likely, E-bike) that could land me in the hospital. Yet I also understand the frustration of mountain bikers who are unhappy at being berated and rudely addressed by equestrians even when they are doing their due diligence to yield the right of way. Bikes and horses both take a toll on trails, creating ruts and contributing to erosion. In reality, neither group has a greater claim to the privilege of accessible trails and the best way to fight for preservation and maintenance is by working together as a coalition, rather than stoking polarization by advocating for exclusion.
One reason that I feel so passionate about this issue is due to the pivotal role that mountain biking played in training my own horse to be a reliable trail companion. Without another more experienced horse to show my mare the ropes, I spent a summer on horseback alongside my dad on his mountain bike. Having someone to follow in moments of insecurity increased my horse’s confidence, as did having my dad to help as I became more acquainted with planning long routes and judging trail conditions. Riding together, I heard the tone that other horseback riders all too often addressed him with, even when he was nothing but courteous and well-accustomed to being around equines. I am in no way accusing every fellow equestrian of being unnecessarily rude, but, unfortunately, the minority speaks for the masses. For people who rarely interact with horses, one negative experience with a rider who is likely reacting from a place of fear themselves can taint mountain bikers’ or hikers’ opinions about equestrians and their legitimacy on trail. For this reason, it is crucial to be considerate when discussing right of way and the importance of yielding to horses. I assume that very few cyclists actually desire to endanger riders or their animals, but many more are uninformed and unaccustomed to thinking from a prey animals’ point of view.
Advocates for sharing trails have been working to extend their reach through mutual education, such as the Tails & Tires event hosted by the Marin Horse Council. Bike bell borrowing programs are another great option for multi-use trails and help prevent accidents caused by surprise encounters. I believe the best thing we can do as individuals is to strive to greet fellow trail users with respect and consideration. Particularly when I am riding in areas where horses are less commonly seen, I try to answer genuine questions and educate to the best of my ability when I can. An extra 30 second conversation doesn’t have a big impact on my ride, but could help frame someone’s understanding of the equestrian experience on trail. Sharing knowledge builds bridges. By reaching out to members of different outdoor sport communities and learning from their perspectives, we can work together to enshrine access to the public land we all benefit from and make everyone’s experience on trail safer.
