Encounters between hikers and horsemen are common and should cause no problems if each respects the other's situation. A horseman often has pack animals as well as his personal mount to control. The necessity for a firm hand and fast action leaves little time for social amenities. In the excitement of the moment a horseman's concern can easily appear to be arrogance. One thing that the horseman must remember is that the horses are his responsibility and that the hiker has every right to be on the trail, and deserves common courtesy. Another point that is probably not understood by most hikers is that a horseman leading a pack string can seldom afford the luxury of stopping to chat. Pack strings have an affinity for getting into trouble when stopped.
When a string of horses meets a hiker on the trail, the hiker should make his presence known to the horseman as soon as practical by talking to the rider. This will let the horses know there is a person in that big package of nylon. The hiker should step off the trail on the low side. Few hikers know this, so be patient. The horseman and hiker should continue to talk until the pack string has passed so that the horses will be aware of the hiker's presence. Some hikers feel safer if there is a tree between them and the trail, but there is little danger if the horses are aware of the hiker and don't become startled. A pack string overtaking a hiker owes the courtesy of holding the horses in check until the hiker can find a suitable place to step off the trail. If a pack string is overtaken by a hiker, the horseman should find a good spot to let the hiker pass. The horseman should remember the following: the hiker is packing a load, may be tired and it requires extra effort for the hiker to move off the trail. It may require little effort on the horseman’s part to move aside. Be considerate.
In all cases common sense and courtesy are more important than who has the right at way. Usually the horsemen will hear a motorcycle approaching before it comes into sight. Look for a chance to pull off the trail. A motorcycle makes more noise than most horses will tolerate at close range. When meeting a string of horses, a cycle rider should shut off his engine and move his machine as far off the trail as practical. When overtaking a string of horses, a cycle rider should stay well behind the horses until the horseman can find a suitable spot to pull his horses off the trail to allow him to pass. A few minutes delay could well mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and possible injury.
Mountain bikes are quiet and not often heard in advance. When in an area used by mountain bikers, be especially alert for any indication of their approach - unusual colors, voices, horses’ ears and attitudes. When meeting a string, a mountain biker should pull off the trail as far as practical. When overtaking a string, a bike rider should stay well behind the horses until the horseman can find a suitable place to pass. Continuing to talk to the biker as the horses pass reassures the horses that there is a person with the bike and reduces the fear factor.
There can occasionally be problems between different horse groups. Two basic rules are (1) you use the right hand trail in a divided trail system; and (2) the loaded string has the right of way. However, we can't always choose the places where we must pass and discretion will save a lot of broken halter ropes. Ridden horses should always give way to a pack string and usually a small string should give way to a larger one. Naturally, children and novices deserve extra consideration.
On high rocky trails it may be necessary to backtrack a considerable distance to find a suitable place to pass. Turning your string around may require you to turn each animal around separately and reverse the order. Remember to turn the horse with its head to the down hill side. In this manner it can see where it places its feet on the trail. Patience is a true virtue in these situations.