Revealing motivations for and conflicts associated with recreational horseback trail riding

Despite a long history of recreational horseback trail riding on public lands, relatively little is known about riders or their recreational experiences outside of wilderness. Because horseback trail riding is projected to grow significantly in the next decade and is often experienced on multiple-use trails, information about horseback recreational rider experience is of interest. A mail questionnaire sent to recreational horseback trail riders in Minnesota revealed that motivations for riding were similar to those of other outdoor recreationists. Nearly one-half of riders experienced something that interfered with their recreation experience, and, of those, half indicated that it was stressful and responded by group discussions and following trail riding etiquette. However, nearly one-fifth left the area due to the interference. Opportunities exist to minimize these interfering occurrences identified as conflict and to continue to educate all trail users on appropriate etiquette toward safe and satisfying recreation experiences.