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Regulations for Trail Riding: These Rules Apply to Trail Rides in the Forest & More
Trail riding offers you the opportunity to experience nature in a very special way. But before you set off, there are a few things to keep in mind. Whether riding on hiking trails is allowed is a very important question: after all, you do not want to be turned back by the forester. In Germany, various laws regulate where and how you may travel with your horse. So that you can enjoy your ride without worry, here you will find everything important about the regulations.
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Is Riding Allowed on Hiking Trails?
Being out in the forest and open countryside with your horse is not a given in Germany. The right of access is governed by various pieces of legislation, such as the Federal Nature Conservation Act, the Federal Forest Act, and the state forest acts of the 16 federal states.
The Federal Forest Act: Is Riding Off Designated Bridle Paths in the Forest Allowed?
The Federal Forest Act (Section 14, Paragraph 1) permits riding in the forest on roads and paths (that is, not cross-country!) – and leaves the further details to the states.
Regulations in the State Forest Acts
The individual state forest acts then restrict the right of access for riders to a greater or lesser extent: in many federal states, riding is only permitted on wider paths.
- The permission applies in Brandenburg, for example, only to paths that can also be used by two-track vehicles.
- In Baden-Württemberg, only to hiking trails that are at least three metres wide.
- Schleswig-Holstein even only permits riding in the forest on designated bridle paths and on roads and paths that are also accessible to motor vehicles.
So it is certainly worthwhile taking a look online at the forest act of the respective federal state before starting your tour: search the legal text for the keyword "riding" to find the relevant provisions.
You may ride on paths and roads in the forest, but not everywhere. — Federal and state governments regulate the use of roads and forest paths differently.
Special Rules in Berlin and North Rhine-Westphalia
In Berlin, you must attach a so-called riding permit tag clearly visible to the bridle when riding out in nature. The same applies in North Rhine-Westphalia, where a so-called riding identification tag with a valid annual sticker must be worn. Both cost money: you can obtain the riding permit tag from the Berlin forestry offices. Riding identification tags and annual stickers are available from the North Rhine-Westphalian citizens' offices.
Riding in Road Traffic: What Are Riders Allowed to Do and What Not?
It is also important how you behave with your horse if you do end up on a country road. According to the Road Traffic Regulations, riders may not use either pedestrian or cycle paths: you must ride on the far right-hand side of the carriageway.
Lighting in the Dark
At dusk or in the dark, you must provide lighting: you need at least one bright white light, fitted on the left, that is clearly visible from the front and back. If you are riding in a group, the first rider at the front must carry a white light, and the last rider at the back a red light. Most trail riders use head torches or boot lights for this purpose.
Although not required, reflective equipment – for example a reflective hi-vis vest – is definitely recommended for your visibility in poor visibility conditions. Reflective bands, hoof bells, blankets, etc. are also available for horses, which shine brightly and unmissably in the light of car headlights.
Although not required, reflective equipment – for example a reflective hi-vis vest – is definitely recommended for your visibility in poor visibility conditions. Reflective bands, hoof bells, blankets, etc. are also available for horses, which shine brightly and unmissably in the light of car headlights.
No-Entry Signs: What Applies to Riders?
No-entry signs (a white circle with a red border) do not apply to riders under the Road Traffic Regulations. However, if a rider pictogram is shown on the white field, the path is closed to you too.
Lighting in the dark is mandatory, cycle and pedestrian paths are off-limits. — The Road Traffic Regulations also apply to riders.
Important Regulations for Trail Riders at a Glance
- Riding on hiking trails: Find out in advance about the forest laws of the respective federal state, as riding on hiking trails is regulated differently from region to region.
- Riding in the forest: The Federal Forest Act only permits riding in the forest on roads and paths, not cross-country; exact regulations such as path width or permitted paths are set individually by each federal state.
- Riding permit tags & identification tags: In Berlin you must attach a riding permit tag visibly to the bridle; in North Rhine-Westphalia a riding identification tag with a valid annual sticker is required.
- Riding on roads: Riders may not use pedestrian or cycle paths and must keep to the far right-hand side of the carriageway.
- Lighting in the dark: At dusk or in darkness, a bright white light is required that is visible from the front and back; in groups, the first rider carries a white light and the last a red one.
- No-entry signs: These generally do not apply to riders, unless a rider pictogram is shown on the sign – in which case the path is closed to riders.
What Our Customers Say About Their Trail Riding Saddle from Iberosattel®
Uschi A.: Trail Riding with the El Primero
I can only report good things about the quality and workmanship of the leather too. Even after almost two years, the girth straps still look very good, and the saddle is in use about 4–5 times a week.
I can recommend Ibero's service to everyone. I know what I am talking about, because I have already had plenty of unpleasant experiences with other saddle makers.
I can recommend Ibero's service to everyone. I know what I am talking about, because I have already had plenty of unpleasant experiences with other saddle makers.
Carina N.: Service and Quality Completely Won Me Over ...
Service, quality, and the concept of wide bearing surfaces completely won me over. My Friesian moves noticeably more freely and more relaxed in this saddle.
I myself feel like I am sitting closer to the horse, the small thigh blocks give me enough legroom, and thanks to the galleries I still feel nicely framed.
I myself feel like I am sitting closer to the horse, the small thigh blocks give me enough legroom, and thanks to the galleries I still feel nicely framed.
Your Individual Saddle for Trail Riding
We would be happy to help you find the right trail riding saddle for you too. Which saddle suits you and your horse? Do you have questions or would you like to arrange an appointment? We are happy to advise you by phone and will then gladly come to visit you for a test appointment.
Simply download our brochure with prices to get a first overview. Or call us directly or fill in our contact form.
Simply download our brochure with prices to get a first overview. Or call us directly or fill in our contact form.
Hotline: 09179 / 964117
Everything About Trail Riding on Iberosattel.com
Soft, Wide Padding for Your Trail Riding Saddle
For wide horse backs: the wide Comfort pad
Soft, short and wide is what you want? The Comfort-Compact Pad meets all these – for many trail riding saddles very important – requirements.
Thanks to its super-soft sandwich structure, it acts as a kind of pad, allowing you to ride out without a thick saddle pad while still achieving perfect pressure distribution.
Thanks to its super-soft sandwich structure, it acts as a kind of pad, allowing you to ride out without a thick saddle pad while still achieving perfect pressure distribution.
We Individually Adjust the Spinal Channel to Your Horse!
For your horse's comfort: measuring for a sufficiently wide spinal channel
To give your horse sufficient freedom of movement and reduce pressure on the spine, the panel channel of a saddle must be individually adjusted for each horse.
At Iberosattel®, we take this adjustment seriously and arrange a saddle fitting appointment with you and your horse.
At Iberosattel®, we take this adjustment seriously and arrange a saddle fitting appointment with you and your horse.