HORSE TRAIL CLASSIFICATIONS EASY (Class 1) Description

horse trail classifications =========================== easy (class 1) description =========== overview ========

HORSE TRAIL CLASSIFICATIONS
===========================

EASY (Class 1)
Description
===========
Overview
========
Easy Trails are most suitable for novices; social groups and others
seeking a relatively short distance trail requiring a basic level of
skill and horse & rider fitness.
Easy Trails are most likely to be fire roads or wide single tracks
(bridlepaths) with a gentle grade (not exceeding 10%) and a relatively
obstacle free, hardened natural surface.
Easy Trails are likely to be multi-use and frequent encounters with
other users including cyclists, walkers & runners can be expected.
Elements for classification
===========================
Corridor
(Width)
(Height)
(Min.) 3 m
(Min.) 3.7 m
Tread
(Minimum Width)
1.5 m
Note: Short sections of narrower tread (.60 m to 1.2 m) are acceptable
at ground level however 1.5 metres is required at the height of the
riders stirrups.
Surface
Generally a natural surface (topped with dolomite or compacted surface
if desired).
Hardened surfaces like concrete or asphalt to be avoided due to
concussion on horse legs and poor traction with metal horseshoes.
Hardened surfaces may be utilised on Rail Trails or other tracks where
horses would generally only walk.
Distance
0 – 14 km
Gradient
Desired gradient 0 – 10%
Maximum 10%
Maximum sustained pitch 5%
Out slope 4% maximum
Minimum turning radius
N/a
Level of skill / experience
Novices will require a basic level of riding skill and fitness is
required coupled with riding on a trained, experienced horse.
On-trail facilities
Facilities along the trail may include mounting blocks, step overs,
shallow fords, bridges, watering points, interpretative and/or
management signs.
Trailhead facilities
====================
The trailhead will be marked with a sign, specifying the name,
distance, classification, multi-use code of conduct and other relevant
information.
Trailhead facilities may include car and separate horse float parking,
manure receptacle, map dispensers, toilets, drinking water and
information shelters.
Trailhead facilities may include overnight yarding for horses.
(Facilities will be dependent on the number of visitors using the
trail or other attractions in the area.)
Recommended trail flow
======================
Open and Flowing
* There may be circumstances where trails with a surface and slope
similar to Class 1 exceed the suggested distance. These trails should
be upgraded to Class 2 or 3.
HORSE TRAIL CLASSIFICATIONS
===========================

INTERMEDIATE (Class 2)
Description
===========
Overview
========
Intermediate Trails are most suitable for individuals and smaller
social groups seeking a short to medium distance trail requiring a
moderate level of skill and fitness.
Intermediate Trails are most likely to be a combination single trail
and/or fire road with obstacles, variable surface, and a moderate
slope.
Intermediate Trails are likely to be multi-use so encounters with
other users including cyclists, walkers, runners and horse riders
should be expected.
Elements for classification
===========================
Clearing
(Width)
(Height)
(Min.) 1.5m
(Min.) 3.7m
Tread
(Minimum Width)
1.5 m
Note: Short sections of narrower tread (.60 m to 1.2 m) are acceptable
at ground level however 1.5 metres is required at the height of the
riders stirrups.
Surface
Generally a natural surface is desired and may include sections of
rocky ground, sand, clay or gravel.
Obstacles such as rocks, logs and gates that require dismounting are
likely. Shallow ford crossings are acceptable. (Note: SA rainfall
conditions vary widely - seasonal conditions may water depths
significantly)
Distance
Maximum 40 km
Gradient
Maximum 15%
Maximum sustained pitch 10%.
Out slope 4% maximum
Minimum turning radius
na
Level of skill / experience
An intermediate level of riding skill & fitness is required, and a
horse with some trail experience & training is recommended. Knowledge
of Basic horse health including first aid and conditioning
requirements is highly desirable.
On-trail facilities
Facilities along the trail may include lookouts, bridges, watering
points, interpretative and/or management signs, step overs, shallow
ford crossings.
Trailhead facilities
====================
The trailhead will be marked with a sign, specifying the name,
distance, classification, multi-use code of conduct and other relevant
information. Trailhead facilities may include car parking and separate
horse float parking, toilets, drinking water, map dispensers and
information shelters. (Facilities will be dependent on the number of
visitors using the trail or other attractions in the area.)
Recommended trail flow
======================
Generally flowing with some more challenging sections
* There may be circumstances where trails with a surface and gradient
similar to Class 2 exceed the suggested distance. These trails should
be upgraded to Class 3.
HORSE TRAIL CLASSIFICATIONS
===========================

ADVANCED (Class 3)
Description
===========
Overview
========
Advanced Trails are suitable for individuals and small social groups
seeking a very challenging trail requiring a high level of skill,
fitness, and basic navigation skills.
Advanced Trails are most likely to consist of challenging single trail
and/or fire road with many obstacles, variable surface, and steep
sections. Some trail routes may not be marked at all.
Advanced Trails may possibly be multi-use so encounters with other
users possibly including cyclists, walkers, vehicles and other stock
should be expected, however, many of these trails may be located in
remote areas and encounters with others is expected to be minimal.
Elements for classification
===========================
Clearing
(Width)
(Height)
Min. 1.5m
Min. 2.5m
Tread
(Width)
Min. 30 cm
Note: 1.5 metres is recommended at the height of the riders stirrups
Surface
Usually a variable surface with sections of rock, sand, clay gravel,
etc. Obstacles may include challenging rocks, logs, Fording creeks
Distance
Advanced Trails can be any length.
Gradient
Maximum 20% (Max. sustained pitch 10%.)
Minimum turning radius
N/A
Level of skill / experience
A higher level of skill and fitness is required. Navigation and
personal survival skills are highly desirable. Previous riding
experience essential. Packing skills may be required. Map reading
skills and horse health knowledge is essential.
An experience guide is recommended for riders with limited remote area
experience
On-trail facilities
Generally facilities are not provided except in relation to specific
safety or environmental considerations. Stock holding yards and
watering points will be identified on maps but may not necessarily be
specifically provided as part of the trail. Permission to access these
facilities may be required.
Trailhead facilities
====================
The trailhead will be marked with a sign, specifying the name,
distance, classification, multi-use code of conduct (if relevant) and
possibly management information. Trailhead facilities may include car
and float parking, drinking water. (Facilities will be dependent on
the number of visitors using the trail or other attractions in the
area.)
Recommended trail flow
======================
none