FBTA Trail Rules:
Please remember that most of the trails go through private property and use of the trails is at the pleasure of the landowners. Therefore, it is very important that all riders using the trails be considerate of the property they are passing over and be courteous to all landowners they meet.
1. Only member riders are allowed on the trails. Trail membership tags must be displayed.
2. Riders must obey all signs.
3. Riders may not linger on trails.
4. The trails are open for riding between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm or dusk.
5. No dogs are allowed on the trails.
6. Noise should be kept to a minimum, especially around houses.
7. Riders under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
8. Riders should report any unusual or adverse trail conditions or other problems to FBTA.
9. Riders must stay on the trail.
10. Littering and smoking is forbidden.
11. All riders must wear hard hats and proper footwear.
12. Riders must respect all verbal requests of landowners.
13. Use of trails while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden.
14. No motorized or non-motorized vehicles are allowed on trails.
15. Members agree to ride at their own risk, and sign a statement to that effect.
16. Please notify the FBTA of use of the trails by individuals who are not members of FBTA.
17. Riders who violate these rules will be barred from using the trails, and may have their membership revoked.
These Rules of Conduct are not intended to be all inclusive. If situations arise that are not covered by these rules, please use common sense, combined with courtesy and care. Only then can we hope to be able to enjoy this trail system for years to come. Thank you for your cooperation.
IMPORTANT!
Hunting Season Safety
Many public lands and private property owners permit deer hunting during the Hunting Season which goes from September 15 – January 15th. Bow hunting is allowed during these four months and Rifle Hunting Season is from November 17 - December 7th. Please use extreme caution during this period as the line of sight is much farther away than with a bow and arrow.
You are cautioned to wear an orange vest or hat cover.
Fairfield Beach Rules:
Clean up your horse’s manure anywhere on the beach and in the parking area. No exceptions! Last year several citizens’ emailed photographs of manure on walkways and in parking lots. This is the biggest complaint from citizens and the reason riding could be banned in the future for non-compliance. Bring a muck bucket and a shovel and clean up manure immediately anywhere that a dog could eat it or a person could step in it.
Ride at low tide only. See TIDE CHART. Horses are not permitted on the beach when it is not low tide. Time your ride accordingly.
Ride below the high tide line (including crossing jetties).
Stay 50 feet away from walkers, dogs, buildings, the playground or anything else that might endanger others.
Park your rig in the back of the parking lot or in the far lot on the opposite side of Beach Road, so residents are not inconvenienced. Take your manure with you! Do not leave anything in the parking lot.
Access the beach to the left of the snack bar and proceed directly down to the water, below the high tide line. If you ride off to the right you must cross the end of the jetty IN the water, therefore it is very important to time your ride exactly at low tide as it is still quite deep.
Ride during less-crowded times. Ride during the week rather than weekend. Ride when it’s gloomy rather than sunny. Avoid holidays or busy times. The risks of incidents increase when the volume of people and dogs increase, so plan accordingly.
Important tips:
YOU MAY ENCOUNTER LOOSE DOGS If you or your horse are nervous around dogs, don’t risk coming to the beach. The Fairfield police don’t always patrol the beach to enforce leash laws. Dogs are often off-leash and out of control. In the interest of preserving our collective beach-riding privileges, the FBTA strongly discourages confrontations between horseback riders and pedestrians or dog owners. Stay alert to other’s activity and position yourself and your horse to avoid clashes. Many people are afraid of horses, so keep at least 50 feet of distance between your horse and any walker or dog. If curious people approach you, take steps to ensure that they don't get hurt.
REMAIN CONSIDERATE & POLITE Every complaint the FBTA receives about a rider jeopardizes all of us being able to ride on the beach. Please be courteous and polite to everyone, regardless of their behavior or rudeness.
AVOID BEACH RIDES ON HOLIDAYS AND WEEKENDS Fairfield beach is a destination spot. On a beautiful day, holiday, or weekend day it will be mobbed with people, kids, dogs, frisbees, even drones! One cannot safely ride amidst all of this activity, and rider/citizen conflicts are inevitable under those circumstances. Choose instead to ride on an overcast weekday when the beach will be wide open and free of pedestrians. And remember, always ride at low tide!
KEEP A LOW PROFILE Remember that you are representing the entire riding community, so please act with decorum. Please don't lunge across the entire breadth of the beach or race four abreast down the beach. Try not to fall off and leave your horse galloping loose down the beach. And on warmer days, please no bikini-clad bareback riders galloping in front of Penfield Pavilion!
CLEAN UP MANURE This cannot be stressed enough: Clean up manure immediately anywhere that a dog could eat it or a person could step in it. Bring a muck bucket and a shovel. The greatest number of complaints come from people who encounter horse manure.
JOIN THE FBTA Most beach riders are not local and only a few out-of-town beach riders are members of the FBTA. We are a small, non-for-profit 501-3-C organization that requires support maintain our trail system and purchase liability insurance. It would be appreciated if all out-of-town beach riders would join the FBTA to show their thanks for all we do to keep this opportunity alive. Membership for a whole year is just $100, less than one hunter pace or horse trial.
If you have any questions please feel free to call our Beach Liaison, Joanne, at (203) 246-6735.