[pct-l] Fw: Fw: Horse etiquette

[Edward Anderson]

I have to add some thoughts to what I posted here. That Grand Canyon advice is terrible advice!  Under no conditions should you stand above the trail to let mules or horses pass. No wonder they have had mules fall to their deaths and had packers injured. If you, as a hiker, can't safely step to a spot below the trail, it would be best to just backtrack until you can find a safe spot or at the end of a switchback. I have hiked on those Grand Canyon trails and am both aware of the drop offs and that there are also wide places where a hiker can step to a safe place and stand there still and quiet. If the packer talks to you, please follow his(her) instructions.
 
MendoRider
 
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Edward Anderson <mendoridered at yahoo.com>
To: Brian Brossmer <brian_f_b at yahoo.com>; "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net> 
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 9:12 AM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Fw: Horse etiquette
  
That Grand Canyon advise would obviously also apply if there is a drop-off below the trail on the PCT. Don't risk falling over a cliff.  But, there would be no difference between mule's and 
horse's reactions to your standing ABOVE them. If it is at all possible, stand BELOW the trail. Standing higher up can be scary to some horses and mules. If there is a drop-off below the trail, and you are above it, you could spook the horse and cause a fall.
 
MendoRider-Hiker


________________________________
From: Brian Brossmer <brian_f_b at yahoo.com>
To: "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net> 
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 8:51 AM
Subject: [pct-l] Fw: Horse etiquette
  
Regarding stepping downhill of the trail, from the Grand Canyon National Park Hiking Tips page (http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hike-tips.htm):

"

Mules and Hikers
MULES HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY.
Several recent encounters between hikers and mules resulted in injuries to packers and the death of some mules. To ensure safety for yourself, other trail users, and mule riders, when encountering mules on the trails:
    * Step off the trail on the uphill side away from the edge.*  Is this a difference of horses v. mules, or between the steepness of the Grand Canyon v. (many parts of the) PCT?


Additionally, NPS recommends:

    * Follow the direction of the wrangler. Remain completely quiet and stand perfectly still.
    * Do not return to the trail until the last mule is 50 feet (15 meters) past your position."
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