Re: No horses on more than 20% grade

["Duncan Fletcher" <dfletche@gte.net>]

20 percent is a pull, but fully within the capabilities of a horse. There
are several USFS trails near me that average about 20% over significant
distances: e.g., 600 feet in .58 miles (total elevation gain is 3000+ feet).
I am sure there are short stretches within this that exceed 20%. This is
measured along the switchbacks on a slope that averages 40%. I have ridden
trails that are steeper. For short distances (say several hundred feet in
length), I have ridden substantially steeper trails. certainly, 20% is not
related to the horse's capabilities.

It is not clear what the purpose of the restriction is. From a trail
standpoint, steepness is only one issue that effects trail degradation.
Surface material, frequency of water diversion measures are 2 of many others
that are just as important. Properly constructed, there would be no reason
to bar horses from trails exceeding 20%. A case by case review of trails and
specific problems associated with each trail would be a far better approach.
With this approach, it might be that a short section of the trail is
udergoing rapid degradation that could be fixed by reroute, water
diversions, switchbacks, etc.

One of my concerns is how the 20% is measured. Measured over short
distances, a single 1 foot high rock would be an infinite grade and the
horse would be barred because of the curb in the parking lot.

Duncan Fletcher
dfletche@gte.net


----- Original Message -----
From: Kandhy Franklin <kfrankli@sdcoe.k12.ca.us>
, horses are being
> taken off trails that are more than
> 20% grade.  Is there someone out there that has some information that
> either supports this or talks about the strength of the horse's pulling
> power or going down a hill?  I have a meeting on this question in front
> of a citizen's advisory group in the month of September.  This
> particular question is regarding specifically Mission Trails Park in
> Santee Calif.
> If this could be discussed for all to read, then I think we all should
> benefit.
> Thanks
> Kandhy Franklin-Collins
> Sec. San Diego County Trails Council
>
>




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