What you need to know when on anoka county parks horse trails

Photo of the horse trails at Rum River Central Regional Park. This is a turf trail that goes through prairies and upland forests.

    • Trail Safety and Etiquette

    • Carry a cell phone with you.

    • Ride with a buddy, rather than alone.

    • If trail maps are available, familiarize yourself with the area you plan to ride in.

    • Wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet.

    • Put riders with less experience in the middle of the group.

    • Riders should match their skill level to a satisfactory training level and temperament of the horse they are riding.

    • Pack out what you pack in.Check your cinch before you mount.

    • Horses that kick should be in the back of the line.

    • Let other riders know if you are going to pass and on what side.

    • Maintain a safe distance between your horse and the other horses.

    • There should always be 8-10 feet between any horses, both single file and abreast.

    • Keep your horse’s head straight, don’t let him sniff or stop when passing.

    • If you need to stop for any reason, communicate it to the group and everyone should stop.

    • Communicate with each other any wildlife or hazards on the trail.

    • Leave all gates as you find them.

    • Keep safety in mind for you and your horse.

A Bunker Hills Stables staff walking a quarter horse down a dirt path to bring him to a different pen.

    • Please stay off all blacktop. Enter the park from the Bunker Lake Boulevard area east of the Activities Center driveway.

    • Have one rider check into the office and let them know you plan to use the trails. They will ask for name and phone number of a contact person. They will tell you what business activities are taking place for the day.

    • Respect all barriers and don’t tie your horse to the Stable fences or tie lines.

    • Don’t leave horses unattended.

    • Please stay off the grass and away from the Stable staging area.

    • Ride on designated trails only and obey all signs.

    • Ride all trails with control.

    • Be aware that Bunker Park Stable activities have the right of way over all other horse trail users. When you see a stable group such as a trail or hay/sleigh ride or maintenance vehicle, please move to one side. Pass left shoulder to left shoulder. When meeting, confine your speed to a walk, do not trot or run up to or past a Bunker Park Stable activity. Communicate your intentions.

    • No loose horses on the trails. Horses must be under your control at all times.

    • Ride single file to reduce trail damage. You may ride side by side if on a wider trail.

    • Please don’t litter on the trails.

    • Do not disturb wildlife.

Closeup photo of a grey and white spotted Clydesdale horse at the Bunker Park Stables.

    • If you are planning a trail ride in the Bunker Hills Regional Park, please call the Stable Operators ahead of time to make sure the entrance gates will be open during the time of your arrival and ride.
When you arrive at the stable, please park in the gravel area designated for horse trailers.

    • Check in at the office and let them know you plan to use the trails. They will ask for your name, vehicle type and phone number and will let you know what business activities are taking place for the day.

    • Please stay off the grass and don’t let your horse graze on the Stable grounds.

    • Respect all barriers and don’t tie your horse to the Stable fences. Tie only to your trailer.

    • Ride on designated trails only and obey all signs.

    • Ride single file to reduce trail damage. You may ride side by side if on a wider trail.

    • Please do not litter on the trails.

    • Ride all trails with control

    • Be alert and aware of the presence of other trail users. Be aware that

    • Bunker Park Stable activities have the right of way over all other trail users.


    • When meeting a trail ride, hay/sleigh ride or trail maintenance vehicle, please move to the side of the trail. Pass left shoulder to left shoulder. When meeting the trail user, please confine your riding to a walk only.

    • Do not trot or run up to or past the trail user. Communicate your intentions to them.

    • No loose horses on the trails. Horses must be under your control at all times.

    • Do not disturb wildlife you encounter and keep your distance.

    • Do not leave tied horses unattended.

    • Remove all hay and manure from around your trailer parking area and put it back into your trailer and take it home. Do not leave it in the parking lot.