Page 1 of 6 Contents Objectives... 2 Definition... 2 Responsibilities... 2 Procedure... 2 A. The SBHRA ORV RoD dated 15 April 2015 applies.... 2 B. Rider Etiquette... 4 C. Maintenance... 4 D. Waste Management... 5 E. Safety First... 5 Non-compliance... 5
Page 2 of 6 Objectives These three (3) golden rules are the basis on which this association was founded: 1. Riding in the Reserves, MPA and Public Open Spaces must be conducted in a responsible manner so that there is NO conflict between user groups. 2. Only members of the Sardinia Bay Horse Riders Association (SBHRA) may ride within the boundaries of the Reserves and MPA and in Public Open Spaces (see SBHRA-P-MP). 3. No new Hunt Tracks may be made The objectives of the guide are to ensure that the three golden rules are adhered to as well as any other requirements as cited in the RoD are met. This policy also offers guidelines on acceptable interactions between horse riders. Definition SBHRA ORV RoD: Sardinia Bay Horse Riders Association Off Road Vehicle Record of Decision SBHRA-P-CP: Sardinia Bay Horse Riders Association Communications Policy MPA: Marine Protected Area Public Open Space: Land that falls under the jurisdiction of the Metro that has been set aside for public use Responsibilities It is the responsibility of the committee to ensure that this policy is adhered to and reviewed at least annually. It is the responsibility of members and potential members of the SBHRA to understand and adhere to the contents of this policy and any other policies, rules, regulations and guidelines referenced herein. Procedure A. The SBHRA ORV RoD dated 15 April 2015 applies. The requirements are as follows: 1. Temporal & Spatial separation of user groups a. Beach Access Guidelines i. There are two (2) distinct "access seasons" as follows: 1. Peak Season
Page 3 of 6 a. Date: 15 December to 15 January; including Easter, Public Holidays and Long Weekends b. Route Access and Exit via Secrets and Parkers Point only c. Riding Area: Riders may only ride WEST of the access points 2. Any Other Time a. Access Route: i. See Plakkies (NOT on Public Holidays and Long Weekends) ii. Secrets (no restrictions) b. Riding Area: WEST from the access points b. First Beach and Second Beach are off limits to horse riders c. No horses are allowed past the Sylvic 1 (Red) and Sards 1 (Green) gates on Sardinia Bay Road d. No horses are allowed on the Sacramento Trail or Schoenmakerskop beach e. Horse Box Guidelines i. Horse boxes may only be off-loaded, loaded and turned around in the Sylvic Reserve via Sylvic Gate 2. 2. No negative impact on other user groups a. Beach patrons i. Move past pedestrians at a walk ii. Time your ride to coincide with low tide 1. If the beach is crowded consider leaving the beach and returning another day iii. Keep your horse out of the water where people are swimming or playing in case your horse manure offends iv. Be friendly and allow people to approach and pat your horse if it is safe to do so v. Do not ride on any dunes other than those allowed for gaining access and egress. b. Dog walkers/hikers/runners/cyclists etc. i. The right-of-way rule is that cyclist yields to hiker and both cyclist and hiker yield to horsemen. 1. Err on the side of caution and if the other user looks harassed or stressed let them pass. ii. Be friendly and allow people to approach and pat your horse if it is safe to do so iii. Uphill traffic has the right-of-way regardless if it's hiker, cyclist or horsemen 1. Downhill traffic should yield by waiting at the top of the climb or at the first safe spot to stop.
Page 4 of 6 a. Wait at the top where it s safe for you, your horse and the other user to pass each other. iv. Cyclists are probably the most likely to be surprised by horse riders so exercise caution when you see them approaching 3. Co-manage the Reserves and MPA together with the controlling authority a. Formal Reporting Structures have been set up to comply with the following requirements: i. Voluntary Ride Reports (Ordinary Members) ii. Monthly Ride Reports (Commercial Entities) iii. Collect anecdotal biodiversity data iv. Monitor activities v. Report illegal activities b. Members are requested to complete these reports as required after each ride c. Refer to SBHRA-P-CP for the reporting of emergencies or illegal activities that are taking place in real time B. Rider Etiquette 1. Pass other riders at a walk 2. Ride in single file on the hunt tracks a. Keep left b. If passing a horse on a trail moving in the same direction as you, let the rider and horse know you're approaching. The rider should then move to the left as far as is safe or simply stop their horse for the approaching rider to pass. c. On the wide Pipeline riders can ride side by side as long as they don't interfere with other users or move off the main trail to allow others to pass 3. Maintain a safe following distance a. A distance of at least one horse length should be maintained between animals on all trails. b. When going uphill keep at least two lengths between horses. c. On downhill routes maintain at least three horse lengths between animals 4. Horses that are friends should be kept together on rides - in the front or the back 5. Gallop where you have clear visibility C. Maintenance 1. Remove broken branches and small trees if possible should they be obstructing the track 2. Repair jumps that you damaged if possible 3. Report track and jump maintenance via the website once you have completed your ride
Page 5 of 6 4. Do not create new paths around obstacles, rather turn around and use another legal path D. Waste Management 1. No litter is to be left in the Public Open Spaces, Reserves or MPA E. Safety First The Sardinia Bay Horse Riders Association would like to see all horse riders using the Reserves, Public Open Spaces and MPA in a safe and responsible manner. The following guidelines will assist: 1. Wear a suitable riding helmet 2. Wear reflective gear when you will be coming into contact with vehicles a. At road crossings, come to a complete stop, cross over when there are no vehicles in sight i. Consider dismounting and walking your horse across the road b. Consider dismounting and walking between your horse and traffic with the horse s head on short reins at your shoulder should you have to travel for a distance on the road verge 3. Carry ICE (In Case of Emergency) information for both you and your horse should you become separated a. Carry a whistle with you to call for help or warn other riders of your presence 4. Ensure your horse is conditioned to the type of riding you intend to do a. Choose your gait according to the terrain to prevent injuries 5. Ensure your tack is clean and comfortable for your horse and is in good repair 6. Consider carrying a basic First Aid Kit for minor injuries that you or your horse may incur 7. Preferably ride with a friend, alternatively ensure that someone in your yard knows where you will be riding and when to expect you back 8. Keep a copy of the Trail Map on you should you be unfamiliar with the area 9. Do not consume alcohol prior to or while you are riding Non-compliance Non-compliance with this code of conduct is deemed to be conduct detrimental to the Association and membership may be suspended or revoked after due investigation. Refer to SBHRA-P-DC Disciplinary Code. Additionally, failure to comply with the listed conditions of the RoD may result in the termination of the agreement or authorisation granted in terms of the application as submitted.
Page 6 of 6 Amendment Record Sheet Issue No Date Revised Issue Details Revised by 1 18 May 2016 Original Issue