I'm planning to trap on state land that is also used by people riding horses from time to time.

1.) Does recreational horse riding happen once it gets cold?

2.) If a horse stepped perfectly in a #2 (or 550) trap, would it hold them? Cause foot damage? Is their foot bigger or smaller than the trap?

Should I avoid this type of set altogether?

Maybe someone whom knows horses could answer? I'm asking in regard of possibly making some blind sets on the trail. Thanks.

I wouldn't set a well used recreational trail of any type. That's a good way of getting land closed to trapping or at the very least giving trappers a black eye in the local papers and online.

I would be more worried about the horse damaging the trap , lol ! The average horses hoof is about 5” or 6” wide and the wall is about 3” high , no fear of a #2 sized trap catching holding or hurting a horse . So set away with no fear !

I don't think it would hold a horse but, as said above, would likely spook it. Most of the horses owned by horse-nuts around here are ill-trained beasts that panic at the smallest things that might be out of the ordinary to them.

Amish-owned horses are much better trained.

I'd check the legality of setting any kind of public use trail. That's without going into the ethics of it.

Well I have this problem as well. So here is what I have done to avoid it.first find the cross points of a game trail. Blind set those on either side of the horse trail.

Now when a horse places its foot it does so with about eleven hundred or more pounds. (Depends on the horse) second I would more worry about the poor rider that now is sailing through the air because you caught the horse on a back foot. The horse will most likely pull free from your trap.no major damage to the horse.

Your pan will be scrap metal and the rider who did not have the reflexes of a bronc rider will be worse off.

This is my first season trapping land but these were my thoughts when I considered horse trails. I settled for finding the game trails that cross them or paralell them. It may or may not cost you fur. Once the whether has gone to crap for the winter you might consider it.

I have horseriding and also a large hunter population hitting the public land i trap. During duck and pheasant season especially there is a good amount of traffic along with the horseback riders. I just cant set where i want to or anywhere near the ponds wetlands and trails in the area until after the season. I think personally it is the right thing to wait out the hunters and set away from the horses. I have found plenty of areas to set away until they are gone.

In PA the horses and atv's trails close Oct 1..
Also most states have set back regulations for hiking trails.

I would use at least a number 5 newhouse if you want to hold a horse.
And make sure you anchor it well or use a very heavy drag.

That's only on SGL's isn't it GROUSEWIT?

If i have to think about if its ok or not i dont do it. But thats just me.

Maybe . Remember reading at one of the gates, gamelands or state forest gate.

Yes Lugnut- State Forest (DCNR) tells u to wear florescent orange in hunting season!

I wouldn't worry about the horse, but most riders have a dog or dogs along, that would be the bigger issue.

X2

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I think I'll just set off the trail to the sides like Steelflight suggested.

With the exception of Boco's advice which I might also try, but only on the second Tuesday of the week.

What’s a crying shame to me is that trappers used to be respected as they were very important if they were any good at it. And now it seems like we have to side step to let everyone else go first. I understand everyone’s situation and location is different and the fact to not start a mess seems like the right thing to do. It’s like trying to good in good graces with a snake. I am a trapper am not apologizing for that’s what I am and I have just as much right to be there as the next person. Just because my activities are different doesn’t give anyone the leg up on me.

The most damage I could even possibly imagine to a horse is it might catch on the shoe and if loose could pull the shoe. The odds of the though is slim to none, as said the greater risk would be a spooked mount.

Often trails are used by more than just horses, which is what I would be most concerned about. Above are some good advice on dogs, even human walkers.

In just dealing with horses, the solution is fairly easy.

By nature, horses and mules do not like stepping on uneven ground, on what they see are protrusions, or near holes, on stones sticking way up or wood pieces.

Look at trails where horse traffic is prevalent . Over time a well worn walkway with very smooth hard packed dirt shows, with carefully chosen steps over and down in between protruding roots, over sharp rocks , etc. They wont step on those roots or sharp stones if they can help it.

A trap off to the side of a trail with some uncomfortable looking roots or stones as a guard will assure in all probability , care to move past and stepping over or around the trap area.

Depending on the conditions and if they are not pushed for speed, they are in general very careful where they step.

Since most anything else can also use trails, worry over those elements is what I would be much more concerned with.

My brothers horses step in number 2 all the time. Other than dirty hooves, no worries. It would have to be pretty deep for anything to get stuck.