NY State Horseback General Camping Policy

The following policies concerning the administration and use of marked horse trails is set forth for your information and guidance. Your cooperation in regard to these simple rules will be appreciated.

The Department of Environmental Conservation may close any area to public use whenever it deems necessary. Further, the department may refuse entry to any group or individual who for any reason is not properly equipped for wilderness travel.

Areas will be used on a first-come-first-served basis. Lean-tos, horse shelters and corral areas must be shared to their capacity. Staying at Camp Manestay will ensure you have your Spot\Reservation\Time.

Groups, clubs and organizations wishing to conduct organized rides or events must apply for a permit with the appropriate regional forester's office. If you stay at Camp Manestay the have facilities to cater to Large groups.

All groups of 10 or more must obtain a permit prior to camping on public land. Staying at Camp Manestay does not require any permits.

Campsites shall not be set up within 150 feet of water, rails or roads unless specifically designated by the Department of Environmental Conservation. Camp Manestay has facilities to allow you to have campfires outside your campers or tents.

Current Coggins test required for use of facilities. Sick or injured horsed must be removed from state lands upon request by Department personnel. All users of state horse trails must comply with New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Rules and Regulations.

Hints For Equestrians

• Do not ride alone. Have at least two adults in party.
• Always let some responsible person know exactly where you plan to travel and when you expect to get back.
• Then carry out that schedule. Camp Manestay owners make a nice second person to log your trip with.
• Carry first aid supplies for rider and mount, including blue vitriol or similar antiseptic for saddle sores or chafing.
• Carry a supply of rawhide lacing for emergency repairs to reins, girth, etc.
• Halter should be worn under the bridle to tether horse.
• Carry fly spray and fly dope (during fly time) for horse and rider.
• Take along an extra horse.
• Horseshoe and nails, hatchet, jackknife with leather pouch.
• Carry a 20' coil of 1/2" rope
• Each rider must carry enough grain for his/her mount. Normally during the summer months, some areas of grass can be found at various locations along the trail.
• A piece of light weight plastic 8' x 10' to cover horse, saddle and rider in the event of heavy rain is recommended.

***Camp Manestay owners are more than willing to help repair anything within there means and have a Saddle repairs man to handle anything above there capabilities. They also have many replacement supplies available.

Horseback General Riding Notes

Horseback riding for pleasure has made a phenomenal growth in recent years. In large cities, suburban areas and rural communities vast numbers of people from almost every walk of life are learning to ride or are riding at present.

In New York State we are indeed fortunate in having numerous areas and marked trails for this growing recreational use. State owned lands under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environmental Conservation provide a multitude of opportunities for the out door enthusiast who enjoys hunting or fishing, hiking, canoeing, camping or horseback riding. These lands consist of forest preserve holdings within the Adirondack and Catskill Parks as well as state reforestation areas and wildlife management areas across the state and are available for public use.

Many of these trail networks provide support basic facilities such as hitching rails, horse shelters, lean-tos for the rider and adequate parking for cars and trailer which are on a first come first serve basis. Stay at Camp Manestay and be assured of your spot\reservation and enjoy the Safety of a Maintained and Secured Facility.

State lands fulfill a growing need for recreational trail riding and you are invited to use and enjoy them. Consistent with the multiple use management concept on publicly owned lands, you will encounter other recreational users, such as hunters, hikers, campers, and the like. Common courtesy is all that is required to ensure that such encounters are pleasant ones.

Trail Rider Etiquette

• Respect the rules and regulations which apply to the use of public lands and always seek permission before crossing private lands.
• Don't litter! If you carry it in carry it out!
• Keep camping, parking and corral areas clean. Leave them as you would like to find them.
• Park trailers and vehicle in spaces provided. Do not block roadways and trail entrances.
• Stay on designated trails. Do not cause unnecessary damage by trampling trailside vegetation.
• Respect other trail users. Dismount and lead your horse when greeting hikers or entering someone else's camp. Do not force hikers off the trail!
• Do not tether horses to live trees.
• Do not smoke on the trail smoke only at rest stops or in camp.
• Drown any campfires, then stir and drown again.