Don't be a jerk.
I mean, respect others on the trail with you.
Mountain bikers, trail runners, and horses all seem to enjoy the same trails, at the same time, and often times it seems timing dictates that all three of us will run into each other at the same time in a great confluence of sweat, stink, and fun.
Generally speaking bikers yield to hikers, and hikers yield to horses. Through the commutative property bikers must also yield to horses, in addition to snakes, skunks, and rabid dogs. Bikers tend to be the fastest folks on the trail, and this is probably part of the reason for this order; additionally, bikers can do a lot of damage at speed with both their bodies and their bikes. A follow up to this rule is that uphillers have preference over downhillers.
With all that being said, remember that you're out on the trail to have a good time, and maybe get a workout in. While those horseback riders look like they're living on easy street, sitting high and mighty on their horses, and crapping all over the trail, I assure you they do far more good than bad. If you've ever lived somewhere where a storm ravages a trail, thank the riders for clearing logs, debris, and bodies out of the way. Also, when you break your leg taking that drop you should have thought twice about, guess who's going to come to your rescue?
So, in an effort to be friendly I advise the following:
Bikers: Stop for horses. Ask the riders if they'd like to go by. More often than not they'll just wave you by, or will mosey steadily along. Relish your time to rest on the side of the trail, take a swig of water, eat a snack, or wonder aloud if it's possible to throw up your colon out of your mouth.. Try saying something helpful, yet funny, "Hello Mr. Rider, there are two riders behind me that are sucking more wind than I am." As for your interactions with trail runners, they're usually so focused and in so much pain that they'll likely just jump out of the way and pay you no mind, but it's still you're duty to stop for them. Be sure to call how many people are in your group and tell them that they should probably eat a hamburger as they're looking a little wiry.
Runners: Same as bikers, stop for horses, and ask if it's all right to pass. Don't sneak up behind a horse unless you want to be responsible for someone's concussion or get a facefull of hoof. If you want to pet the horse, just ask - rubbing the snout of a horse is like making love to a rainbow. If you encounter a biker try and give 'em a wave - keep in mind they're suffering as much as you are, maybe more (seriously).
Horses: Neigh neigh, humph humph. Ppppbtttt.
Horseback Riders: Let us know if there's hazards on the trail, and remind us that horse poop doesn't really stink that much, so don't sweat it. Tell us we're doing a good job, and compliment our shoes (especially for runners) or on the bike. Be warned; however, if you compliment either of these items you may risk hearing a half hour of us talking about why we're riding/wearing what we are.
Whoever it is, if you encounter someone huffing and puffing coming at you, and they're going uphill, cut them a break and pull of to the side. It may be in your right to take the right away, but use common courtesy as well. Same goes for encountering kids. Generally kids are dumb, it's not their fault, so give them a bit more room and don't barrel by them on foot, on bike, or otherwise.
Lastly, remember why you're out there, which is hopefully to have a good time. You may be looking to get a workout in, but if you're going to put others in danger (I'm looking at you D-Bag in the yellow kit at Hidden Mesa that drives a Green 90s era Chevy) for worry that you're going to let your heart rate drop by 5 beats a minute then you're better off running on the road, biking on the trainer, or getting out there when no one is going to be around. You're giving us all a bad name.
Train safe and have fun.
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