The purpose for setting aside recreational areas by federal, state and local levels of government is for publicly owned lands to simply be … enjoyed.

With these thoughts in mind, I recently rode my horse at Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest on Cobb Mountain.

We met mountain bikers training for an event. The first person engaged us in conversation, stating she and fellow bikers were aware of trail etiquette, and were therefore making best efforts to work with equestrians in sharing the park. We thanked her, and agreed that horses and bikers could peacefully enjoy the same areas, with education and etiquette being the key to success.

After a long, peaceful ride for miles through pleasant pine, newly greening oak trees and flowering dogwood, we circled back toward the mountain biker camp. I took my horse through their tape corridors and finish line to check her reaction to a new experience. She hesitantly started through and then enjoyed the challenge of overcoming her fears.

Then, for the first time, my horse saw a mountain biker riding a different trail in the distance. She stopped and watched with alert interest. The next mountain biker we met approached us on the same trail. He stopped, pulled his bike off the path and waited for us to pass. We thanked him. Our horses were not afraid, because the biker was not speeding. The biker was polite and used proper trail etiquette, as did our group.

There may be a few mountain bikers who speed, with a disregard for other park enthusiasts. And there may be a few equestrians, who overreact to the infrequent horse / mountain biker incident. But these people are few, and could benefit by following trail etiquette.

The majority of people who delight in recreational park use visit these areas for reclaiming the solace that nature provides our souls. They seek the opportunity for observing beauty, discovering inner reflection and relaxation from a hurried life style. Others recognize the important daily experience that exercise provides to the human body.

After all, the intent of designating publicly owned land is to set aside areas for public enjoyment.

Anna Ravenwoode is a lifelong equestrian. She lives in Kelseyville, Calif.