When riding with a large group, establish voice and hand signals to keep everyone moving together, whether it’s time to lope through an open meadow or someone needs to make an emergency stop. Develop key phrases, such as “all lope,” “all trot,” “all whoa,” “move on,” “heads up, ” and “stop now.” Then create hand signals to match each phrase, in case the leader’s voice doesn’t carry all the way to the back of the group. Before the ride, tell group members to change gaits only when everyone is prepared, and do so only via a signal from the ride leader. Your improved communication will help avoid pileups and injuries.