bikes and kids

[Paddi <seamstob@telusplanet.net>]

In answer to Teddy
We haven't had a bike problem at the rides. The horses up here don't
seem to mind them.
I put on a 100 mile no other distance race so there was not many kids
arround.
At the Pan ams we did not allow bikes any where near the vet area ect.
In fact management talked to the parents and told them to keep the kids
at their camp unless they were with them.
Since we meet bikes on trails all the time I think for safety find a
friend to ride a bike and get your horse used to them. My mare used to
want to kill them after riding with my son as a partner she now calls to
bikes and wants to catch up to them.
At home in a safe situation introduce your horse to everything you might
encounter at a ride.
 ( I still haven't figured out how to get a bear in the yard)
If the kids are under control of an adult at all times they aren't
riding all over the place spooking horses.
Ride management just needs to be firm with insisting the rules be
followed.
I have found that the parents of kids are great if approached and asked
to keep kids , dogs , bikes and mother in laws under control. :-D
The kids are  used to horses and will do as asked if you take the time
to talk to them. If they don't then talk to the parents. If they don't
then give them a refund and show them the way out.
You will only have to do it once.
There are those who always figure you mean everyone but them.
Paddi