Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Well written,
laney

ALYCIN HAYES wrote:
> Thought the following trail guidelines I was asked to write for a local 
> trail web site bikers might be of interest to you and your trail web 
> sites too.   The better relations we equestrians have with bikers the 
> more trails we will be able to share and keep riding our horses on.
> Happy Trails & Happy Holidays,
> Alycin
>
> Horses, Bikes, Roller blades and Runners On The Trail: What To Do?
>
> HORSES ALWAYS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY ON THE TRAIL.  Not only because it 
> is the law, but because horses are much larger and by nature  
> unpredictable.
>
> When riding a bicycle, roller blading or jogging on the multi-use 
> Florida Gainesville Hawthorne Trail you may encounter horses.  It is our 
> responsibility to know what to do.  Horses are sensitive prey animals 
> with minds of their own.  Unlike a bike rider, someone on a horse does 
> not always have total control over his horse.  Bicycles can be very 
> frightening to horses because they are so quiet and can move very fast.  
> It is of extreme importance that one be careful around horses.  The  
> practical guidelines below are primarily for bikers and equestrians, but 
> all trail uses may find them useful.
>
> WHAT BIKERS SHOULD KNOW WHEN MEETING A HORSE ON THE TRAIL:
> COMMUNICATE!!! This is probably the most important thing you can do. If 
> the horse sees you standing there not saying anything, instinct tells it 
> that you are a predator crouching in wait like a tiger.  Start a 
> conversation, talk about the weather, the horse, the trail. Speaking to 
> the rider  will help reassure the horse and also does wonders for 
> relations between cyclists and equestrians.  Anything individual trail 
> users can do to show mutual respect for each other helps all users.
>
> IF APPROACHING A HORSE GOING THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION - and you wish to 
> pass, you should slow down to yield the trail.  Ask the equestrian if 
> they want you to stop so they can pass you.  It is usually prudent to 
> stop and let the equestrian go by, but ask the rider what you should 
> do.  Sometimes the rider will ask you to continue riding while they wait 
> on the side of the trail. Sometimes they will pass through while you wait.
>
> IF APPROACHING A HORSE FROM BEHIND -TAKE EXTRA CARE !  Don't speed past 
> the horse like a cheetah. This is almost certain to startle the horse, 
> which puts the equestrian and YOU in danger.  Horses have exceptionally 
> good hearing and vision but can't see directly behind themselves very 
> well, so approaching from behind can be dangerous to both the equestrian 
> and the bicyclist.  Again, communication is critical: Gently announce 
> yourself well in advance to let the rider know that you are approaching 
> from behind.  Say hello so the horse knows you are there and a human not 
> a predator.  Slow down.  Ask the rider if you may pass the horse on the 
> right or left as the case may be and then if the rider says yes, pass 
> slowly as you continue to talk to horse and rider.  Remember that horses 
> have individual temperaments and only the horse's rider knows the 
> horse’s personality.  Trust the riders judgment.
>
> If you encounter a horse that seems very nervous or out of control, stop 
> and get off your bicycle. Yes, you should get off your bike. This is not 
> only for your safety, it will also help the horse recognize that you are 
> a human (versus some weird alien monster with wheels attached to it). 
> Continue to talk quietly to the horse and rider until the horse calms 
> down or passes you and your bicycle.
>
> WHAT EQUESTRIANS SHOULD KNOW WHEN MEETING A BICYCLE  ON THE TRAIL:
> When riding your horse on the trail and you encounter a biker 
> communicate politely and clearly to let the bicyclist know your needs 
> and concerns as they may not know what to do around horses.  Remember to 
> always thank bikers for their trail courtesy.
>
> TIP FOR CONDITIONING YOUR HORSE TO PASS BICYCLES ON THE TRAIL
> Ride your horse out on a quiet trail with someone the horse know on a 
> bicycle.  Let the bicycle lead with the horse following.  Once the horse 
> gets used to following the bicycle and rider have... the bike stop and 
> have the cyclist give the horse a favorite treat.  Continue along the 
> trail repeating the above many times until the horse is completely 
> comfortable with the moving bicycle.
>
> EQUESTRIANS AND BIKERS
> Ride friendly.  All of us can all enjoy the trail if we communicate and 
> respect each others needs through mutual understanding and caution.
> “Happy trails to you, til we meet again.”
>
>
> Alycin Hayes
>
> Adventurous Percussion Music
> Inner Rhythm Sound Expression
> http://www.alycinhayes.samsbiz.com
> Phone: (352) 335-7065
>
> To ride a horse is to ride the sky.  ~Author Unknown
>
> _________________________________________________________________
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