Re: Trail Safety from "man"

["Maryanne Stroud Gabbani" <gabbani@starnet.com.eg>]

I usually ride alone in some very desolate places and have never had to deal
with unfriendly humans. I have used this advice when dealing with packs of
feral dogs however. We get packs that range from 4 to 15 dogs roaming the
desert and they may or may not come rushing out at you.....depends on
weather, proximity, the phase of the moon...who knows. But I've taught all
my horses to face the dogs and start herding them away from the rest of the
pack. Amazing how the excitement level drops. Quite a few packs have simply
learned that the green headed lady on the little red horse just isn't worth
the trouble.
Maryanne Stroud Gabbani
Cairo, Egypt
gabbani@starnet.com.eg



> During our mounted patrol training, we are taught how to DEFEND ourselves
from someone trying to remove our bridle, or worst yet, trying to pull us
off the horse. While yes, getting the heck out of there is the best thing
you can do, here are a couple other suggestions, heaven forbid you face this
situation. As mentioned, be aware of peoples intentions, do not let
yourseldf get into a bad situation in the first place. if you do have some
one grab your horse, one of the best things you can do is ride INTO the
person. If you try to pull the horse away, they will have a firm grip, and
may pull the bridle off. Turn your horse INTO the person. Make some noise.
If you are excited, and mad, your very gentle, calm, never would step on a
person horse will most likely get excited too, and go where you are asking
him to. Turn into the person, spinning in circles. Most people will let go
very quickly. Especailly those not around horses much. Same with someone who
has grabbed you. Turn into the person, and kick and "spur" asking your horse
to go over the top of them.(don't forget to yell and shout!) Trying to pull
away, usually ends up with the rider being pulled off. Let anger, not fear
take over. As you are turning into the person, used what ever you have to
try to knock them on their butt. If you have this situation happen, you need
to be tough and try to "get them" before they "get you". Thank goodness I
have never had to use these skills, but I know I would be able to if needed.
And heck , if you knock them over, I think a couple well placed foot prints
on the way by would be fitting!<G>
>
> Jonni and Drut who may be an 850 lb. Arab, but he could knock a 250 lb.
man over if I asked him to.
>
>
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Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.    
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp   
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=