Approaching Horses on Bikes

Ave Sodalis

Hi!
There was a thread on this a few years back but since I had a few close calls lately, I thought I might start a new one.
I just wanted to make sure everyone here knew how to approach a horse when cycling because it seems that many cyclists don't, leading to a dangerous situation for all involved so in summary..

Don't:

• Whizz past a horse from front or behind at full speed
• Make no attempt to alert the rider of your presence
• Expect the horse to remain calm at all times
• Come right behind the horse
• Make sudden noises (such as gear change, ringing bells on the way past)

Do:

• Slow down and perhaps stop and dismount if approaching from the front
• Alert the rider to your presence. This could be just talking or hello. As long as it's not when you're right beside the horse or very sudden. Bikes are very quiet.
• Only overtake (if coming from behind) when the rider has indicated for you to do so and approach slowly and widely, from as far back as possible.
• Have patience. They could be on a young, inexperienced horse that may need time to walk past or move away from a bike in a safe manner.
• Be sensible. It's a half tonne animal. We try our best to keep it under control and provide a safe environment for all around but there are certain hazards that have to be overcome.

I know that a lot of this is common sense, and may not be applied to all cases. The best thing to do is listen to the rider as they know their horse best. Not all horses are afraid of bikes but they are something that's new to horses and horses are afraid of new things. They have a wide field of vision and can usually see you coming but right behind them and right in front are blind spots. If you're unsure, stop, dismount and call to the rider.


I know I may seem a bit pernickety but I've had several close encounters that could have hospitalised me or the cyclist or hurt the horse due to ignorance. I would hate to see someone hurt from something avoidable through education

John_Rambo

Don't apply the back brakes, get in go a low slide and drift between the front and back legs of the horse.

AstraMonti

Can I hug them? I always feel like hugging them

Darkglasses

Good advice, I know **** all about horses and would be very wary approaching them. Even though my usual cycling patch is very close to a stables

Never had a problem thankfully, even when it's very young riders on their own. Are horse riders briefed about how to deal with these sorts of encounters on the road too?

Ave Sodalis

John_Rambo wrote: »

Don't apply the back brakes, get in go a low slide and drift between the front and back legs of the horse.

I've had someone try that, cue the horse galloping off for half a mile before I could stop it :P

AstraMonti wrote: »

Can I hug them? I always feel like hugging them

Ha I can't see that being a problem if you ask

Darkglasses wrote: »

Good advice, I know **** all about horses and would be very wary approaching them. Even though my usual cycling patch is very close to a stables

Never had a problem thankfully, even when it's very young riders on their own. Are horse riders briefed about how to deal with these sorts of encounters on the road too?

We do have a riding and road safety course which is optional. Generally, a younger rider doesn't go out on their own unless they know how to deal with most encounters but that being said, a horse has a mind of its own and there's little you can do when they really want to do something. (Thankfully, most horse's aren't like this, and those that are, rarely are out of a control environment)

blackvalley

"Approaching Horses on Bikes "

Met a few strange cyclists in my time but never a horse.
Would that be a horse of a man !
:D:D

rollingscone

OP thanks for coming here in the fashion that you did instead of posting a rant about cyclists.

I spent a very small amount of time on horseback myself and while my lessons plus the trip itself were probably less than a fortnight all added up, I definitely learned a lot about horses - such as their desire to kick each other if you let them get into a position to do so and their ability to tune out everything except that lovely tuft of grass.

My limited experience was that it takes a constant, albeit gentle effort to keep a horse on mission so surprising one is the last thing I'd want to do.

Lusk_Doyle

Question: Why dismount the bike?

rollingscone

Possible answer: Horses associate people with footsteps. Not silent gliding.

ragazzo

Lusk_Doyle wrote: »

Question: Why dismount the bike?

As has already been explained, horses are extremely strong animals with a mind of their own. They do not come equipped with Super Record or Dur a Ace brakes.
Each horse has a different temperament and some spook quite easily.
Dismounting or stopping your bike whilst in the horses blindspot allows the jockey/rider steady the horse and avoid any possible mishaps. Most horses are probably used to road riding and traffic but all should be treated with respect and caution.
Ask me again when you get kicked by a startled horse!

Ave Sodalis

Lusk_Doyle wrote: »

Question: Why dismount the bike?

Basically what rollingscone says. A person on a bike is an completely new thing to a horse. Horses don't make associations between left and right sides, nevermind a mounted cyclist and a person

eeeee

Lusk_Doyle wrote: »

Question: Why dismount the bike?

If a horse is spoked by your approach, getting off the bike and becoming a familiar animal (human) to them may help you get by.

Or if it is a particularly narrow road, the chance of a kick in the face are significantly lessened by being vaguely familiar and non threatening than just going on by.

I think the biggest one is announcing your presence from behind. I have been spooked myself never mind the horse at the sudden whizz by, and even if you get by, if you looked around you will often see a sideways semi vertical horse with barely there rider sometimes!

Horses can see almost 360 degrees around, their only blind spot is directly in front of their heads, and directly behind. But if you are close enough to be in either you're too close!
ETA if you are close enough to be in either unannounced you're too close.

Just taking it handy by them and having a bit of consideration is grand.

Re hugging: I would be pro anyone being fond enough of a horse of mine to hug it. Similar feeling of pride as someone complimenting my bike and pointing out it's cool bits. Everyone loves it when you like their baby!

columbus_66

Would I be correct in saying that animals have right of way on the road?

Lusk_Doyle

ragazzo wrote: »

As has already been explained, horses are extremely strong animals with a mind of their own. They do not come equipped with Super Record or Dur a Ace brakes.
Each horse has a different temperament and some spook quite easily.
Dismounting or stopping your bike whilst in the horses blindspot allows the jockey/rider steady the horse and avoid any possible mishaps. Most horses are probably used to road riding and traffic but all should be treated with respect and caution.
Ask me again when you get kicked by a startled horse!

The OP said when approaching from the front not the rear. There's no blindspot when approacing from the front.

slap/dash

Cool. I wish I met horses on me ride other than ones behind fences in o deveney.

Those ones nice too, but I don't like to climb in me rapha gear

Dogs on the other hand.....

Lusk_Doyle

sup_dude wrote: »

Basically what rollingscone says. A person on a bike is an completely new thing to a horse. Horses don't make associations between left and right sides, nevermind a mounted cyclist and a person

What do you mean by left and right sides? Of the road?

coastwatch

Good post OP. I find the horse is usually aware you're approaching before the rider, it's big ears I suppose They usually see before the rider too. I think it's only fair to slow down giving the horse a chance to see you and overtake as far to the right as possible.

Raam

One horsey person I spoke to advised that I could give a whistle to alert both horse and rider to my presence. How does that fit with the horsey world perspective?

eeeee

Raam wrote: »

One horsey person I spoke to advised that I could give a whistle to alert both horse and rider to my presence. How does that fit with the horsey world perspective?

Yup that works. Any warning is good, as the horse will notice you before the rider, so as a rider you can know where the spook is coming from etc.

There is a blind spot directly in front of a horse. I have one real dopey old lady and it gets her ears up every time when you pop into her vision! (sometimes it's the only way to get her pics forward for a pic!)

Ave Sodalis

columbus_66 wrote: »

Would I be correct in saying that animals have right of way on the road?

Generally, this is correct. In relation to bikes though, I'm not sure.

Lusk_Doyle wrote: »

The OP said when approaching from the front not the rear. There's no blindspot when approacing from the front.

Dismount from the front as the horse will be able to see you coming and may start spooking early. Horse's blind spots are right in front of them and right behind them.

Lusk_Doyle wrote: »

What do you mean by left and right sides? Of the road?

Left and right sides of the horse. So if a horse sees something on its left and then on its right, it's not thought that the horse can tell that it's the same thing.

fits

Great thread.

Just to add to it. Horses often spook at bicycles because they are so silent and the first thing they become aware of is a cyclists appearance in their peripheral vision.

Horses are prey animals so their first instinct is obviously to bolt. You've all seen the wildlife documentaries. Some horses will be more inclined to do that than others but even my riding horse who is uber quiet will startle at a bicycle's sudden appearance behind him until he realises what it is.

And by all means stop for hugs if the rider thinks its ok! I love when people compliment my horse. (and I might take a look at the bike as I spend more time on bikes these days)

joxerjohn

I have been aware of this for a while, on narrow roads around Naas we come across horses from time to time. They are BIG !

Approaching from the front is fine as you can slow up and be prepared to stop if you get the idea that the horse is shying or becoming a bit nervous. From the rear however how best to alert the rider is the question, I had a small bell (now broken must replace it) that came in handy as I could ring it from a good 100m or so back to alert the rider and then slow down and give the animal a wide berth when passing. Without a bell calling out calmly "behind you" or "passing" or "bike(s) behind" might work. Any suggestions on other more appropriate "greetings" from our Horsey mounted cousins ?

killalanerr

my horse story involved one our group Getin his bike stamped on and he was lucky to get away with not Getin a kick him self and all down to the bike rider not stoping with the set of the group it was a very narrow road. I aways let a little yep when i come up behind some one on horse back just to give them the heads up as has been said you dont want to be messin with over a ton of horse

Slo_Rida

gadetra wrote: »

. I have one real dopey old lady

me too

Slo_Rida

I'm a pure mountain head and so would always give animals the respect they deserve.

I've had more than one incident with people in charge of horses who do not show me the same courtesy. They give the afore mentioned "horsey people" a bad name.

Mutual respect please.

Tenzor07

Plenty of horse riders around the trails on 3Rock, I would always get eye contact with the person in charge of the horse and give the horse(s) a wide berth...

Though also have to avoid the large amounts of horse do-do which they leave...

07Lapierre

Raam wrote: »

One horsey person I spoke to advised that I could give a whistle to alert both horse and rider to my presence. How does that fit with the horsey world perspective?

Yep whistle or if your bike has a loud freewheel rachet noise..just stop pedalling as you approach the horse.

MB Lacey

What tune do they prefer? Have you noticed whether it makes a difference to their ego if you whistle Black Beauty or Champion the Wonder horse when you approach from behind?
I will go with whatever makes the horse buff out their chest and smile more, happy horse = my safe passing.
Thanks

Slo_Rida

Question:
Should the person with the horse not be the one to dismount? Would that not be safe(r)?

tunney

sup_dude wrote: »

Hi!
There was a thread on this a few years back but since I had a few close calls lately, I thought I might start a new one.
I just wanted to make sure everyone here knew how to approach a horse when cycling because it seems that many cyclists don't, leading to a dangerous situation for all involved so in summary..

Don't:

• Whizz past a horse from front or behind at full speed
• Make no attempt to alert the rider of your presence
• Expect the horse to remain calm at all times
• Come right behind the horse
• Make sudden noises (such as gear change, ringing bells on the way past)

Do:

• Slow down and perhaps stop and dismount if approaching from the front
• Alert the rider to your presence. This could be just talking or hello. As long as it's not when you're right beside the horse or very sudden. Bikes are very quiet.
• Only overtake (if coming from behind) when the rider has indicated for you to do so and approach slowly and widely, from as far back as possible.
• Have patience. They could be on a young, inexperienced horse that may need time to walk past or move away from a bike in a safe manner.
• Be sensible. It's a half tonne animal. We try our best to keep it under control and provide a safe environment for all around but there are certain hazards that have to be overcome.

I know that a lot of this is common sense, and may not be applied to all cases. The best thing to do is listen to the rider as they know their horse best. Not all horses are afraid of bikes but they are something that's new to horses and horses are afraid of new things. They have a wide field of vision and can usually see you coming but right behind them and right in front are blind spots. If you're unsure, stop, dismount and call to the rider.


I know I may seem a bit pernickety but I've had several close encounters that could have hospitalised me or the cyclist or hurt the horse due to ignorance. I would hate to see someone hurt from something avoidable through education

My two year old son doesn't have much road sense and gets scared of cars beeping. So I don't let him play on the road.

Raam

Slo_Rida wrote: »

Question:
Should the person with the horse not be the one to dismount? Would that not be safe(r)?

Everyone should turn around and head back where they came from. Even safer.

joxerjohn

MB Lacey wrote: »

What tune do they prefer? Have you noticed whether it makes a difference to their ego if you whistle Black Beauty or Champion the Wonder horse when you approach from behind?
I will go with whatever makes the horse buff out their chest and smile more, happy horse = my safe passing.
Thanks

Try flight of the bumblebee !

Ave Sodalis

Slo_Rida wrote: »

Question:
Should the person with the horse not be the one to dismount? Would that not be safe(r)?

It teaches the horse a bad lesson. Horses learn through pressure release. If a horse learns that by spooking, the rider gets off, then it will spook more often.

tunney wrote: »

My two year old son doesn't have much road sense and gets scared of cars beeping. So I don't let him play on the road.

The more exposure a horse gets to new things, the safer it is. Unfortunately, it has to be exposed in a way that doesn't put it off for life. Also, hacking is a great break for a horse. Too much arena work (if you're lucky to have an arena) can sour a horse.

07Lapierre

Slo_Rida wrote: »

Question:
Should the person with the horse not be the one to dismount? Would that not be safe(r)?

The horse should be in the "Horse Lane"

Slo_Rida

This is coming from a confessed animal lover but I think a horse that even MIGHT get spooked has no place on the road - for the horses sake as well as everyone else. I know I'd get bashed for this comment but it's my belief and it's for the right reasons ie not just "get that animal off my road I pay road tax".
And again, see my earlier reply, I do take due care when I meet animals which is often enough since 99.9% of my cycling is in the country.
I also feel that sulky or whatever its called where people go around with a horse and car is totally unnecessary too and possibly should be banned but that's slightly off topic here.

Horse lanes - must contact Leo about this!!!

Darkglasses

It's also far less hassle for a cyclist to get off as well to be fair.

Ave Sodalis

Slo_Rida wrote: »

This is coming from a confessed animal lover but I think a horse that even MIGHT get spooked has no place on the road - for the horses sake as well as everyone else. I know I'd get bashed for this comment but it's my belief and it's for the right reasons ie not just "get that animal off my road I pay road tax".
And again, see my earlier reply, I do take due care when I meet animals which is often enough since 99.9% of my cycling is in the country.
I also feel that sulky or whatever its called where people go around with a horse and car is totally unnecessary too and possibly should be banned but that's slightly off topic here.

Horse lanes - must contact Leo about this!!!

I get where your opinion is coming from but a horse has a chance of being spooked anywhere is it. Again, the more exposure it gets, the less the chance. If they're treated with respect, it usually remains safe for everyone. It's only when uneducated and/or uncaring people decide to make decisions around them that it can get dangerous. Older, more experienced horses could walk past a bike without looking at it, but it was a young horse once that needed to be shown that a bike isn't a threat.
(Although I agree with the traps, I hate them).

The UK actually have Bridle Paths

Slo_Rida

sup_dude wrote: »

I get where your opinion is coming from but a horse has a chance of being spooked anywhere

More-so on a road though.
I do like the whistling idea....

07Lapierre

Horses are like HGV's and cyclists should treat them as such. That is:
1. Give them plenty of room
2. Stay out of the "blind spot"

dx22

07Lapierre wrote: »

The horse should be in the "Horse Lane"

Ya do they even pay road tax as well?

07Lapierre

dx22 wrote: »

Ya do they even pay road tax as well?

And ive yet to see a horse wear a helmet! Its a disgrace joe!

seamus

Slo_Rida wrote: »

Question:
Should the person with the horse not be the one to dismount? Would that not be safe(r)?

Presumably an experienced rider training in an inexperienced horse will be better able to control it while mounted rather than while standing beside it?

I usually just take my lead from the rider, if they see me. If they don't, I slow down or freewheel and basically ride completely on the opposite side of the road so I don't just appear right beside the horse and possibly get a kick.

I can see what you're saying Slo_rida about not having inexperienced horses on the road, but horses, like learner drivers, need practical experience to get over it. There's only such much you can teach them in an isolated field.

Slo_Rida

seamus wrote: »

an isolated field.

Or a yard or shed or at small/large events, lots of options without going hermit.

eeeee

Slo_Rida wrote: »

Or a yard or shed or at small/large events, lots of options without going hermit.

You can't traffic proof a horse for the road without exposing it to it. End of. Horses learn by exposure and reassurance, so many safe unscary experiences of something they find scary helps them pay no heed in the future. It's called bombproofing. An animal introduced to the world the right way shouldn't have too many problems, but you have to let them see it and learn not to be scared of it.

If you have no transport you can't get to or from events. Money is a factor too.

Depending on the size of your horse getting back up again could be a problem unless you can vault on. Or there is a nearby gate/hedge. Getting on a horse from the ground can damage it's back. Also the size of it and how athletic you are feeling would be the biggest factors I think!

Slo_Rida

gadetra wrote: »

You can't traffic proof a horse for the road without exposing it to it. End of.

End of? Clearly not...........................

eeeee

Slo_Rida wrote: »

End of? Clearly not...........................

Well exposing it on fields etc. is one thing, but you cannot traffic proof a horse for the road without actually being on one, it is impossible to replicate the noise, space, look etc. sufficiently and enough off road. That was what I meant, I am sorry if I came across as snippy, it wasn't meant that way.

Virtual tea? (I have some chai going at the mo)

Spook_ie

Personally, I would never have thought that a horse would react differently to a recumbent or tricycle as to a "normal" cycle but just goes to show that if you are riding/driving something different to be extra careful around horses and livestock

Recumbent Bicycles / Tricycles

These bikes are slowly increasing in popularity and the unusual sight can startle even a well-travelled or ‘bombproof’ horse. Read Mary’s story:

Her horse is good in all types of traffic but had never encountered a recumbent before. The strange sight proved too much for him so ‘flight’ kicked in and he spun around, depositing Mary on the road. Thankfully, in this case, neither human nor the horse was injured in the incident but Mary’s story shows how this kind of cycle can affect horses.

http://www.horseaccidents.org.uk/Advice_and_Prevention/Cycles.aspx

Spook_ie

07Lapierre wrote: »

And ive yet to see a horse wear a helmet! Its a disgrace joe!

You were saying?



http://www.victorycanter.com/Cashel-Horse-Helmet.html

Slo_Rida

gadetra wrote: »

Virtual tea? (I have some chai going at the mo)

Take your tea and shove it up your


Ah go on so, better use sugar lumps given the thread