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Approaching Horses on Bikes

  • 21-11-2013 07:53PM
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,555 ✭✭✭


    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 :)


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,703 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,704 ✭✭✭AstraMonti


    Can I hug them? I always feel like hugging them :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,527 ✭✭✭✭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 :o

    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?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,555 ✭✭✭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 :D

    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 :o

    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)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 935 ✭✭✭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:D


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,479 ✭✭✭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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,338 ✭✭✭Lusk_Doyle


    Question: Why dismount the bike?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,479 ✭✭✭rollingscone


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


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 298 ✭✭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!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,555 ✭✭✭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 :)


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  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 6,857 Mod ✭✭✭✭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!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 827 ✭✭✭columbus_66


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


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,338 ✭✭✭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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 648 ✭✭✭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.....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,338 ✭✭✭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?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 909 ✭✭✭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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,318 ✭✭✭✭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?


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 6,857 Mod ✭✭✭✭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!)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,555 ✭✭✭Ave Sodalis


    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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 14,142 ✭✭✭✭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)

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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 396 ✭✭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 ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,322 ✭✭✭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


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 830 ✭✭✭Slo_Rida


    gadetra wrote: »
    . I have one real dopey old lady

    me too


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 830 ✭✭✭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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,491 ✭✭✭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... :(


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,427 ✭✭✭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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,278 ✭✭✭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


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 830 ✭✭✭Slo_Rida


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


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 ✭✭✭✭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.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,318 ✭✭✭✭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.


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