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As some of you know away from cycling I'm involved with horses with Becky (with Pete the horse) and this week Horse and Hound have run a front page article highlighting the dangers of increased cyclists on the roads. Unfortunately last month there were two serious instances involving horses and a large group of riders.
I thought it would be good to highlight how to handle meeting a horse out on the road.
1. Half rev and shout "cyclist", this allows both rider and horse to be ready. The rider may pull the horse over for you if it knows it might be naughty. Normally the issues are when approaching from behind. Although a horse does have near 360 vision it does have dead spots directly behind it. I can't tell you how much horse riders appreciate the shout, it's the biggest point which is always made to me. So please do it.
2. Pass wide and single out. Head over the white line if you can, it allows the horse to see you more.
3. If the horse starts kicking off as you approach, keep calm, slow down and if necessary stop. Listen out for any instructions from the rider. The horse will just need a minute to calm down. If the rider has any sense they will turn the horse around to face you.
The majority of horses are fine and cause no problems but you'll always get the odd one who will play up. Horses are complicated characters (especially when you have a mare in season) they can spook at the oddest things. For example: Pete takes a dislike to steam coming out of a tumble dryer vent at the side of a house on the route Becky normally takes.
I know the majority of the club have no problem with horses however you do hear the odd "they shouldn't be out on the road" which is ridiculous when you consider the amount of abuse we get from motorists for the same thing. All I'll say is that many (Becky included) don't have the facilities at the yard to exercise the horses and in many cases they are using the road for a short period of time to get to a field to exercise safely out of the way.
So please fellow Valley members look out for our 4-legged road users!
I had this exact same chat with 2 horse riders this morning on my commute to work. I did give quite a loud whistle however as the rider told me they usually chat and sometimes (especially when windy) they don't hear so don't be afraid to give a second warning if you're unsure wether they heard you or not. I must point out I slowed down and had a chat with them and the horses were fine with me riding along side for some 100-200 metres (quiet back roads) they also said that it's not always over taking them that spooks them but accelerating off to quickly I.e out the saddle acceleration. I think it's a valid point and should we expect respect from motorists we should give respect to all road users, pedestrians, horse riders, other cyclists and motorists and make the road a happier safer place. 😀
@titch75 wrote:
I had this exact same chat with 2 horse riders this morning on my commute to work. I did give quite a loud whistle however as the rider told me they usually chat and sometimes (especially when windy) they don't hear so don't be afraid to give a second warning if you're unsure wether they heard you or not. I must point out I slowed down and had a chat with them and the horses were fine with me riding along side for some 100-200 metres (quiet back roads) they also said that it's not always over taking them that spooks them but accelerating off to quickly I.e out the saddle acceleration. I think it's a valid point and should we expect respect from motorists we should give respect to all road users, pedestrians, horse riders, other cyclists and motorists and make the road a happier safer place. 😀
Were they both young ladies by any chance 😉
both ladies but I wouldn't say they were that young. but god loves a tryer 😉
