Cycling around equines

[SpokeyDokey]

Went past two today who also had two off lead dogs in attendance - friendly hello and Merry Crimbo and request to past.

All went smoothly as usual.

 

[Scoosh]

A lengthy discussion here and here too ...

 

[Dogtrousers]

There's a leaflet from the British Horse Society here called "Code of Conduct for Horse Riders and Cyclists" from the British Horse Society but it's not terribly interesting. I think most of the sensible stuff has already been said above.

I'm rather scared of horses. I don't buy this "they are prey animals" stuff. I'm pretty sure they are dangerous predators really.

 

[Dave 123]

A couple of years ago I was riding back along the guided busway from St Ives and a horse about 50yds in front, heading in my direction got spooked by something/nothing. It was bucking and wheelieing all over for a good half minute. I'm glad no busses came by. It was proper scary as it was a big bugger.
Why take a horse along there in the first place? Didn't seem like a good idea as those busses motor along.

I pass slow and wide, having announced my presence.

Once, but only once the rider smiled ( that's as rare as....)

 

[growingvegetables]

Definitely no bells.

+1 - but it bears repeating.

Yes, I know some horses have been trained to recognise bike bells. SOME!

 

[ufkacbln]

Recumbents have issues

A friend of mine who is an animal psychologist explained that as "prey animals" horses will see the lower sleek recumbents as sharing these attributes with predators. Flags may not help either if at the horse's eye level. Once th horse thinks they are under threat they will react accordingly

I therefore tend to stop as horses go by, or warn if I am going to overtake

MInd you I did have one guy who told me I was being stupid as no well trained horse would panic at a recumbent, just a few seconds before his horse threw him and bolted

 

[Racing roadkill]

I stopped by the side of the road near Furzley, and a cow ambled up beside me and nudged me into the ditch.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

[

Recumbents have issues

A friend of mine who is an animal psychologist explained that as "prey animals" horses will see the lower sleek recumbents as sharing these attributes with predators. Flags may not help either if at the horse's eye level. Once th horse thinks they are under threat they will react accordingly

I therefore tend to stop as horses go by, or warn if I am going to overtake

MInd you I did have one guy who told me I was being stupid as no well trained horse would panic at a recumbent, just a few seconds before his horse threw him and bolted

Couldn't recumbent riders just 'go under' - whizz up behind, straight under the tail (whilst praying that the beast is not in crap mode) and out the other side before the bugger realises?

 

[Winnershsaint]

Matt farms in the NF. The ride passed a few stables and north of Kingsclere things get very horsey.

Lumpy as well, especially the bit between Kingsclere and Greenham Common around Ecchinswell and North Sydmonton. "Bright Eyes", anyone?

 

[contadino]

I tend to find an alternate route. Horses are as scary to me as any Panzer/Audi/BMW 4x4.

Plus I am highly allergic to horses. My face can puff up from being within 20 meters of one if the wind's blowing right.

 

[ufkacbln]

[


Couldn't recumbent riders just 'go under' - whizz up behind, straight under the tail (whilst praying that the beast is not in crap mode) and out the other side before the bugger realises?

Unfortunately some horses have an appendage that may make this an uncomfortable experience

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Unfortunately some horses have an appendage that may make this an uncomfortable experience

Is that where the word Knobhead came from then?

 

[gavgav]

A tinkle on the bell from far enough back to let the riders and horse be aware that there's something/someone behind and a very wide slow overtake. Coming towards them slow down and take it steady wave to rider as nthey will surely wave to thank you.
As there are quite a few horses around here I have found that drivers are quite considerate of both horse and bike riders.

This is what I do as well and never had any problems.

 

[Bollo]

Lumpy as well, especially the bit between Kingsclere and Greenham Common around Ecchinswell and North Sydmonton. "Bright Eyes", anyone?

That's the chap - I was up there only the other day. It's beautiful at the top of Watership Down but the scarp-side climb is a bit of a bugger, especially after huffing it up the drag out from Kingsclere. A littl'n out with a group of horse riders wished me a merry Christmas, which was sweet.