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Out for my government sanction exercise today, a run along some country lanes and paths/bridle ways, I encountered a number of horses being ridden.
So a couple of questions:
1. Is riding a horse “essential exercise”? Partially as you’ll have has to drive there.
2. Irrelevant of whether the legalities, it is really sensible taking said horse on single track paths when we’re meant to be social distancing? The paths in question are such that 2 walkers could get past still at 2m, no chance of that with a horse.
3. Is it really sensible to ride an animal down a road when said animal weighs 500kh, is scared of crisp packets, let alone cars and runners?
It just seemed a little irresponsible to me, maybe I’m missing something?
A horse needs exercising more than you do. Yes you're being unreasonable
As above, it's for the animal
In Belgland they want you to walk them where possible and try to allow for walkers
It's also 2m for 10mins as I understand it so just get by at a decent pace and you are ok
I have more of a problem with joggers than horse riders.
Horses need to be exercised and looked after so will likely need someone to drive to their stables to do so.
Joggers round here are totally oblivious to social distancing running closely past people.
I love the "I can go out but others can't attitude", how much wider is a horse compared to a decent sized human? (Shoulder to shoulder), If you have measured the trails to assume you have 2 metres between you & the person coming the other way then they must be some pretty tight margins if a horse can't.
🙂 Cheers.
Consider the problem in pythagorean terms. The rider's gob is at least an extra metre up vertically, so can safely be at 1.5m rather than 2m horizontal separation. 🙂
We'll have to resort to the physics of droplet dispersal to calculate whether a higher mouth constitutes a larger risk. What direction and strength was the wind?
I was thinking this and posted on another thread about it, I reckon they probably think going out cycling is reckless too! Live and let live.
Yes, you are being unreasonable.
Joggers round here are totally oblivious to social distancing running closely past people.
This seems to be true on the paths round me as well when I am out early in the morning, on a 2 m wide path often running down the middle. Not everyone, many are sensible and move over as far as I always do and say thanks, but a significant proportion don’t seem to want to deviate from their own intended route even if it means running past me less at than a metre even when I have moved over. Having said that, I had a close pass from a guy on a bike a couple of weeks ago on a wide section of the ridge.
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Kuco
SubscriberYes, you are being unreasonable.
It get's worse if you compare the width of a horse to modern 780/800mm bars (not that the OP was riding.)
Complaining about horses on bridle ways.
Only on STW. 😲
Ok, fair points all.
Genuine question, why do they need exercising? If they live in a field will they not run around themselves?
Live and let live.
Agree. As said above, horses need exercise too. Plus, almost every interaction I’ve had with horse riders has been positive (much more so than other trail users), and often the interests of horse riders and cyclists are aligned (e.g. access rights).
a significant proportion don’t seem to want to deviate from their own intended route even if it means running past me less at than a metre
probably going for a Strava PB on the Barkley 5k challenge...
I see quite a few. They are riding their horse, I’m riding my bike. We all seem to get along just fine, give one another space and even manage to be pleasant to one another. Weird
Why do you need to exercise when you can walk around your house? I'm no horse lover but this is really a selfish attitude.
Is riding a horse “essential exercise”? Partially as you’ll have has to drive there.
How do know they drove there? Did you perhaps make a massive assumption, then have a pop at the result?
Similar to why you need to go jogging even though you have a room at home to do push ups in? I guess they need their legs stretched and heart going or something.
I find horse riders to be the most pleasant people to share the countryside with on balance. Sadly old people ramblers and some bike rides are the biggest ****ers I’ve encountered over the years. As per the other answers the horses need exercise too.
I’ve not actually seen any around by me lately which is pretty unusual.
So, OP, on a scale of one to massive flaming wreck, how would you say this is going?
Of course, if they fell off the horse and needed an ambulance that would also be reasonable...
The country is full of fields for horses to run around on. Using the exercise reason to ride a horse on the road or bridleway is b***sh**.
I cycled past two horse riders on a byway last week. Gave plenty of space, slowed right down. It didn't stop one of the horses from nearly throwing one of the ladies off.
I put them in the same category as the dad watching his sub 10 year old lad on a two stroke doing some ropey jumps the other day. An accident in either activity is likely to result in a trip to ae.
I regularly see horses and their riders when I'm out walking the dogs. No issues with social distancing in the woods. I pull the dogs off the trail.
The horses need excercise and I don't see any difference between that or seeing folk on the same trail riding bikes.
zip
Member
Of course, if they fell off the horse and needed an ambulance that would also be reasonable…
Same argument if you came off your bike.
Zip. Did you make any normal human noise like a cheery hello, is it safe to pass? Before going past those horse riders?
Yes they are flight animals, but generally most horse riders have a decent amount of control as long as people aren't dicks.
horse riders do more for our access rights in the countryside than we do.
They are mostly not toffs and are human beings who love the countryside, love their animals and would happily get along with you.
Be nice, say hi, don't be a dick.
Of course, if they fell off the horse and needed an ambulance that would also be reasonable…
The country is full of fields for horses to run around on. Using the exercise reason to ride a horse on the road or bridleway is b***sh**.
Riding a bike and requiring an ambulance would fall under the same reasonable category I take it?
Everyone has their hobbies, some of us are lucky enough that we still get to do them. Horse riding definitely on the list. And thirded, despite my class warrior tendencies, IME the most pleasant group of countryside users.
Ladies in jodphurs.
I don't think I need say anymore.
I’ve not actually seen any around by me lately which is pretty unusual.
Perhaps because the general advice from a number of equine organisations such as the British Horse society suggests thinking very carefully about riding horses out at present
https://www.bhs.org.uk/advice-and-information/coronavirus-covid-19
There are no specific government guidelines for the question around whether we should still be out riding at present. Our strong advice is that it is not appropriate to put unnecessary pressure on the emergency services now or for the foreseeable future. It is incumbent on all of us to make an individual decision as to whether riding is necessary at all, at this time. Decisions can only be taken based on individual circumstances but our choices should always be mindful of the potential impact for ourselves and others.
And from the British Equine Foundation
“There is currently no government guidance that we are aware of in relation to riding, so it is down to you to decide whether this is necessary,”
“Given that health services are currently stretched to capacity, it’s sensible to avoid any activities that carry an increased risk of injury, such as jumping, fast work and riding a young, fresh or spooky horse.
“If you must hack out, be mindful of other people walking, cycling and running, and keep the 2m distance. Lungeing, in-hand work and turn-out are good alternatives to ridden exercise.
Ladies in jodphurs.
I don’t think I need say anymore.
I bet their arses are wider than the horses 😉
Replace the word riding for cycling and what is the difference?
That could explain it thanks.
The local canal towpaths on the other hand are mental. I honestly thought that The Walking Dead was having some scenes shot for it earlier this week. I was walking on a bridge that passed over it and shambling oldies as far as the eye can see. Not giving two shits about any form of distancing 😃
There is a riding school at the bottom of my local woods, so a fair few horses around. In contrast to the increased numbers of walkers and cyclists, I'd say there were fewer horsists around. Which, entirely related to the jodphurs content, makes me sad ;(
Under normal circumstances I relish the thought of encountering horse riders during my rides.
However, I don't think during this period it is appropriate to straddle a large, unpredictable beast of burden in public. Its a long way to fall, compared to a bike for example. And they have a powerful kick.
Of course I could fall off my bike, but will likely only get bruised and scuffed due to the flat trails I'm currently riding. Or I could trip over walking and sprain my ankle. It's all about risks and consequences. I just don't think horse riding can be justified as necessary exercise during this period of restriction to alleviate our medical services. Its just an opinion.
Replace the word riding for cycling and what is the difference?
Absolutely no difference. It is all about assessment of risk as Zip says. I just thought it might explain why some people said that they have seen fewer riders than normal
Its just an opinion
Opinions are like arseholes, but the horse can't tell you theirs.
As mentioned above it's as much for the horses benefit. Like people they get fat and lazy if left in a small field all day.
Like people they get fat and lazy if left in a small field all day.
Only if you surround them with beer and doughnuts.
The rider’s gob is at least an extra metre up vertically, so can safely be at 1.5m rather than 2m horizontal separation.
But what if they are drooling?
I find horse riders to be the most pleasant people to share the countryside with on balance. Sadly old people ramblers and some bike rides are the biggest **** I’ve encountered over the years.
Agreed - and I'm old. I would add dog owners with extendable leads.
Agreed – and I’m old. I would add dog owners with extendable leads.
As a dog owner, I agree.
@lunge apt name for this thread. Horses need to be checked a couple of times a day to make sure that they've not injured themselves and have enough water and food, it's a legal as well as a moral responsibility. Not every livery yard has the facilities or space for horses to be exercised on site such as a school in which you can lunge, or gallops. Fields are generally for grazing, especially if there's multiple horses at the yard as it can cause accidents and damages an essential food source.
Few horses are ok with being turned out to grass with no exercise for a few days never mind weeks or months, it's like getting on a rogue rocket. There's also a few health implications which can be fatal such as laminitis which is a bit like diabetes, especially at this time of year when the grass is full of sugar. Horses can also suffer from mental health problems due to confinement which can manifest as repetitive behaviours.
With regard to riding on singletrack, should anyone be using it if there's not enough room to pass comfortably? I'd be avoiding it regardless if I was on foot or any saddle if it's that busy
Like people they get fat and lazy if left in a small field all day.
Well keep them in a proper field then. Horse dont need to be ridden to exercise them, I used to regularly visit a large stud farm friends owned, the vast majority of the horses werent saddle broken. The thoroughbred mares at the farm I used to work on hadnt been ridden for years.
We are doing ”Lungeing, in-hand work and turn-out are good alternatives to ridden exercise.”. Basically a lot of high quality in hand work. No hacking and minimal ridden exercising.
Both us and the horses will survive this approach. Neither are getting fat(er) or lazy.
I'd been thinking along the same lines as the OP.
Was riding on the road the other day, couple of horse riders coming in the other direction.
I slowed down, horses seemed skittish, so I came to a complete stop.
Horses were still super skittish, riders couldn't control them at all.
When they'd managed to position them so that the horses rear legs were level with me, I moved off - horses were clearly spooked by my continued presence, I figured the best thing I could do was remove myself. I also didn't really want to risk being kicked by a horse.
I got a mouthful of abuse for my trouble. Apparently it was all my fault, and I should have been more helpful.
Now really doesn't seem like the time to be riding animals you can't control on the road.
Few horses are ok with being turned out to grass with no exercise for a few days never mind weeks or months, it’s like getting on a rogue rocket. There’s also a few health implications which can be fatal such as laminitis which is a bit like diabetes, especially at this time of year when the grass is full of sugar. Horses can also suffer from mental health problems due to confinement which can manifest as repetitive behaviours.
That’s the kind of answer I wanted, thanks faerie.
I wasn’t asking to be a div, I asked questions, it appears my thoughts weren’t reasonable.
Thanks.
We are doing ”Lungeing, in-hand work
Jumble earlier!
Luckily you have some vertical separation between you and the orse rider so you can still keep your 2m 😉
This is a bit of a NIMBY thread. Walkers don't like joggers. Walkers and joggers don't like cyclists. Cyclist don;t like horses.
Lets just chill and let people be yeah? The virus never jumped and got you from some sweaty jogger running past 50cm away for like 1 second anyway, let alone a horse rider. For contact tracing they were looking at people you had spent 15 mins with and risk from a passing person is so minimal.
Always slow down when approaching a horse from behind
After all,
crikey
MemberLadies in jodphurs.
I don’t think I need say anymore
In general horsey types are the nicest people I meet whilst out on my bike. I generally get their attention by saying hello whilst still a reasonable distance back and then ask them where they would like me to pass. As with most groups it is the ones who are themselves not confident who get arsey for no reason. If they are either inexperienced or have a skittish horse then these are the ones who get a bit hot under the collar. In my opinion if you can’t control a ****ing massive and potentially dangerous animal then you shouldn’t be out riding it in public spaces.
Dog owners are similar for the most part. If they have a well trained dog or have it on a lead then they also tend to be the chilled out reasonable ones. The ones who let their untrained dogs off the lead so that they can run off out of sight for their shit so the owner doesn’t have to pick it up are the menace. Them and the ridiculous 20m lead crew.
As has been said already - any horses being hacked out will most likely be doing so because the yard they are on doesn't have the facilities for in-hand or ridden work. That, and because it's as good for a horse's mental health as it is for ours not to be stuck in the same place the whole time. You can explain to a person why they have to limit trips out; you can't do that with animals.
Our yard is just three (pairs) of us, so we're scheduling it so we're not all up at the same time, have increased the percentage of in-hand work vs. ridden work, and no jumping. Thankfully we have only six horses on seven acres and they're all in one herd/field at the same time, which leaves the other fields to ride around if we need to let them stretch their legs. Not everyone is as fortunate as us however.
Unless you ride yourself, what looks to you like an uncontrollable wild horse isn't always necessarily the case. Ours are all ex-racers, and can get a little lively when out as they've been trained that way. To the untrained eye it would definitely look dangerous when they're jogging on the spot and bouncing up and down, but I can guarantee you that (certainly in our case) the rider isn't about to get thrown off!
If you see horse riders out, as has been said, don't be a dick. Slow down, give a shout before you get to them, and ask how best to come past. Keep talking so the horse recognises you as a person on a bike, not some weird brightly-coloured thing, and wish the rider a nice ride. Things are so much better when we all try to get along, especially at the moment.
One of ours has been turned away and is mooching about in a field. The other is just being ridden in circles around a field a couple of times a week, he does really need to be exercised as he would normally be galloping around in competitions every other weekend and being ridden 6 days a week, you can't just flip a switch and expect them to go from intensive work to nothing. Turned out in a field they will not 'exercise themselves' if they are used to working, it's bit like putting you in a small garden with your bike and calling it exercise as you walk it around.
But my wife would rather not take the risk due to huge numbers of extra people on the trails, who are not used to controlling their dogs, also you would normally ride with a friend for safety and of course, you shouldn't be meeting people out.
And like a couple of others have said, if you say hello in good time and ask if it's ok to pass, there are very few riders, however nervous, that would give you any hassle when you've given them a bit of control over your actions.
Where I live it is extremely horsey on the bridleways and back roads. I also find slowing right down and make verbal contact and moving over to the edge of the trail or road helps, same as approaching from the rear I slow right down inform the rider a cyclist/runner is behind, and ask if it's okay to pass. Personally find 99% of riders are fine and majority grateful for being courteous.
What's wrong with extendible dog leads? I've started to use mine recently due to covid19 situation.
BITD, keen gardeners would be out with bucket and shovel at the first sound of a horse clopping past - high quality, fresh manure perfect for the compost heap; turn it, let it rot down and then dig into flower beds, veg gardens.
Now, horse shit is just driven over; don't people know it's a great natural resource?
If you retract your extendable lead when near others I don't think anyone would have a problem
What’s wrong with extendible dog leads?
If people cant control their dogs having it on an extendable lead is not helpful
Horsists, help please!
If you catch a (ridden) horse up on a trail i.e. you are behind it and going faster, whats the best protocol? What should and shouldn’t you do?
- When to make yourself known?
- How to get the message that you are there?
- Can the horse see you?
- When can it hear you?
- How far should you stay back?
Is it really sensible to ride an animal down a road when said animal weighs 500kh, is scared of crisp packets, let alone cars and runners?
You have a point. I've never been happy that they are allowed to use the roads. The riders are really not in control of the animal. If a half tonne horse gets spooked and wants to career off in a random direction into other road users there is not a damn thing the rider can do no matter how much ironmongery they have stuffed into the animal's mouth.
spooky_b329, yep I do. 🙂
IME/O
– When to make yourself known? Early
– How to get the message that you are there? Verbally - that tells the horse you're a person
– Can the horse see you? Not when you're dead behind but they have pretty wide field (long as the rider's legs aren't in the way)
– When can it hear you? They have pretty good hearing
– How far should you stay back? It's the speed of approach (or the silence and sudden appearance) that's a problem. Chat to the rider - they'll know you're really talking to the horse
FFS - why is it the OPs issue?
The only issues I have encountered is people unde 30 who feel the rules don’t apply. And people on mountain bikes ....
When I approach horses I speak up early and keep talking, often the horses hear you first, keep talking and pass quickly when told its ok.
If you are coming up behind some lady horse riders, just call out the three magic words.
Air
Hair
Lair
@lunge it sounds like you're a bit anxious and are trying to do your best to keep a physical distance. I understand your frustration and it's good to voice your concerns and ask questions, I'm glad you did rather than thinking that all riders are twits; it's only me 😂
IME/O– When to make yourself known? Early
– How to get the message that you are there? Verbally – that tells the horse you’re a person
– Can the horse see you? Not when you’re dead behind but they have pretty wide field (long as the rider’s legs aren’t in the way)
– When can it hear you? They have pretty good hearing
– How far should you stay back? It’s the speed of approach (or the silence and sudden appearance) that’s a problem. Chat to the rider – they’ll know you’re really talking to the horse
Good advice
Did we not have an identical thread earlier in lockdown?
1. Is riding a horse “essential exercise”? Partially as you’ll have has to drive there.
2. Irrelevant of whether the legalities, it is really sensible taking said horse on single track paths when we’re meant to be social distancing? The paths in question are such that 2 walkers could get past still at 2m, no chance of that with a horse.
3. Is it really sensible to ride an animal down a road when said animal weighs 500kh, is scared of crisp packets, let alone cars and runners?
1 and 2 have been covered, 3, well yes, more often than not, and more to the point, horses were using roads and bridleways, (there’s a clue in that name, you know), long before there were cycles, and even more recently, cars.
You have a point. I’ve never been happy that they are allowed to use the roads. The riders are really not in control of the animal. If a half tonne horse gets spooked and wants to career off in a random direction into other road users there is not a damn thing the rider can do no matter how much ironmongery they have stuffed into the animal’s mouth.
Your opinion doesn’t matter worth a damn. Horses were using roads long before there were any motor vehicles of any sort, they have long standing rights of access, no matter what you think. Same goes for bikes - what’s your response when some jackass in a car tells you to get off the road because you don’t pay road tax? (Yes, I know road taxes were abolished in 1932).
It’s up to other traffic to accommodate horse riders.
I actually made a horse shy once when coming up behind it and it’s rider, when I called out to ask if it was ok to ride past. The horse was fine, the rider was miles away, and I made her jump, and she jerked the reigns! She was most apologetic!
IME/O
– When to make yourself known? Early
– How to get the message that you are there? Verbally – that tells the horse you’re a person
– Can the horse see you? Not when you’re dead behind but they have pretty wide field (long as the rider’s legs aren’t in the way)
– When can it hear you? They have pretty good hearing
– How far should you stay back? It’s the speed of approach (or the silence and sudden appearance) that’s a problem. Chat to the rider – they’ll know you’re really talking to the horse
Tidy! Thank you.
In my experience it's all about the body language of animals. They will pick up if you're nervous or apprehensive and that unsettles them. If they've seen you when you're moving towards them then stay where you are and don't hide behind a shrub or tree, that'll unnerve them. Talk to them in a soothing manner so they'll realise they don't need to be afraid.
This applies to dogs, horses, cattle and pigs. Probably others too but these are the ones I've encountered and lived to tell the tale.
So, OP, on a scale of one to massive flaming wreck, how would you say this is going?
Crashed and burned?
As above, keep talking so the horse can figure out what and where you are.
Its often said animals are more scared of people than we are of them. In horses cases they go one step further. They dont give two hoots about you and just want your treats whilst being scared of the plastic bag in the hedge behind you.
Horses (and many animals) are quite individual. A friend has a couple of horses, one is afraid of Aubretria - go and look it up.
As others have said, slow down around them, talk so the horse knows you are a human, ask the rider if the horse is fine with bikes.
How about horsists building jumps on bridleways ?
I spent a lovely few hours mooching on new tracks on sunday and 1 BW was unrideable as the horse fraternity had clearly been sessioning their handywork.
Maybe 6 or 7 log jumps up to 60cm high , some in the classic 3 log triangle like on a 3 day eventing course .
SOme level of groundwork involved too with posts . I was most perturberd at having to dismount my bicycle to navigate the divots. Then I had the rage when I spoted the lovely singletrack path that was clearly there to avoid the ploughing competition , and the buggrs had built mini jumps on top of that as well . But those logs were smaller and I was able to release my inner angst by launching those a huge 6 meters off into the woods
I saw a first today, two horses being galloped over the three fields in stourbridge.
Usually they are just walking with a rider on top.
one is afraid of Aubretria – go and look it up
Don't - it doesn't exist 😉
Replace the word riding for cycling and what is the difference?
A horse would have to ride a tandem
There’s a simple answer to any question on here that starts with ‘Am I being unreasonable’ - it’s invariably ‘yes you are’ with an added dose of self righteousness.
JP
Another point - do not ring your bell at horses - it spooks them
However it really does annoy me that horses in the UK spook at bikes. In the Netherlands they do not. Its a failure of training of the horses.
I do pass horses using the advice above - but IMO if they spook at things they should not be on public land or roads. Far too dangerous to others. I have had a horse spook and almost throw its rider infront of me despite doing as the good advice above states
Air
Hair
Lair
We are all lucky enough to be able to continue doing what we've always done. Lots of cyclists also taking huge liberties at the moment, going way beyond what might be considered essential daily exercise, pootling about all day in the sun.
The least we can do is be tolerant of others doing virtually the same thing, getting some gentle exercise and fresh air.
And if there is a reasonable alternative, shared paths are probably best to be avoided.
one is afraid of Aubretia
Well don't let Aubretia ride that horse then.
Penelope can have that one, Cressida can have the grey, and Aubretia can ride 'Starlight' the chestnut one.
I find horse riders to be the most pleasant people to share the countryside with on balance. Sadly old people ramblers and some bike rides are the biggest **** I’ve encountered over the years.
+1