I think the thing that gets me is that, as evidenced in this thread, horse riders expect people to know how to behave around horses.
Let me guess, you get chased and bitten by dogs too? Usually when you're chasing that KOM.
Like I said, just a guess.
Yeah back when, dog fighting, bear baiting, cock fighting and slavery were all allowed, or the good old days as I like to call them!! Not sure this is a valid argument for anything.
Good point. I expect you'll be first to agree cyclists shouldn't be on roads and should take their toys beck to the 19th century where they belong.
Let me guess, you get chased and bitten by dogs too? Usually when you’re chasing that KOM.
Like I said, just a guess.
You're a very mature individual. I'm impressed by your well reasoned and logical argument.
Don't horseriders treat everywhere as their bridleway, hence the big pile of shit outside my house and on the public footpath over the field at the top of my street. 😁🐎💩
Wild horses don’t need a human to exercise and I haven’t heard of any obese ones.
They are not fenced into an acre field and are not fed so they walk for miles and miles every day eating as they go. Not really possible for them to be obese or require additional exercise.
There are a fair few horse riders round where I live, generally they’re very polite. I usually stop for a Horse out of courtesy, also you just don’t know how easily spooked a Horse can be.
Also this might sound shallow but who doesn’t like to ponder an attractive Lady rider and the endless possibilities our own depraved mind takes us in that briefest of interactions.
Yeah back when, dog fighting, bear baiting, cock fighting and slavery were all allowed, or the good old days as I like to call them!! Not sure this is a valid argument for anything.
Good point. I expect you’ll be first to agree cyclists shouldn’t be on roads and should take their toys beck to the 19th century where they belong
Its not a difficult point to understand, but I'll spell it out for you, just because something has been happening for a long time it doesnt necessarily mean it should continue. Your argument that horses have been using roads since, well before roads, is meaningless in todays context. Its a very poor way to convince people of anything.
Seriously, all those people wanting to restrict horse riding - it's the same thought process (maybe not reasons) that ramblers use to justify keeping us off the footpaths, or drivers wanting us of the roads.
Be very, very careful about taking away someone else's legal rights of access, because it sets a precedent that really doesn't help our own interests in the longer term.
Learn to share responsibly.
Don’t horseriders treat everywhere as their bridleway,
And long may it continue. The Access laws in this country are idiotic.
Don’t horseriders treat everywhere as their bridleway, hence the big pile of shit outside my house and on the public footpath over the field at the top of my street
It's good shit though (man). Stick it on your Rhubarb.
It’s good shit though (man). Stick it on your Rhubarb.
I prefer custard.
I'll set 'em up, you knock 'em down.
Wasn't this post supposed to be about the dangers / irresponsibility of horseriding during a pandemic. Didn't Scottish authorities want to stop mountainbikers riding their bikes but said nothing about the more dangerous action of climbing on top of an unpredictable easily spooked 2000lb animal.
Out or a ride last night, came across two horses being walked (yup, not ridden), then one of them decided it was not a number and was going to escape to play with it's new friend in the next field.
No one got angry, I walked past, no one felt the need to kick a dog and I got to stroke the horse. Everyone's happy.
Well apart from the miserable horse hating, dog kicking fraternity. Seriously, get a grip, not everyone likes bikes, that probably winds you up to an extent, be the change you want to see in the world and live and let live.
Wasn’t this post supposed to be about the dangers / irresponsibility of horseriding during a pandemic. Didn’t Scottish authorities want to stop mountainbikers riding their bikes but said nothing about the more dangerous action of climbing on top of an unpredictable easily spooked 2000lb animal.
They didn't mention skydiving, sand yachting, spelunking, motorcross, rock climbing, and Russian roulette either.
Possibly because one is quite a popular activity and therefore worth mentioning during a prime time press conference and the others are niche activities enjoyed by a relatively small number of people, most of who can be relied upon to figure out whether their activity is reasonably more or less exercise or risky than mountain biking.
Its not a difficult point to understand, but I’ll spell it out for you, just because something has been happening for a long time it doesnt necessarily mean it should continue. Your argument that horses have been using roads since, well before roads, is meaningless in todays context. Its a very poor way to convince people of anything.
I dunno, it's a pretty good point. If horses are too old fashioned for roads, then so are bicycles, motorbikes and walking. It's a ludicrous argument.
Crikey- it's worth remembering that the person wearing those trousers will absolutely bloody stink of horse manure. Which is an enormous turn off.
I can't say I've had any bad interactions with horse riders lately, it's not what I'd consider essential but I'm not going to convince them otherwise so it's not worth wasting my time on. They probably think the same about me riding my mountain bike.
Nah, they don't smell of manure. They smell of sweaty horse, which is worse...
Crikey- it’s worth remembering that the person wearing those trousers will absolutely bloody stink of horse manure. Which is an enormous turn off
Well if you're going to get all fussy...
My first girlfriend worked in a pub kitchen and she smelled of chips...
Dog fighting, bear baiting and Cockfighting - banned in England in 1835
Slavery abolished in 1833.
Horses being used as a relatively normal mode of transport in the UK up until the First World War, and I remember them pulling carts in the city during my lifetime - albeit that was a rarity. I see horses on the road more often than recumbents - and not just on deserted country roads - but around town (popn. 15k)
There were only about 4x more horses (than now) in the UK at the time of the spanish fly pandemic despite the obvious leaps in vehicle and bicycle technology since then.
I think if you want to argue that horses are an outmoded anachronism with no place on our highways and byways you need to get your arguments better than suggesting they are as outdated as animal fighting and slavery.
Its not a difficult point to understand, but I’ll spell it out for you, just because something has been happening for a long time it doesnt necessarily mean it should continue. Your argument that horses have been using roads since, well before roads, is meaningless in todays context. Its a very poor way to convince people of anything.
I'm not sure why you think I'm disagreeing with you. So, like horse riders, just because cyclists have been allowed to use the road and hold everyone up for years does that mean they should be allowed to continue to do so?
You’re a very mature individual. I’m impressed by your well reasoned and logical argument.
Your complaint is identical to that of people who moan that dog owners expect everyone to know how to act around dogs. Usually the people who don't believe they should change their behaviour but yet frequently get chased or bitten.
the time of the spanish fly pandemic
That sounds ****ing awful. Or fun. Can't decide.
If horses are too old fashioned for roads, then so are bicycles, motorbikes and walking. It’s a ludicrous argument.
I think if you want to argue that horses are an outmoded anachronism with no place on our highways and byways you need to get your arguments better than suggesting they are as outdated as animal fighting and slavery.
People here abouts really do struggle with reading dont they? I havent suggested that horses should be banned. I like them and am happy to see them. I just thought whoever it was sweary rant that horses have been using roads since before cars was a shit argument in favour of them. Bikes shouldnt be allowed to use roads just because they have been doing it for a long time just like I think fox hunting or bear baiting shouldnt be allowed due to tradition.
Your opinion doesn’t matter worth a damn. Horses were using roads long before there were any motor vehicles of any sort
Count Zero
They didn’t mention ... Russian roulette either.
I haven't actually checked, but I'm pretty sure the nanny-state fun police do not approve of that as a recreational activity.
Thanks for adding to the list of dangerous activities thisisnotaspoon but I haven't seen any skydivers, sand yachters, rockclimbers, Russian roulette players or even motocrossers whilst out riding recently.
You do realise that historical precedent is half the basis of your law system right? That's why people are stating the contrary.
Also, as far as sweary rants go that's a 1/10.
motocrossers
Saw a group of 3 out the other day (well 'trail bikes' really, as they had postage stamp sized number plates) Essential exercise my arse!
On the other hand seen plenty of horse riders out, and they've been fine. They all wear hi-viz round here, so you can spot then a mile off.
As a dog-owner, walker and MTBer I have had problematic encounters with poor representatives from all of those ‘groups’ during lockdown. Have also had zero problems from other representatives from same ‘groups’.
No reason to believe that horse-riders aren’t the same. ie case by case.
As for runners, they’ve all been courteous and distanced. I don’t take it for granted though, as will no doubt now be flattened or sneezed at by one.
#stayalert
#givewayfirst
#meditate
You do realise that historical precedent is half the basis of your law system right?
You do realise that many things that went on for centuries are now illegal dont you?
People here abouts really do struggle with reading dont they? I havent suggested that horses should be banned.
You do realise that many things that went on for centuries are now illegal dont you?
So your argument is that someone else is right because they agree with you, but wrong because they used a different argument to reach the same conclusion therefore they are wrong but you are still right? But by extending your argument into theirs is wrong because your argument was only meant to be allegorical?
Yup, struggling with that somewhere 🤣
I expect you’ll be first to agree cyclists shouldn’t be on roads and should take their toys beck to the 19th century where they belong.
You do know that the modern road system was developed for cycling, in response to the lobbying and organisation of cyclists, don't you?
https://roadswerenotbuiltforcars.com/
My personal experience of horses is that they can be unpredictable, even under the control of a rider, so it seems sensible to exercise them in places where they won't come into contact with other people. If the equine societies are advising people to think carefully about riding, and are suggesting there are suitable alternatives, I guess they know what they are talking about?
Was cycling in opposite direction to two horse riders this morning on a 3 metre wide gravel road.
They saw me coming (had a hi viz gilet on so couldn't miss me!) I slowed down to around 5mph and gave them so much room that I was riding along the grass edge of the gravel road.
I said hello to the first rider who completely blanked me and when getting in line with second rider I rode over a small branch which snapped which sent the horse of in a sideways drift with rider frantically trying to control it.
Make of that what you will...
Was riding down a narrow country lane this morning went around the corner and two young horse riders coming the other, braked hard to slow down and the infamous Shimano road brake squeal of the front brake. Horses never batted an eyelid, one moved behind the other to make room and both said a cheery morning.
Make of that what you will…
I said hello to the first rider who completely blanked me and when getting in line with second rider I rode over a small branch which snapped which sent the horse of in a sideways drift with rider frantically trying to control it.
Make of that what you will…
Yup, making something of it................
I passed quite a few dog walkers today, two of them completely blanked me despite slowing to a crawl whilst they back-and-forthed across the path trying to collect their 'out of control' dog, despite me saying hello
Make of that what you will...
P.S You could've stopped, and then you wouldn't have ridden over a stick. If the riders look nervous or the horses are not relaxed I will normally stop no matter now wide the track is, its just being polite. If they are trotting towards you or look confident I will pass at a sensible pace. And give them a moment to get passed rather than riding off the moment they have passed.
P.S You could’ve stopped, and then you wouldn’t have ridden over a stick. If the riders look nervous or the horses are not relaxed I will normally stop no matter now wide the track is, its just being polite. If they are trotting towards you or look confident I will pass at a sensible pace. And give them a moment to get passed rather than riding off the moment they have passed.
I dunno, when the forums leading proponent of riding riding a brake less fixie with skinny tyres off-road who also seems to have a chip on his shoulder about horses says:
slowed down to around 5mph ...................I was riding along the grass edge of the gravel road...................... I rode over a small branch
I'm inclined to fill in the blanks with something more akin to "I didn't manage to slow down all that much and careered off in to the undergrowth startling the horse".
Yup, struggling with that somewhere
Clearly, try clearing your mind of your own preconceived ideas about what you want me to have said and read it again, slowly, maybe twice. Or dont bother and keep blustering away, either is fine by me.
I saw some horses today when out on my ride, I said hello and nothing eventful happened.
Also saw a lot of motorbikists, a good few had clearly just gone out for a ride to look at the view on the top of Coombe, how long have motorbikists been allowed on the roads before I say anything derogatory about them?
You do know that the modern road system was developed for cycling, in response to the lobbying and organisation of cyclists, don’t you?
Good point. I like the sound of that book, might buy a copy 🙂 This is a sample of the book, from the link you posted:
Chapter Four
WHO OWNS THE ROADS?
Roads belong to all and need to be shared by all.
For me, that does a good job of summing it up.
On my road ride today I came up behind a young girl riding her horse with her mum walking behind. I slowed right down and called a cheery "morning" (although it was actually just past noon). The woman thanked me, the girl waved and the horse plodded on as I rode around them on the opposite side of the road. All rather civilised and pleasant really.
Well if we're on for funny horse stories, in 1995 I was at a gig at Don Valley stadium and left before the encore.
Left the stadium, past South Yorkshire's finest mounted division and started yomping to where I'd parked. Show ends behind me with fireworks.
Couple of minutes later one of South Yorkshire's finest police horses comes cantering the wrong way along the dual carriageway, minus a rider, pursued by three police cars with blue lights flashing to get the oncoming cars to stop.
Surreal end to a great show!
I’m inclined to fill in the blanks with something more akin to “I didn’t manage to slow down all that much and careered off in to the undergrowth startling the horse”.
So you are suggesting I am lying?
I ride around horses all the time, I do live in horse rider central after all, and I am always polite and always slow down to walking pace.
When I am clearly gong very slow and even go off the gravel road to increase the room they have out of respect and say hello I don't think it is polite to blank the bike rider, do you?
Also not sure why the type of bike I use is bringing your ****y response.
I’m inclined to fill in the blanks
There in lies the problem!
P.S You could’ve stopped
It also can help to talk to the riders if you stop, to prevent the horses being spooked.
We haven't been out on the horses since the start of confinement because we aren't allowed to in this part of the world. The land owner is keeping an eye on them as per regs. Just about every encounter we have with cyclists goes goes just like Mister P above. We do everything we can not to be a problem to others and they do the same for us. Even the local crosser illegally riding the trails pulls off into the undergrowth, cuts the engine and we exchange a few cheery words.
I'm not looking forward to the first ride after confinement, when they haven't been ridden for a couple of weeks they're a bit over-enthusiastic, after two months the main objective will be staying out of A&E.
Horses have excellent hearing so they'll know you're coming long before the rider does. Slow down and give them a wide enough birth to be out of hoof shot and you'll have no problem.
Horses have excellent hearing so they’ll know you’re coming long before the rider does. Slow down and give them a wide enough birth to be out of hoof shot and you’ll have no problem.
Yep, which is exactly what I do. If a horse is still so sketchy even with me doing that they probably shouldn't be out on public roads should they?
If a horse is still so sketchy even with me doing that they probably shouldn’t be out on public roads should they?
They probably shouldn't. A minority of horse riders are incompetent and/or make poor judgements about what to do on their horse as do a minority of cyclists, car drivers, truck drivers... .
I tried Googling "cyclist killed by horse" and the first page of results was all about the oposite problem. The first result:
The horse visiting lockdown has just been lifted in France, we can now visit them and ride them around the field. We'll make sure we've got them in hand again before venturing out onto the roads again when confinement ends on 11/5.
The horse visiting lockdown has just been lifted in France,
Running out of steaks in the freezer 😉
