Spooking horses - urban legend?

[MCAP]

As far as I know, the biggest issue is whether you are coming or going. Head on shouldn't be a problem at all. But, horses can only see between 10 and 2ish (assuming looking straight ahead is considered 12). Their peripheral vision is nearly non-existent.

Granted, they have good hearing, but quietly approaching from the rear could be a problem unless the rider knows you're coming so they can be prepared to soothe their horse and keep things under control.

Actually, that's not correct. Horses can see almost everywhere EXCEPT for directly in front of them and directly behind them.

[tulip]

Actually, that's not correct. Horses can see almost everywhere EXCEPT for directly in front of them and directly behind them.

This is correct. Horses have excellent peripheral vision. They are prey animals, not hunters. Prey animals (horses, cows, goats, antelopes, parrots, zebras, etc.) have vision that allows them to see hunters coming at them from the sides and behind (although not from directly behind). Hunting animals (dogs, cats, eagles, etc) have strong central vision so that they can narrow in on their target.

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I agree that it depends on the horse. But since horses can be unpredictable, even when being ridden by competent riders, it's best to get off and walk, or even better, stand in front of your bike out of the horse's path and let it pass.

[ctdancer]

I own, and have owned several horses thru -out my life.

I ask bikers, or even people walking to say hello, say the horses name, and then the horse can recognize you as a non threatening human- not something to fear.
Yes, horses are unable to see directly in front, or behind them, and can be easily startled.

Many of my horses have had plenty of experiences and don't even glance at cyclists, deer, ATV's, etc... However, the best policy is to slow down, and ask the rider what the horse needs you to do in order to keep it from spooking, and causing injury- just common courtesy

[Ritamarie]

I have horses as well and the advice here is spot on. Verbalize so the horses recognize you as human, slow down or even stop until you see how the horse is going to react. My young horse Tat has seen plenty of bicycles and I have even "trail ridden" with my husband on his mountain bike. But a bike coming toward him quickly on the rail trail would most likely scare the crap out of him. It's on my to-do list to get him to the rail trail. Most horses on the rail trail are fine because they are used to bikes, but I guarantee the first time I take him will be very exciting and I hope that the bike riders don't make the assumption that he is used to bikes. With horses the first time doing anything new has the potential to be exciting!

Rita Marie