Bikes and horses!

[dottigirl]

Quick question to you horse riders:

When you're out on the road, what do you want to hear from any otherwise quiet cyclists coming up behind you?

I usually call, 'Bike behind!' just to let them know.

[DebSP]

I have basically the same question so I am posting it here. I don't have a loud voice that carries, so tonight I gave one ding of my bell and startled a horse! What is the correct way to approach a horse from behind. I slowed right down and moved out to the yellow lane divider line. When I was still about 15 ft behind the horse I dinged once. Fortunately the girl that was riding had no problem handling her horses little side step but I felt bad.

[libbyfhenderson]

I do! I have 7 horses here at home -- I am an eventer, which is sort of the triathalon of the horse world! I have several retired horses, and my young horse that I am trying to get started in competition.

The problem is that she and I are both "easy-keepers!" Basically, we can stay "sturdy" on air

I bought my first bike as an adult last summer, and rode for a bit and got distracted and it sat through the winter. This year, in July (in Florida of all things!), I decided to get serious and get back to work in order to be fit enough to not be a burden to my pony.

Who knew I'd get addicted?! I've already got bike #2, which is a hybrid with road tires, and am eyeing entry level road bikes!

My pony is sidelined with an injury at the moment, so I'm mostly concentrating on feeding cookies, doing barn chores and improving my bike riding skills!

As far as alerting horses to the fact that you are there, what I have always preferred is for the cyclist to speak to the horses -- that way, the horses recognize you as another human (and potential dispenser of cookies! ) rather than a machine they should be afraid of. I'm fortunate though, as mine are all ok with cyclists because I ride my bike every day in view of their paddocks as I set out and return from the road.

The two sports seem to be quite complementary -- I had already noticed a great increase in my leg strength before Razzy went on the injured reserve list, and hopefully by the time she is better (fingers crossed it isn't a torn ligament or tendon ) my balance will be so much better. The bike is great for working on my own balance and strength.

Plus it is FUN!!

Libby (who, instead of googling horse tack and saddles, has been oogling bike porn instead -- why after doing this for only a couple of months do I think I need a third bike?!)