Tokai Horses

[Blackheart]

Yesterday while riding in Tokai i encountered a group of 6 horseriders.

First encounter was while i was going up the hill. They had stopped for water, i moved over to the opposite side of the trail, we exchanged friendly "good mornings" and waves.

Next encounter was when i was returning down the hill. It was clear that they had not heard me coming, so i slowed right down and followed them at about 10m distance.

One of the older riders was periodically checking around and behind, but he must have missed me at first, eventually he did notice me. He immediately called out to his colleagues "bicycle coming, move over". He waved me through and then apologised profusely for not noticing me at first and for holding me up. I told him no worries and it's nice to share the trail with such considerate people.

 

It was just a nice little cameo of how things can be with just a little bit of patience and consideration.

[LOOK695]

Horse riding is really relaxing and calming and helps a lot to clear your mind of all sorts of rubbish. The only potential danger is that a horse might get a fright if a cyclist suddenly crosses its path, so hats off to you for being patient.

[DJR]

That's how one should live life, not just ride, with due consideration for others, and it will come back to you tenfold

[Surv0MTB]

think you hit the nail on the head with one word... Consideration.

 

Something which is slowly being phased out of existence, everywhere.

[georgedup]

We actually encountered horse riders at Meerendal on Saturday and the people also moved out of the way so that we could pass.Very friendly and polite.

Edited February 17, 2014 by georgedup

[Surv0MTB]

I wouldnt want my horse being hit by an errant cyclist that is for sure. Makes sense to rather move out the way.

[SwissVan]

Here in switz I find the horse riders much more friendly than the hikers / runners I encounter on trails

 

Think its because the horse riders are also under some pressure from the other trail users because of the horse fertilizer loving flies they attract to the paths, and as a result they are try not make matters worse.

 

Runners / hikers in general tend to just stop and stare with that "what are you doing here" look

[Gandalf]

I dont trust horses. Those eyes freak me out. I think they can smell it on me.

 

A while back my usual route trail was used for a horse race. When approaching from the front i pulled over (well clear to avoid them) but the horses still turn to my direction - it happened a few times (can they smell that I dont trust them?)

 

All the people on the horses were friendly, gave waves, smiles and a few friendly chirps about not being on a horse. Seems like they have a friendly community going on. (maybe cyclist could learn a thing or two.)

[MTBeer]

there is no Strava for horse riding. that is why they are so friendly. no competitive spirit I tell you....

[X-Man]

there is no Strava for horse riding. that is why they are so friendly. no competitive spirit I tell you....

 

:clap:

[jimmy hardtail]

Horses and bikes arent allowed in the same area at tokainso someone was out of bounds. But thanks for being courteous, a little good will towards fellow mountain users goes a long way

[DJR]

there is no Strava for horse riding. that is why they are so friendly. no competitive spirit I tell you....

 

:D

[LOOK695]

I dont trust horses. Those eyes freak me out. I think they can smell it on me.

 

A while back my usual route trail was used for a horse race. When approaching from the front i pulled over (well clear to avoid them) but the horses still turn to my direction - it happened a few times (can they smell that I dont trust them?)

 

All the people on the horses were friendly, gave waves, smiles and a few friendly chirps about not being on a horse. Seems like they have a friendly community going on. (maybe cyclist could learn a thing or two.)

Some people say that a horse can "read" you from a distance, whether you are scared, what mood you are etc. I don't know how true that is, but they are amazing animals. But just like a dog they can sense your mood when you are working with them.

On our Saturday ride last weekend, my horse got spooked by some people with cattle and a dog and for the next 10 minutes or so he was in flight mode. At least I was able to control him as we were on a path that was dangerous to go fast for the horse and rider.

 

Frisian horses have eyes that look like they can see into your soul, especially if they pull up their neck and look down at you

Edited February 17, 2014 by LOOK695

[NixM]

Someone told me that horses are only afraid of 2 things: things that move ...... and things don't move.

 

 

[Gandalf]

Some people say that a horse can "read" you from a distance, whether you are scared, what mood you are etc. I don't know how true that is, but they are amazing animals. But just like a dog they can sense your mood when you are working with them.

On our Saturday ride last weekend, my horse got spooked by some people with cattle and a dog and for the next 10 minutes or so he was in flight mode. At least I was able to control him as we were on a path that was dangerous to go fast for the horse and rider.

 

Frisian horses have eyes that look like they can see into your soul, especially if they pull up their neck and look down at you

 

That explains it all, will keep more of a distance next time, or pedal harder to get away

[LOOK695]

 

 

That explains it all, will keep more of a distance next time, or pedal harder to get away

You will have to pedal pretty hard as I clock over 40km/h on a regular basis and I am not the lightest chap around. Actually it is a good training idea Edited February 17, 2014 by LOOK695