View Full Version : Young riders
porshiepoo
12-Nov-10, 20:57
Driving through Halkirk this luchtime I was really concerned to see the blatant ignorance of some horse riders.
2 young girls were tootling along on their ponies, chatting away and taking up the entire lane.
One girl turned round and saw that I was approaching and I assumed she would move into single file to let me pass. Nope. She didn't even acknowledge me but just continued to chat away to her friend.
They both had lovely hi viz jackets on asking me "slow down and pass wide" and I would have done that regardless of whether they were considerate or not but I find it quite worrying that such youngsters are allowed out onto roads on horses without any concern for other road users.
During passing I also noticed that one of them had their riding crop sticking right out into the road a further 2 foot. :confused
This sort of thing really bugs me. I am a horse rider as well as a driver so I understand both aspects as a road user and those girls showed absolutely no consideration for any other road user.
No matter what their age they should be aware of basic road safety and courtesy and IMO should not be allowed out on the roads unless they show some ability to be intelligent and cautious.
Had I not been late picking my daughters up (coincidentally from the equestrian centre where they were training for their riding and road safety test) I would have stopped the girls and had a word with them.
I've come across a few ignorant riders and road users up here but this was by far the worst, not least because they were both so young.
If they were my kids I'd be extremely worried.
Rant over!
Ah but don't forget had their been an accident it would not have been their fault you would have been slated for being the driver. :roll:
I hope their parents see this and ensure they have a little more safety knowledge the next time they go on the road.
Imagine if a driver came round the corner and came upon that at even 50, possible carnage.
Perhaps the horse on the inside was nervous or young and it wouldn't have been safe to move into single file. I assume they pulled over at the nearest passing place to allow you past and thanked you for your patience - if not, inexcusable.
I also carry a whip while out riding - it acts as a deterrent to drivers passing too close. If the 2 foot whip was an issue, I presume you wanted to pass closer that that - as a horserider I'm sure you know this isn't safe...
This reminds me of a time when I was walking just outside Halkirk on the back road to Thurso when I turned round to see a young girl riding a charging pony in my direction! She was trying desperately to control the animal. I had to make a quick jump into the ditch to avoid it.
The most worrying thing was that she couldn't have shown consideration for other road users even if she wanted to :confused
I have no problem with young riders on the roads... But it makes sense for them to have a good level of riding experience and understanding of road safety.
highland red
12-Nov-10, 22:20
I'm surprised at this really. I must admit that the people that ride their horses (past our place too) always appear to be alert and considerate.
I ALWAYS slow right down and approach, especially from behind, very cautiously, and they have always thanked me in return.
It's just good old common sense really. I love horses and used to ride occasionally (abroad), but I'm always in awe of their physical size and presence..............(scared really).
Let's just hope this is a one off.
All the best.
ShelleyCowie
12-Nov-10, 22:27
As an ex rider (hopeful to start up again) i am well aware of the dangers of riding on the road having ended up in a ditch once.
Personally i believe all riders should pass a small course on road safety when riding before going on roads. Or kids under a certain age should be accompanied by an adult.
Sad to hear that you had a bad experience with some riders. All riders i know are very responsible. Hopefully just a one off though.
porshiepoo
12-Nov-10, 22:52
Perhaps the horse on the inside was nervous or young and it wouldn't have been safe to move into single file. I assume they pulled over at the nearest passing place to allow you past and thanked you for your patience - if not, inexcusable.
I also carry a whip while out riding - it acts as a deterrent to drivers passing too close. If the 2 foot whip was an issue, I presume you wanted to pass closer that that - as a horserider I'm sure you know this isn't safe...
Firstly, a riding whip should never be used as a deterrant to drivers passing too close. That is not, and never has been what a riding whip was designed for.
In fact over 30 odd years of riding I have never even come across a statement like that. Bizarre!
I am not aware of any riding and road safety examination (and I've taken mine) that would suggest that a riding whip could or should be used a deterrant to drivers.
Secondly the riding whip sticking out 2 feet into the road was an issue for me purely because the girl was already near the centre line, her whip was just encroaching further on the other side of the road. The side that she was then expecting me to use. if she'd been much further over I would have been mounting the kerb on the opposite side simply to keep a safe distance from the rider.
Believe me this scene was not of a young/nervous horse or rider being escorted by a more mature horse or rider. If that was the case then they were doing a really bad job and making a potentially drastic situation worse.
These young girls were simply out for a hack and were either oblivious of other road users or could care less about road users.
The girl did not even acknowledge by way of a nod (for example) my presence as she turned round and looked at me. She simply went back to chatting away in a very lazy, nonchalant style of riding.
My guess is that if either of those ponies bolted then neither rider was paying enough attention or had enough awareness to have been able to deal with the situation, they'd have been on the floor and the either themselves or the horses under my car.
Probably would have been made out to be my fault too!
It's riding and attitudes like theirs that makes riding in public dangerous for the rest of us, not all drivers will be happy to tootle along behind ignorant riders, slow down, pass slowly etc etc if the riders are too ignorant to even acknowledge their thoughtfulness.
Dangerous!
And no, in answer to your question, they did not pull over and they did not acknowledge my presence let alone the fact that I had slowed down and been courteous to them.
These particular girls could certainly benefit from some road safety awareness before ever being allowed to take horses out on the road again.
porshiepoo
12-Nov-10, 22:59
As an ex rider (hopeful to start up again) i am well aware of the dangers of riding on the road having ended up in a ditch once.
Personally i believe all riders should pass a small course on road safety when riding before going on roads. Or kids under a certain age should be accompanied by an adult.
Sad to hear that you had a bad experience with some riders. All riders i know are very responsible. Hopefully just a one off though.
I'm also hoping I or no one else ever comes across such bad manners too.
Most riders probably are more thoughtful. I know I would be but then maybe being a driver also helps give that view of things.
Having said that there is one particular rider near Lybster that although will pull over and allow you to pass has that snooty upper class, looking down their nose attitude. This person has never once acknowledged by way of a smile or a nod that you have slowed down or stopped for them. They simply look at you as if to say 'get out of my way you inconvenience'.
A smile or a nod costs nothing, will not endanger your riding ability and yet goes along way to making roads much more safer for riders.
I simply do not understand such ignorance from riders.
I completely agree that a small course on road awareness would be of benefit to everyone intending to use the roads on a horse.
highland red
12-Nov-10, 23:15
I'm also hoping I or no one else ever comes across such bad manners too.
Most riders probably are more thoughtful. I know I would be but then maybe being a driver also helps give that view of things.
Having said that there is one particular rider near Lybster that although will pull over and allow you to pass has that snooty upper class, looking down their nose attitude. This person has never once acknowledged by way of a smile or a nod that you have slowed down or stopped for them. They simply look at you as if to say 'get out of my way you inconvenience'.
A smile or a nod costs nothing, will not endanger your riding ability and yet goes along way to making roads much more safer for riders.
I simply do not understand such ignorance from riders.
I completely agree that a small course on road awareness would be of benefit to everyone intending to use the roads on a horse.
Just an a'hole Porshipoo: there's a few of em about.;)
I'm kinda with Porshie on this one. A car is an inanimate object until you put a person behind the wheel. You are not allowed to until you have passed some very stringent tests and after you have undertaken tuition with an experienced and qualified driver. Much of this is also true of a motorcycle, though you can go out on the roads on your own using L plates.
However, we do seem quite happy to put kids on horses (that have a will of their own and can easily bolt) and let them loose on their own with next to no training and no accompanying experienced and qualified rider.
Unicorn mentioned that the driver would have been blamed if there had been an accident and this is so true. We are now in a culture that feels individuals are able to do whatever they like with utter disregard for other people (in other instances we call this hooliganism -and before you jump down my throat... these are people entertaining themselves in the way they see fit without any regard for those around them) and feel that we can blame someone else if something goes wrong.
I once witnessed some lads that regularly played chicken on their bikes amongst the rush hour traffic. One day the inevitable happened, a young woman collided with one of the lads and she got slammed by the locals and the press for 'dangerous driving'. Excuse me??? Her maximum speed could only have been 20 mph because of the congestion and the lads were regularly guilty of trying to race backwards and forwards through the traffic to force them to brake - maybe to cause cars to crash.
I am all for youngsters getting out in the open, going riding, etc. But, please, under supervision. Show consideration.
By the way, World Kindness Day is approaching - isn't consideration one aspect of that?
Sorry, my rant now over. :confused
i like pp have come across said rider from lybster who was riding round where we live once and this occaision there were three of them and i like pp waited patiently for them to pull over so as i could pass and not a nod a hand up nothing so i'm afraid i got out the truck and said something because its people like them that will cause me an accident i ride on the roads everyday and wear hi-vis now my mare is known to be quite mad on occaision but never the less if i see car i always trot to the nearest passing place pull in and wave even when mare being silly - so why can't other people it takes no effort to nod,smile or wave or say thankyou!!
moan over
now heres the questions did the girls take any note of you or just roll their eyes?
if this is common for them perhaps its time to contact parents as its a major safety issue
porshiepoo
13-Nov-10, 16:59
now heres the questions did the girls take any note of you or just roll their eyes?
if this is common for them perhaps its time to contact parents as its a major safety issue
I couldn't really say whether they rolled their eyes. All I know is that she turned and looked directly at me. Obviously I was then assuming she'd get into single file to let me pass. I was dumbfounded when she just continued to chat along to her mate.
I'm honestly not one for moaning about riders normally. I ride myself so I understand that there can be times when it's hard to acknowledge a driver but this was just complete ignorance. She had no intention of deviating from her course or stopping the chat that she was so engrossed in.
To me they both looked young and what really concerned me other than their ignorance was their riding attitude. Honestly they could have been sitting in armchairs for all the awareness they were showing.
I dread to think what would happen in the same situation if these girls found themselves with a queue of cars behind waiting to overtake. Most drivers are careful and courteous to riders but maybe not so much if those riders are showing no manners in return.
I know hacks can be a great way of catching up but not on the roads for pitys sake.
I am just grateful that both my daughters would never show such lack of awareness.
porshiepoo
13-Nov-10, 17:04
i like pp have come across said rider from lybster who was riding round where we live once and this occaision there were three of them and i like pp waited patiently for them to pull over so as i could pass and not a nod a hand up nothing so i'm afraid i got out the truck and said something because its people like them that will cause me an accident i ride on the roads everyday and wear hi-vis now my mare is known to be quite mad on occaision but never the less if i see car i always trot to the nearest passing place pull in and wave even when mare being silly - so why can't other people it takes no effort to nod,smile or wave or say thankyou!!
moan over
Ooooo, wonder if it's the same rider. lol.
I've often come across this particular rider and while I would never ever do anything to worry a horse, I do get peeved that the rider can't even raise a smile (doesn't even need to take her hands from the reins) or a nod just to acknowledge that you've slowed or stopped.
Crikey I even acknowledge cars as they pass me from behind when I'm out running. It doesn't take much effort does it.
murrays25
13-Nov-10, 17:42
ok im confused at little first you said they were taking up the whole road, then you said that they were near the middle line, which means that they were on there side of the road?
basically its the same as a cyclist.. they shouldn't ride two abreast its not safe, and they should have been in single file going down the road.
you wouldn't have two cars driving side by side while their drivers have a natter would you?
the rules of the road still apply, especially so as you are in control of a large animal that could not only kill you itself and others just by a sudden noise spooking it, the amount of damage they could do in itself without risking injury is very high.
so anyone riding along a road should be very aware, ride in single file where traffic is concerned, and if at all possible pull the horse over to let traffic pass safely.
im a complete novice and i know that much.
porshiepoo
13-Nov-10, 17:57
ok im confused at little first you said they were taking up the whole road, then you said that they were near the middle line, which means that they were on there side of the road?
No. My first post says they were taking up the entire lane. (plus the whip sticking out a further 2 foot)
What they should have done was take single file when they saw an approaching car and allow it to pass safely.
Maybe some people would say get over it. I managed to get past, no one was hurt and we all went about our business.
The gripe for me besides the road hogging was the complete ignorance of the riders. Ignorance and rudeness such as they displayed does nothing to gain positive attitudes from drivers, in fact it just makes things worse for those of us that are polite and aware.
orkneycadian
13-Nov-10, 18:10
A smile or a nod costs nothing, will not endanger your riding ability and yet goes along way to making roads much more safer for riders.
I simply do not understand such ignorance from riders.
Cleaning up horse ***** dung would also cost nothing, and earn some mutual respect. For some reason, horse riders seem to think they are above the laws on leaving deposits on the carriageway (from the horse that is, not the rider....). Anyone else who fouls the carriageway is legally responsible for whatever it is that has been deposited, yet horse riders appear to consider themselves above cleaning up after their animals!
umm and how would they do that? a giant nappy or a huge pooper scooper and bag? getting on and off every time? its biodegradable.. and tech. not bad for the environment. have you ever tried mounting a horse from a standing position.. not always the easiest thing in the world. and while your cleaning up after your horse.. who is going to take control of the horse while you are picking up.. also, where are you going to put the shovel?
lets try and be practical. there is a bit of a dif. to a horse peeing and pooping that someone throwing their burger or chippie wrapper out the window.
porshiepoo
13-Nov-10, 18:18
Cleaning up horse ***** dung would also cost nothing, and earn some mutual respect. For some reason, horse riders seem to think they are above the laws on leaving deposits on the carriageway (from the horse that is, not the rider....). Anyone else who fouls the carriageway is legally responsible for whatever it is that has been deposited, yet horse riders appear to consider themselves above cleaning up after their animals!
How can riders believe they're above the laws when there is no law pertaining to horse dung?
Would it be safe for a rider to dismount from their horse and attempt some kind of clean up in the middle of the road? Seriously?
Dog muck is slightly different in that it's very offfensive and potentially dangerous, plus it doesn't degrade very well so hangs around for months.
Horse manure is slightly different don't you think?
orkneycadian
13-Nov-10, 18:25
Will bear that all in mind next time some gutter comes off the tractor tyres on the road! Gutter is even less offensive than dung, so therefore no need to clean that up either then?
There's an old girl not far from us that has a habit of riding her horse after getting popped up, she's fallen off a few times now on the corner near me.
First time scared the bejezus out of me, had vision of the horse trampling on her and all sorts. But started to get a bit peeved after the third and fourth time!
orkneycadian
13-Nov-10, 18:42
How can riders believe they're above the laws when there is no law pertaining to horse dung?
Try putting "Highways Act 1980 Section 148" into google and see what comes back! ;)
Heres one for starters....
Highways Act 1980 Section 148 “If without lawful authority or excuse a person deposits anything whatsoever on a highway to the interruption of any user of the highway he is guilty of an offence”
basically its the same as a cyclist.. they shouldn't ride two abreast its not safe, and they should have been in single file going down the road.
Actually horseriders have more rights to ride two abreast than cyclists - check out the highway code it actually states there are circumstances it is safer to ride two abreast. It does state 'never ride more than two abreast and avoid it on narrow or busy roads and when rounding bends'
What they should have done was take single file when they saw an approaching car and allow it to pass safely.
Actually what they should have done was to pull over at the first available passing place. If the rider felt they needed to ride two abreast, they needed to ride two abreast. Yes they should allow a vehicle to pass but at the first possible passing place (same goes for cyclists) no by moving into single file if they deem it unsafe.
Rudeness - no excuse though :roll:
Actually horseriders have more rights to ride two abreast than cyclists - check out the highway code it actually states there are circumstances it is safer to ride two abreast. It does state 'never ride more than two abreast and avoid it on narrow or busy roads and when rounding bends'
I recently had a disagreement with two cyclists riding two abreast showing no awareness of the traffic behind them and when they passed me later in Wick as I was standing by the side of the road I asked them why they were not riding in single file. They gave me, very rudely, some nonsense about the Highway Code stating it is safer to ride two abreast. What the Code actually says for both cyclists and horse riders (and I have the current version in front of me) is:
When riding on the road you should
never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069853
Not "avoid it" but a clear instruction to ride in single file.
I'm sure there could be argument about the exact definition of narrow and busy (or even what a bend is) but surely it's common sense that if riding two abreast is holding up traffic they should ride in single file.
Cleaning up horse ***** dung would also cost nothing, and earn some mutual respect. For some reason, horse riders seem to think they are above the laws on leaving deposits on the carriageway (from the horse that is, not the rider....). Anyone else who fouls the carriageway is legally responsible for whatever it is that has been deposited, yet horse riders appear to consider themselves above cleaning up after their animals!
Surely you are taking the P**s on this one, how on earth are they supposed to clean up after a horse, take a giant poop scoop or nappy sack along with them. Horse muck is more enviro friendly than other muck such as dog as its mainly grass and corn, not meat as with dogs.
As for the crop im like Leanne always and have always used my crop as a deterant for ingnorant road users who think is totally acceptable to pass near enough to clip a horses backend, i know its happend to me, so if they get a crop clatter their cars they know they are too damn close to my horse. Im not an inconsiderate rider and always acknowledge considerate drivers, but woe betide if you aint and upset my animal.
personally, i always give horses a wide berth, but i think that was kinda the point.. the OP couldnt as they were riding two abreast and had the crop out so taking up more than a single lane. so not only did the op have to cross closley to the rider as the were taking up the whole of one lane and a bit of the second, but nearly had to go on the curb to give them enough room.
but that is what i read into the posts.
im all for riders.. but at the same time i think they should go single lane on any main road and respect others on the road just like they expect to be respected.
orkneycadian
13-Nov-10, 20:40
how on earth are they supposed to clean up after a horse, take a giant poop scoop or nappy sack along with them. Horse muck is more enviro friendly than other muck such as dog as its mainly grass and corn
That being the case, there should be no reason for the rider to not pick it up and put it on the verge, or, more preferably between the ditch and the fence/dyke along with all the other organic material there. Its going to do no enviro good fertilising tarmac!
I agreewith you porsipoo, but many years ago I was out riding on a back road when a jeep approached. I pulled over to the side and stopped my horse as he was young and nervous. I held out my whip to try to convey that to the driver. He did not slow down - the horse swung his rear end into the road, his tail caught in the wheel, dragging him down, badly damaging his legs and the back mudguard couged about 2lb of meat from his hip. my leg was trapped between the horse and the jeep, but although badly dented, did not break.(my leg) the driver of the jeep took no responsibility. Another person who rode a lot told me I should not have pulled into the side of the road, but remained in the middle - thus forcing the driver to slow down. Maybe someone gave those girls the same advice? Still, once you slowed down, they should have then gone in single file. i always slow down when passing horses and have up until now at least always been rewarded with a nod and smile of thanks.
porshiepoo
13-Nov-10, 21:12
I agreewith you porsipoo, but many years ago I was out riding on a back road when a jeep approached. I pulled over to the side and stopped my horse as he was young and nervous. I held out my whip to try to convey that to the driver. He did not slow down - the horse swung his rear end into the road, his tail caught in the wheel, dragging him down, badly damaging his legs and the back mudguard couged about 2lb of meat from his hip. my leg was trapped between the horse and the jeep, but although badly dented, did not break.(my leg) the driver of the jeep took no responsibility. Another person who rode a lot told me I should not have pulled into the side of the road, but remained in the middle - thus forcing the driver to slow down. Maybe someone gave those girls the same advice? Still, once you slowed down, they should have then gone in single file. i always slow down when passing horses and have up until now at least always been rewarded with a nod and smile of thanks.
I get what you're saying however to most drivers seeing a horse rider waving a crop at them would seem nothing other than violent, especially if that driver has no experience of horses.
Most drivers know the hand signals for slow down or stop, not a waving whip.
Cleaning up horse ***** dung would also cost nothing, and earn some mutual respect. For some reason, horse riders seem to think they are above the laws on leaving deposits on the carriageway (from the horse that is, not the rider....). Anyone else who fouls the carriageway is legally responsible for whatever it is that has been deposited, yet horse riders appear to consider themselves above cleaning up after their animals!
That would be one heck of a poop 'n' scoop!
umm and how would they do that? a giant nappy or a huge pooper scooper and bag? getting on and off every time? its biodegradable.. and tech. not bad for the environment. have you ever tried mounting a horse from a standing position.. not always the easiest thing in the world. and while your cleaning up after your horse.. who is going to take control of the horse while you are picking up.. also, where are you going to put the shovel?
lets try and be practical. there is a bit of a dif. to a horse peeing and pooping that someone throwing their burger or chippie wrapper out the window.
What's the difference?? Horse dung IS bio-degradeable and so are burger and chips. Come to think of it... it'll only be a matter of minutes before a crow or scorrie think their birthday has come and get stuck in. They won't be so quick over the horse-do!
I would like to add that I always slow down for horses (regardless of which direction I approach them) and I always get a nod or smile. I once got very annoyed at a lady who did not slow down despite me flashing my lights to warn her that there was a horse ahead of her. She whipped by so close the horse almost threw the girl off.
But - manners maketh the person.
KEEP_ON_TRUCKIN
13-Nov-10, 22:12
What's the difference?? Horse dung IS bio-degradeable and so are burger and chips. Come to think of it... it'll only be a matter of minutes before a crow or scorrie think their birthday has come and get stuck in. They won't be so quick over the horse-do!
athough to be fair horse dung washes away with rain - burger would go rank and fousty and yuk.
orkneycadian
13-Nov-10, 22:42
This is such a good thread for finding out things to tell the police when they comment about some gutter, slurry, dung or silage I've left behind on the road, now that I know I can get away with it!
"Honest officer, its biodegradable silage so you shouldn't be one little bit concerned about it - Its only grass and its not even been eaten yet!"
"C'mon officer, coo dung is a lot less offensive than dog ***** - The coos don't eat meat, so theres really no harm in that big dollop of dung that just fell of the dungspreader..."
"I dont believe that puddle of slurry is a hazard constable, as I do not believe there are laws relating to liquid bovine waste - Its mainly water and will wash away next time it rains"
"That mud, inspector is completely natural and in its own environment - It did, after all, come from that field over there, a mere 20 yards away"
Like I say, believe they are above the law....
This is such a good thread for finding out things to tell the police when they comment about some gutter, slurry, dung or silage I've left behind on the road, now that I know I can get away with it!
"Honest officer, its biodegradable silage so you shouldn't be one little bit concerned about it - Its only grass and its not even been eaten yet!"
"C'mon officer, coo dung is a lot less offensive than dog ***** - The coos don't eat meat, so theres really no harm in that big dollop of dung that just fell of the dungspreader..."
"I dont believe that puddle of slurry is a hazard constable, as I do not believe there are laws relating to liquid bovine waste - Its mainly water and will wash away next time it rains"
"That mud, inspector is completely natural and in its own environment - It did, after all, come from that field over there, a mere 20 yards away"
Like I say, believe they are above the law....
One plop is completely different though - hardly comparable lol
orkneycadian
13-Nov-10, 22:53
Have you seen how many collective "plops" they leave behind at the riding of the marches the day after the county show here?
KEEP_ON_TRUCKIN
13-Nov-10, 23:23
This is such a good thread for finding out things to tell the police when they comment about some gutter, slurry, dung or silage I've left behind on the road, now that I know I can get away with it!
"Honest officer, its biodegradable silage so you shouldn't be one little bit concerned about it - Its only grass and its not even been eaten yet!"
Like I the law....
haha so long as it wisna a 5x4 wrapped bale u just dropped in middle o the barriers u mght get away way that one haha
This is such a good thread for finding out things to tell the police when they comment about some gutter, slurry, dung or silage I've left behind on the road, now that I know I can get away with it!
"Honest officer, its biodegradable silage so you shouldn't be one little bit concerned about it - Its only grass and its not even been eaten yet!"
LOL at this remarks, you should have seen the mess in the street near me, made by the police horses, when Hibs beat thon team from Glasgow on Wed, and they never cleaned it up either [lol]
Riders should go back and clean up after their horses as soon as it is practical to do so, no two ways about it. They should also be aware of other trafic users. Im a biker and i realy watch out for horse riders but there are a few who show so little sence its just plain dangerous to them selfs and other road users. Shouldnt they have third party insurance if they want to use the public roads?
Riders should go back and clean up after their horses as soon as it is practical to do so, no two ways about it. They should also be aware of other trafic users. Im a biker and i realy watch out for horse riders but there are a few who show so little sence its just plain dangerous to them selfs and other road users. Shouldnt they have third party insurance if they want to use the public roads?
Bikers always do show courtesy to riders - I find it really touching :)
Most riders will have insurance - horses are expensive when they break ;) If you are a gold member of the BHS then you get 3rd party insurance included in your membership fee :)
KEEP_ON_TRUCKIN
14-Nov-10, 08:38
Shouldnt they have third party insurance if they want to use the public roads?
you might be suprised then that possiby a high majority of us do - wel all of us with Gold Membership to British Horse Society do have up to £5 Million I thnk it is in public liability!
KEEP_ON_TRUCKIN
14-Nov-10, 08:39
Bikers always do show courtesy to riders - I find it really touching :)
Most riders will have insurance - horses are expensive when they break ;) If you are a gold member of the BHS then you get 3rd party insurance included in your membership fee :)
oops sorry didn't see your post Leanne when I replied.
orkneycadian
14-Nov-10, 11:29
Bikers always do show courtesy to riders - I find it really touching :)
Er, I think you might be mistaking courtesy for fear for our lives! ;) We need to take a wide berth round the track a horse has taken in case we come upon some harmless deposits and skite off the road into the field! Whilst a horse has 4 hoof drive, we only have 1 wheel drive, hence the slowing right down and wide berth. If we have met you coming the oppiste way, we then need to drive at 20 miles an hour in the middle of the road for the next 3 miles (or until we see your horse box and Range Rover at the side of the road) especially on corners in case we find any more deposits! :)
Er, I think you might be mistaking courtesy for fear for our lives! ;) We need to take a wide berth round the track a horse has taken in case we come upon some harmless deposits and skite off the road into the field! Whilst a horse has 4 hoof drive, we only have 1 wheel drive, hence the slowing right down and wide berth. If we have met you coming the oppiste way, we then need to drive at 20 miles an hour in the middle of the road for the next 3 miles (or until we see your horse box and Range Rover at the side of the road) especially on corners in case we find any more deposits! :)
OK bike riders bar you then ;) How about that?
And horses don't poo every two steps - they might poo once if you are out for a couple of hours. And in a couple of hours you could travel about 10 miles...
I get what you're saying however to most drivers seeing a horse rider waving a crop at them would seem nothing other than violent, especially if that driver has no experience of horses.
Most drivers know the hand signals for slow down or stop, not a waving whip.
I was NOT waving it in an agressive way. anyway this particular driver often passed horses on this road and thought it funny to sound his horn or rev up as he was passing then would laugh when he scared the becheesus out of them.
now see thats just being nasty not ignorant.
mightnight_horse
30-Apr-11, 00:18
Build a bridge and get over it instead of telling lies you drama queen!!!!
athough to be fair horse dung washes away with rain - burger would go rank and fousty and yuk.
Yes, I never eat a burger that has been lying in the road more than a day or two. I had my eye on one only the other day but, sadly, a horse pooped on it before I could get to it.
This prompted me to try to do something about this menace to society. I have an initial design involving some leather straps, chains, an old JCB bucket and a pair of roller-skates. It needs more work. I tried it out and it makes a hell of a racket frightening the horse and me and just adding to the problem. :eek:
build a bridge and get over it instead of telling lies you drama queen!!!!
kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
Build a bridge and get over it instead of telling lies you drama queen!!!!
It's an old thread... Who's a lying drama queen - do pray tell :)
Walter Ego
30-Apr-11, 16:07
It's an old thread... Who's a lying drama queen - do pray tell :)
I believe the poster may be somewhat juvenile. Think quite thick and stroppy 13 year old;)
mightnight_horse
30-Apr-11, 20:08
i know she is lying because its my daughter that you are talking about!!!! and walter ego i would prefer if you would not refer to me as a " quite thick and stroppy 13 year old" thank you very much!!! first a whip unless held at arms legnth is NOT 2ft secondly they passed in as soon as possable!!
Walter Ego
30-Apr-11, 20:36
i know she is lying because its my daughter that you are talking about!!!! and walter ego i would prefer if you would not refer to me as a " quite thick and stroppy 13 year old" thank you very much!!! first a whip unless held at arms legnth is NOT 2ft secondly they passed in as soon as possable!!
Given the way you're reacting to this thread:
I'll stick with my initial asessment, thankyou.[lol]
gardeninginagale
30-Apr-11, 20:49
Forgive me for expressing my humble opinion, on such an emotive thread. I "commute" from Castletown to West Dunnet three days a week. On these single track roads, I almost always meet horses and riders. We, whether car or horse, pull in to the nearest passing place, and with my window down we exchange words on the sunniness of the day. I have only once been on a horse, and when I got off, he stepped sideways onto my foot and broke two of my toes. But I am not bitter.
My point is simply this. The side roads of this county are quiet, and ideal for those who have horses. The vast majority of us will respect horses on the road.
My only issue is this - did the original poster mean to offend, or just did so by accident.
"I've come across a few ignorant riders and road users up here"
There are ignorant riders and road users everywhere, but few so ignorant that they would use the expression "up here".
Up here?
Have you seen how many collective "plops" they leave behind at the riding of the marches the day after the county show here?
No- it may be bad, but it can't be seen from Wick.
Try putting "Highways Act 1980 Section 148" into google and see what comes back! ;)
Heres one for starters....
Highways Act 1980 Section 148 “If without lawful authority or excuse a person deposits anything whatsoever on a highway to the interruption of any user of the highway he is guilty of an offence”
highways act 1980 doesn't apply in scotland
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