Horses on the road in the 21st century
- Thread starter singist
- Start date
I dont think horses should be banned from our highways, they are easily passed, its just that people are far more impatient now than when they were our primary means of transport.
It's an impressive sight to see the army bringing a good 50-60 horses up from central london to the top of hampstead on training!
It's an impressive sight to see the army bringing a good 50-60 horses up from central london to the top of hampstead on training!
There are a lot of riders on the island but I have nothing against them, I mean sometimes I think, ride them on the effin trails etc, but they do try to stick to green lanes in Jersey.
I had one slight "altercation" when I was taking a sharp bend, beeped my horn to warn oncomers as it's a blind corner and that is what you do, but there was a horse/rider just out of view.
I also had plenty of stopping room, but she thought I was speeding, blah blah shouldn't beep (it's there to warn others!) and had a right hissy fit.
Like anything though, one bad apple doesn't mean they all are.
I had one slight "altercation" when I was taking a sharp bend, beeped my horn to warn oncomers as it's a blind corner and that is what you do, but there was a horse/rider just out of view.
I also had plenty of stopping room, but she thought I was speeding, blah blah shouldn't beep (it's there to warn others!) and had a right hissy fit.
Like anything though, one bad apple doesn't mean they all are.
Saw a guy on monday riding on the outside, a people carrier pulled out (I guess he didnt see him) but didnt put the rider in any real danger, the cyclist then saw fit to chase the guy down, swear a LOT at him then leave his bike on the floor take his chain lock and smack the guys car with it trying to break the window.
the problem is how on earth are you meant to report stuff with cyclists? being they have no registration etc?
Soldato
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- 12 Dec 2002
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- 2,951
This is very true, I do lots of work in Westminster and that sort of area, very impressive!
The worst thing where I live are groups of cyclists out on a weekend in their latex riding in mass groups at 10 to 20 mph. Sometimes the group is bigger than an hgv and on our roads there aren't many safe passing places.
The other irk is when you get two cyclists riding side by side talking to each other and again not leaving enough room for you to pass.
The other irk is when you get two cyclists riding side by side talking to each other and again not leaving enough room for you to pass.
I live in a semi-rural area and we get a lot of horses on the road, I don't mind it as much but its when they walk along and leave a chuffing gert turd trail behind them. We have to pick up after our dogs, I do understand that horses turnouts are bio-degradable due to the diet but still its not pleasant.
I want to hear more about this please.
Horses are beautiful animals and they don't deserved to be placed on a busy road with fast cars. I always slow down out of respect for the animal and I do like gaining a nod or indication from the rider that I have made this kind gesture.
It does really, really irritate me when my efforts are ignored / disregarded though.
It does really, really irritate me when my efforts are ignored / disregarded though.
I do agree - Slowing down and getting "the nod" is very cool
But when I don't get the nod...
It's like when I flash my lights to let someone into a turning first - If you don't give me a wave... It ruins my entire day
Hardly exclusive to horse riders though is it?
Associate
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- 24 Jan 2010
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- 2,141
Well in that situation, the sensible solution would have been to drive the people carrier over his bike.
They are road users just like anyone else. Sorry, but get used to it, they aren't going anywhere. Just because you are in a car (or other motor vehicle) doesn't give you a privilidge beyond their's.
It's annoying having them not say thanks, but think how many people they have to say thanks to in the course of a road ride.
So.. drivers, get of your high horse and try viewing it from the other perspective.
The one about coming around a bend and being greeted by horses is a tough one. I wouldn't like to be on a horse/bike/walking when a car comes round the bend at 50mph and has to brake hard regardless of whether it was 'safe and controlled'. It would likely scare you.
It's annoying having them not say thanks, but think how many people they have to say thanks to in the course of a road ride.
So.. drivers, get of your high horse and try viewing it from the other perspective.
The one about coming around a bend and being greeted by horses is a tough one. I wouldn't like to be on a horse/bike/walking when a car comes round the bend at 50mph and has to brake hard regardless of whether it was 'safe and controlled'. It would likely scare you.
Considering I usually go the extra effort for horse riders, then I would say it was more annoying, especially when they are in the extreme minority of road users and should appreciate they are not a usual 'obstacle'.
Of course, jerks on the road will be irritating jerks, whatever the vehicle.
And sometimes the view you have from being stuck behind a horse can be very pleasant...........
Man of Honour
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- 27 Sep 2004
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He might be equally fuming when his efforts at courtesy are disregarded by any other road users but only mentions horse riders here because of the topic?
It doesn't bother me all that much seeing horses on the road except that occasionally I think for their own safety they'd be better off not being there when you see a clearly frightened horse or rider and that can cause a danger to themselves and others. It's rare enough for me to see a horse on the roads here that the temporary inconvenience isn't much of an issue, back where my parents live it's more common but provided you show a bit of respect and consideration it shouldn't be a problem - it's worth remembering they're considerable more vulnerable than you are normally when sat in a car.