Thursday, July 11, 2019

Mountain Bikes on Horse Trails? No Problem if You’re Prepared

Thehorse.com - Full Article

Introduce horses systematically to bikes, hikers, backpackers, strollers, and ATVs to reduce spooking on the trail.

Posted by Robin Foster, PhD, CHBC, Cert. AAB, IAABC | Jul 4, 2019

Few things are more enjoyable than riding through the forest, coming around a bend in the path, and having the sky open to a breathtaking mountain vista. But, today, equestrians are sharing the trail with a growing number of outdoor enthusiasts, and a rider might instead come around a bend in the path to encounter a group of day hikers or off-road cyclists. This has led many rider to seek advice on how to prepare for encounters with mountain bikes on horse trails.
In urban equestrian areas, off-leash dogs and baby buggies are often as common as horses. These unfamiliar, fast-moving, and loud objects can frighten horses, causing them to startle, panic, rear, or bolt.

A few strategies can help prepare your horse for these contemporary trail obstacles and increase safety...

Read more here:
https://thehorse.com/110581/mountain-bikes-on-horse-trails/

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