[pct-l] Horse etiquette

[Scott Williams]

My horse loving friends taught me to pass a rider by waiting (or walking,
if the trail is wide enough) on the downhill side of the trail when the
path traverses a hill.  We can usually scramble out of the way if a horse
gets spooked whereas a rider and horse loosing its footing on the downhill
side may cause serious injury to both as they tumble down a slope or
cliff.  A horse getting spooked and bolting up hill is not quit so
dangerous.

I also quiet my poles and voice and try not to look the horse in the eye
right off as we are predator in the natural scheme of things -- two eyes
that look straight ahead in a narrow field of vision -- and they are prey,
-- eyes on both sides of their heads for a broader view of the world and
predators.

I'm one of those hikers who actually love seeing horses on trail.  I don't
mind the horse crap in the trail so much if it means seeing these
magnificent animals ride past.  I'm just a damn romantic where it comes to
these great beasts.  They are beautiful and I always get a thrill seeing
horse and rider in the wilderness.  Takes me back a few thousand years on
the planet and is always a treat.

Shroomer

On Sun, Mar 11, 2012 at 7:32 PM, Christopher Swope <sswwooppee at gmail.com>wrote:

> Before my hike in 2010, I wish I had the sense to ask this list about
> proper horse etiquette before I hit the trail.
>
> Maybe one of the knowledgeable horse people on this list could go over
> what's expected of hikers and riders when they meet one another on the
> trail? I'm a little embarrassed to say, I still am not entirely sure what
> best practices are, other than:
>
>
>   - don't scare the horse.
>   - don't get kicked by a horse.
>
>
> Anyhow, someone is sure to be helped out with this info.
>
>
>
> Swope
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