[pct-l] Donna's horse encounter tips

[dsaufley at sprynet.com (dsaufley@sprynet.com)]

Thanks for asking.  Coming upon horses from the rear, what you don't do is important as what you do!  Communication is the key.

-    Don't come directly up on the rear of the horse under any circumstances (encountering them anywhere).  Some kick, and they have an amazing long reach with those back legs.  The way their eyes are placed in their heads, it is easiest for them to see you if you approach them from the side or diagonally.  

-    As in approaching from the front, talk to the rider and let them know you need to pass, and ask what they'd prefer you do.  Don't wave your arms or whistle, or anything like that to get the rider's attention.  Once the horses are aware you are there, they'll likely be turning their heads to see you, which helps.

-    Remember that most horses freak out with blowing/moving plastic bags of any sort; they don't know it's not alive.  Blowing silnylon could have the same effect.  Keep this in mind if you're wearing a poncho on a windy day!

-    Be aware of what you look like to the horse, and how your appearance could startle it.  For example, if you have a smaller pack that has a low profile on your body, it will be less alarming to the horse than one that distorts the profile of your body (like above the shoulder line), or has moving objects on it.  This is especially true if you're drying your socks and underwear on it and bags or things bobbling around on it such as a water jug.  Even hats contribute to making you have a very different outline than "normal humans."

-    If you have trekking poles, carry them in one hand, close to your body, and away from the horse.  If you're carrying an umbrella, especially the shiny, noisy, mylar & duct tape type, best to have it closed and held down low and away from the horse. 

-    When you walk by the horse in the location instructed by the rider, talk to it in a soothing voice, and keep your arms down to your sides, or tucked close to your body.  Again, no sudden, jerky moves.

-    Truck on :o) and kick up as much dust as you can! 


If you want to stop and visit with the horse, ask the rider if it's okay.  

-    Ideally, take off your pack, and put down your trekking poles.  

-    Never reach suddenly for their faces; instead, pet their neck and work your hand forward toward their face, if they're receptive (not pulling away from you).  

-    Be aware that you will smell very interesting and different than a "normal humans" to the horse ;o)  They will want to check your scent out, some of them even enjoy smelling your breath.  

-    Enjoy this brief encounter, since this is a close as any other living creature may want to get to you until you hit the showers!   

-=Donna Saufley=-

p.s. I just spent the better part of the day "ground driving" my two work horses around the neighborhood.  Ground driving is working them with a harness on, while you walk behind them, as you would with a hand plow.  I'm in training to realize my pipe dream of using my two big monsters for trail maintenance projects, pulling stumps, logs, boulders, etc., or simply packing in tools for the crews.  Not to mention my other dream of getting a wagon to give hikers rides to and from town!  


-----Original Message-----
From: dude <dude@fastmail.ca>
Sent: Dec 4, 2004 10:38 AM
To: pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Donna's horse encounter tips

what if you are behind horses and faster than they are?  what is the 
best way to ask them to yield to you so that you do not have to 
constantly eat their dust?


> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> -------------------------------
> Some tips to keep in mind when encountering horses on the trail to
> prevent them from spooking:
> 
> -   Stop at a safe distance.
> 
> -   Greet and talk to the rider, and ask them what they'd like you to
> do. This does two things:  you find out the rider's preference and
> what works or doesn't work with that particular animal (and boy, can
> they be different). You also let the horse know you are a human.  This
> is especially important if you have appendages like a backpack,
> umbrella, or bike.  The horse may literally not recognize you as
> human, and your voice helps them identify you.
> 
> -   Unless a rider tells you to, it's never a good idea to go onto the
> uphill side of the trail -- horses have a natural fear of things
> taller than them, and being flight animals, you could imperil the
> rider and horse.
> 
> -   Stand still and talk to the horse in a soothing voice as it passes
> you, for the same reasons stated above.
> 
> -   Don't move off too fast after you've been passed by the horse; let
> a little distance happen and then move out without jerky or rapid
> movements.
> 
> -=Donna Saufley=-
> 
> 
> 
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