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Taara Amrine (Goodie)
| | Posted on Monday, Apr 16, 2001 - 5:47 pm: |   |
I was just wondering, since this site seems to cover the entire world and not just a small area or country....
Does anyone else have to train their horses for distance (endurance) by riding along the roads? My horses don't usually have a problem with riding along the road unless that miniture horse grazing along the fence decides to "attack" by looking at my mare. Even then, she doesn't jump in front of anyone. I am just worried about training by riding on such unusual surfaces. We ride on the side of the roads and I try very hard to keep off of the cememt. I keep a close watch on their legs and haven't found any trouble yet. Since I can't afford a horse trailer, I am limited to riding along the local roads. We wear safety clothing and reflective gear even in daytime. It is so built up around us that we can't get to trails without following major roads for 5-10 miles. I was just wondering if anyone else uses the roads for training, and if they have any ideas.... |
josephine milano (Jojo15)
| | Posted on Monday, Apr 16, 2001 - 8:03 pm: | |
I also must ride into major traffic areas to get to the bigger parks. 6 lane streets. 2 of them. Most people are in awe of seeing a horse in suburbia when in fact, where I live is considered "horse country". But some drivers are just downright rude and nasty.
I have watched the parks and recreation coupled with the city to try to apease our way... they turn off ambulance and police sirens when they see us, its not just a courtesy its a city ordinance, as is the horse has the right of way. You might want to check with your city council.
I don't ride on the streets to train it's usually to get somewhere (Mcdonalds has paddock in the back  ), but what about tiring her out a little bit before you go off on the streets in case the horse is hyper. I know some who do this, but for me I want to have fun at the park and not have my horse too tired before we even get there.
The major problems with the roads are of the horses slipping on the pavement, concrete is fine, but asphalt is slippery when new. At these junctures, I get off and walk her across. And try not to make to much of a lesson out of it since its right in the middle of everything.
Is your county officials friendly towards the horse community? or find it a nuisance? You can try to make your ride safer by seeing what the city will do for horses on city streets.
There are new stop signs for the travelers to slow down for horses, and the button to push is a little higher so we can push it to cross the street without getting off. and our crosswalks are 50 feet away from the lights so cars must stop twice if there is horse traffic.
I have also made a few friends along the way by asking if I can go thru their property (shortcuts off the main road). I will try first to ask if they would mind. Some do. Some don't. Sometimes they ask you to get off the horse and walk them thru the property. (they think that way is less of a hazard, but I find I can control mine mounted, better).
My one mare grew up in the area and doesn't have a problem with the cars, honking, dogs chasing you, loud music, but I don't think i would chance it with my other mare. If I do go anywhere with her its always in a group with a confident leader and confident horse and make everyone flank us when going thru the intersections.
I also find riding in the early morning or late evenings after traffic has subsided is beneficial, too.
But if your area is anything like mine start saving for a trailer. It won't be long till the cute little 2 lane road becomes that nightmare 6 lane highway. They said it wouldn't happen here. And guess what????  |
Taara Amrine (Goodie)
| | Posted on Monday, Apr 16, 2001 - 9:36 pm: | |
Thanks Josephine,
I have been riding alongside roads for about 8 years but 5 of them were riding on a air base. There was almost no traffic to worry about. I love riding and enjoy the attention but sometimes wonder if our horse lives are becoming extinct animals.
I usually ride in the evenings after 5:30pm. I haven't thought about checking with the city yet. Thanks for the idea! At least that way, I will know my rights. When I rode in UT, we would stop through Taco Bell right outside the west gate and ride through the drive through. I loved the looks on their faces!!! I would get teased by the gate guards for not carrying my ID on me. They would say that they only remember the sock on my gelding's tail, that was the only way I was allowed back in. (joking of course)
Duke loves to haul along the road but I am worried about all the trotting on gravel. I rarely end up on the cement. Being in Washington, I don't ride near the road if it's been raining since the roads get wet and slick. I am just worried about the impact on the legs. I was thinking of going back to the "Professional Choice" boots that I used to use all the time. I was trying to see if anyone else had any protection ideas. Thank you so much for the input. I can only hope that this town is as open to horsemen as yours is. |
William D Kight (Wkight)
| | Posted on Thursday, Sep 27, 2001 - 9:19 pm: | |
About riding on the roads, although I don't travel them to condition my horses, I do enjoy the scenery and the variety of expressions from people passing by! I was at my local horse expo, and there was a vendor advertising "Shock Pads" for horses. They were specially designed slippers almost, that were ment for equines that have to ride on hard surfaces, and are meant to abosrb some of the shock from the road. I've yet to do any furthur reasearch on them, but it may be a possiblity with the internet... |
