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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Who was BU, me driving or man on horse?

399 replies

EsmeraldaEllaBella · 20/03/2016 18:42

Sorry for another car thread! Name changed recently but am a regular poster

So today I was driving in the countryside, road is wide enough for 2 cars, 60mph road, very straight. There were 3 people in a line on horses coming towards me on the opposite side of the road. I was going about 40mph but slowed to 30mph when I saw them. The man on the front horse started waving his arms and looked really angry saying slow down slow down! Wtf? Angry horse people around here piss me off so much. Was I BU?!

OP posts:
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RustyPaperclip · 20/03/2016 20:47

Op despite my earlier indignation, I just wanted to say I do admire you for posting this thread and being open to advice. I truly echo those on this thread who have supported the fact that you are willing to take advice on board.

SpringHasNearlySprung · 20/03/2016 20:48

If a car isn't safe to be on the road, it shouldn't be on the road. If a horse isn't safe to be on the road, it shouldn't be on the road. Roads are for cars. Entitled behavior on the part of the horse rider. 30 is fine.

Are you the driver that ploughed into a horse drawn funeral procession a month or so ago and killed the horse at the front of the carriage? You're a fuckwit if you think passing at horse at 30 is ok and need to read your Highway Code. I assume you also pass cyclists with inches to spare and at speed? People like YOU are the reason hundreds of riders are hurt and injured each year and horses killed. Of drivers aren't safe to be on the road they shouldn't drive. You're one of them.

BigQueenBee · 20/03/2016 20:48

I was brought up in the country. You pass a horse at a snails pace. I thought that was common knowledge.

NataliaOsipova · 20/03/2016 20:50

Micah I'm not a rider (nor am I a cyclist - just too dangerous for me!), but I know that, at least where we are, that there are numerous bridleways within easy reach of each other and often you will see someone with a horse on a lead rein between them.

Newes Honestly, I'd say that was the fault of three women who shouldn't have been riding THREE ABREAST down a busy road! That's sure as hell not in the Highway Code......

Arpege · 20/03/2016 20:50

Natalie you evidently don't know the Highway Code

It's the driver in that scenario who is legally responsible, as it was not safe to overtake.

It is recommended that riders ride two abreast rather than in single file, because it is easier to pass in the same way that you would pass another vehicle - wide and slow. Single file takes longer to pass as you're more spread out.

It is scary that some car drivers don't even know these basics.

WutheringFrights · 20/03/2016 20:51

I drive a battered old campervan and live in the middle of nowhere. I slow right down for horses and then have to continue driving really slowly until I am way further along the road because the noise when I accelerate, even slowly, would cause much manure!

Feawen · 20/03/2016 20:51

Yes, I wouldn't dream of riding on the roads without 3rd party insurance, and think it's crazy to do so. Maybe it would be too hard to police, but I think it should be illegal to ride on the roads without insurance. I've also passed a riding and road safety test. When I start riding a new horse I introduce them to traffic in a safe space before taking them on the roads, including noisy farm machinery. I won't ride a traffic-shy horse on the roads because it isn't worth the risk to me, the horse, or those I might encounter.

It's true that there are rude, clueless and inconsiderate riders, just as there are rude, clueless and inconsiderate drivers. Unless the law changes we have to share that space and surely it's better to do so sensibly rather than put all concerned at risk.

Newes · 20/03/2016 20:52

The most basic is not overtaking unless you can see it's clear. Whatever is in front of you or how slowly it's going.

Arpege · 20/03/2016 20:52

A rude and inconsiderate rider won't kill you though.

BigQueenBee · 20/03/2016 20:52

I have nil tolerance for cyclists that don't pull over and hog the road, horse's are a different matter.
I used to drive commercial vehicles and always pulled over when there was a layby if I was holding up traffic.
How many of you know a HGV can only do 40 mph on a single carriageway and 50 mph on a duel carriageway?

RustyPaperclip · 20/03/2016 20:53

Imonaplane, my heart goes out to you. I am so sorry for your experienceThanks

Arpege · 20/03/2016 20:53

Natalia thinks you should overtake a horse without crossing to the other side of the carriageway "into oncoming traffic"

Dear god, where do you live so I can avoid it? Shock

Feawen · 20/03/2016 20:55

Natalie, you have much less control over horses from the ground than from the saddle. It's safer for the rider only! You should be even more careful passing a horse being led, if anything.

Arpege · 20/03/2016 20:56

I have done the riding and road safety test, I'm also insured up to the eyeballs, I wear hi vis, a correctly fitted helmet and a body protector.

My horse is also experienced in traffic.

I have nonetheless also almost been killed by a selfish and inconsiderate car driver.

The above things help, but only car drivers can guarantee that you won't be killed or permanently disabled by NOT DRIVING LIKE A TWAT.

BigQueenBee · 20/03/2016 21:02

It makes no difference if the horse riders were riding single breast or not Horses are startled very easily . You have to learn to respect their right to use public roads.

RockUnit · 20/03/2016 21:02

Driverless cars are on the way. Let's hope they know how to overtake horses.

Nobodyspecialanymore · 20/03/2016 21:03

People shouldn't be riding on roads, cyclists should stay off them too. There are plenty of off road trails for cyclists and horses. Putting any horse on a road is risky behavior, they are unpredictable creatures.
No, I've never hurt anyone driving, but insisting on riding bikes and horses on roads puts drivers and riders at risk.
No one need ride on a road.

MrsDeVere · 20/03/2016 21:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

RockUnit · 20/03/2016 21:06

That's incorrect Nobody. Riders and cyclists are just as entitled to be on roads as cars. All road users have a responsibility to be considerate to others.

UmbongoUnchained · 20/03/2016 21:08

nobody are you from fucking Mars?

FeedMyFaceWithJaffaCakes · 20/03/2016 21:08

Forty is way way way TOO FUCKING FAST.
Please slow down and SHOW SOME FUCKING CONSIDERATION before either you or SOMEONE ELSE GETS INJURED.

BadgerCrossing · 20/03/2016 21:09

YABU completely.

Especially what you said about horse people around here Really rude and intolerant.

Redhound · 20/03/2016 21:09

Nobody, dont you realise how selfish and ignorant you sound? Riders, cyclists and pedestrians have MORE right than you to use the roads not less and do need to use the public highways to get around.
People who cannot respect other road users should not be driving on the highways.
Most car journeys are probably technically unnecessary, I could argue that you should use a bike or public transport to be safer and less harm to the environment

Pollyputhtekettleon · 20/03/2016 21:10

It only takes a second for a horse to spook and fly sideways jnto your car. Now considering that, do you want to be doing 30mph or 10mph. Because damn sure you will have killed that rider colliding with his horse at 30.

YABU.

SpringHasNearlySprung · 20/03/2016 21:11

nobody you are being goady with your posts for a reaction. Are you bored tonight?