To think I shouldn’t have to stop my run to walk past a horse?

[Famousperson2023]

This has happened twice now. Out for a run and the horse riders have asked me to stop running while I go past their horse!!

I’ll put this in context- daughter rides, I used to ride. When passing a horse or pony I’ll go wide and slow, or stop and wait at a passing place on narrow roads (often while the riders amble up at a slow walk deep in conversation with their fellow riders, 3 abreast….and without a hint of thank you). When I’m out with our dog I’ll make sure she is on the lead while we pass. but being asked to stop and walk???

Keep running and see what happens. Or you could try to be considerate of other road users and just stop running for a few moments. If this is the biggest inconvenience in your life then count yourself lucky

It's a few seconds out of your day to keep everybody, including you, safe. No excuse for not thanking you though.

I’ll put this in context- daughter rides, I used to ride.

If it was your daughter on the horse, knowing the potential consequences of the horse getting spooked, wouldn't you want the runner to walk for a bit?

If a rider asks you to walk it is for a reason. I run past horses when the rider does not indicate there is an issue. A couple of times I have been asked to walk as the horse is young &/or unpredictable. That is fine.

if I am running & approach a horse from behind I always call out so they know I am there.

If you're in a standard town road/pavement situation, then there are surely loads of things that you might need to pause for? Traffic, junctions, lights etc.

If you're on a bridlepath, then you're being ridiculous.

If you're lucky enough to live somewhere you can run for miles on quiet, safe country lanes, and the most inconvenient thing that might happen on your run is that a rider asks you to walk for a few yards, then I'm afraid I can't muster any sympathy for you!

I’m aghast that people bring animals that might ‘kick you in the head’ out in public places.

If we were talking about a dog that bit joggers because it was ‘startled’ the comments would be wildly different.

Until this thread I had no idea horses were so unpredictable.

As people have said, horses are flight animals so just until you're past, walk. It's the responsible thing to do. (If you go through any fields with livestock, also walk, otherwise you may find yourself trampled.)

Just like, don't be a dick, eh.

No problem. Love, the runners.

Just walk ffs. Why is there such a problem with people not wanting to do what they feel they shouldn’t have to? It’s not hurting you, it’s 2 seconds for the safety of all.

Can I assume that when you say your daughter rides that you mean at a riding school round and round a ménage? Because otherwise I can’t see how you could be so clueless.

Yes, the double-standard is a bit odd 🤔.

And what about children running around horses? Is it their fault if they get kicked in the head? My child often runs ahead when we're on a walk and wouldn't necessarily stop immediately.

In what circumstance would your child be free to run around horses?

Popular running spots normally coincide with popular riding spots, and my part of the world stables where present before humans took up running for leisure. In other words the horses were present first. (Though most stables have closed down and been turned into housing.)

Bridle ways aren't needed because horses like cyclists and pedestrians don't need a license on the public roads.

Also if something spooks a horse on a road/lane/path it can run into you further down that same road/lane/path. (Or in my area cause immediate and sudden road closures on roads including dual carriageways that can last until the horse is recaptured.)

So it's actually in your own interest not to spook horses and for others in the area to do similar.

I always walk (and push my bike) past horses (and push my mirrored sunglasses up onto my head and say hello lovely horse as I'm approaching to let them know I'm there). It's such a small thing - why would you risk causing an accident?

Inconvenienced! How ridiculous. It sounds like you're that kind of runner. How arrogant to think you're being put out by having to break stride for a few seconds to go around a horse that's entitled to be there too and to keep it safe. People have to be sensible all the time and think about others: as a motorist, as a pedestrian, as a cyclist, we should all be considering other people's safety. Runners aren't a special category even though some of them seem to think they are.

Of course horses are unpredictable. They are prey animals. And very large. Abd often small of brain / sense. They rely on their riders or handlers to know their potential reactions- and then to ask if required a potentially frightening sight (a running human and dog) to very briefly moderate their pace.

It's not really rocket science. (Equine Behavioural science maybe).

All the children in my area particularly the little ones stop frozen on the spot and stare. They don't run around horses.

I think I did the same as a child as we also lived near a stables. (Stables is now housing.)

I honestly think a lot of you have been kicked in the head already.

Horses and riders have every right to be on the road and in public places no matter what your opinion is.

If you think horses are dangerous then engage your common sense and keep your distance.

And if a rider asks you to walk for a couple of minutes, just do it. Unless you're being chased by a tiger (or another horse), then we'd appreciate the heads up to run too. 😁

Remember, to you it might just be a horse but that horse is our precious pride and joy.

YABU it's common sense to walk. I thought everyone would know a person running near a horse could spook it? Minor inconvenience for you but very important for the rider.

In a similar vein if I'm in a field somewhere with my dog off lead I will call out to riders / cyclists to stop so I can put him back on the lead whilst they pass. Safer for everyone.

Just walk past, no big deal. Storm in a teacup alert🚨

And it sounds like you're that sort of rider/cyclist/driver 🙄.

You introduce the danger, you're responsible for it. You shouldn't be relying on others making allowances to prevent an accident. What about vulnerable path users like children who might not realise the danger you present?

And that's how it's done.

Thank you for being so considerate and polite.

I live near a racing yard and they road work the horses on the estate. The roads are narrow (only wide enough for two cars). Everyone round here knows not to run, cycle or drive close to them and wait until they've passed before starting their engines etc.

I think even the local builders' merchant must know the time they come round on the horses, as all the deliveries seem to be made before 8 or after 9.

So using your logic, you’d not bother for a safety indicator to cross the road? For example, a green pedestrian sign at a crossing because it’s the car driver who’s introduced the danger?

Or do you act like an adult and wait until it’s safe? Just wait until the rider says it’s safe ffs. How obnoxious.

Surely your child has good recall though, otherwise you shouldn't let them run so far ahead that you don't have control of them?

It's just few seconds ffgs..I can't believe people who are so selfish they would prefer causing an accident than stopping their rin for few seconds..