gandalf1957 · 61-69, M
I think that In rural parts of England there are plenty of bridleways for horse riders without using footpaths, and if one keeps horses in an area where there are no bridleways then they should either move home or not keep horses then neither horse nor rider would be injured due to traffic and walkers can walk footpaths.
hartfire · 61-69
Gosh, I can see how it's hard for you as a pedestrian.
It's also very hard for equestrians. When we shout at and signal drivers, it's not to be abusive, it's to be heard over the noise of their engines, music or radio, phones, and through closed windows.
When we say "slow down" we mean to 10 kph or 5 mph - because horses themselves are instinctively terrified of anything that goes fast and makes a lot of noise. That terror can cause them to bolt or shy, both of which can lead to death or crippling of both horse and rider.
One can train a horse to handle traffic, but it is impossible to do so without first exposing them to gentle and safe traffic and gradually upping the exposure -- however there are very few places, usually none, where this is possible.
Most drivers have no idea of horses' instincts compel them to behave and thus unwittingly put equestrian and horse lives at risk.
Places for horses to trail ride are gradually being closed down. Private landowners are less and less willing to allow neighbors to ride through (except in Britain where the law gives equestrians and pedestrians with pets the right to pass through so long as they do no damage and stay near the boundaries).
It is possible to buy "nappies" for horses - however these are outrageously expensive, environmentally toxic, and most riders can't handle the laughter, teasing and insults.
The best answer is for local councils to create bridal paths beside roads, but remarkably few municipalities do.
In some places it would be too expensive for rate payers.
In others, it would be easy whenever new roads are built or old ones repaired.
Riders could build a case for bridle paths in that equestrians usually bring greater prosperity to rural areas.
It's also very hard for equestrians. When we shout at and signal drivers, it's not to be abusive, it's to be heard over the noise of their engines, music or radio, phones, and through closed windows.
When we say "slow down" we mean to 10 kph or 5 mph - because horses themselves are instinctively terrified of anything that goes fast and makes a lot of noise. That terror can cause them to bolt or shy, both of which can lead to death or crippling of both horse and rider.
One can train a horse to handle traffic, but it is impossible to do so without first exposing them to gentle and safe traffic and gradually upping the exposure -- however there are very few places, usually none, where this is possible.
Most drivers have no idea of horses' instincts compel them to behave and thus unwittingly put equestrian and horse lives at risk.
Places for horses to trail ride are gradually being closed down. Private landowners are less and less willing to allow neighbors to ride through (except in Britain where the law gives equestrians and pedestrians with pets the right to pass through so long as they do no damage and stay near the boundaries).
It is possible to buy "nappies" for horses - however these are outrageously expensive, environmentally toxic, and most riders can't handle the laughter, teasing and insults.
The best answer is for local councils to create bridal paths beside roads, but remarkably few municipalities do.
In some places it would be too expensive for rate payers.
In others, it would be easy whenever new roads are built or old ones repaired.
Riders could build a case for bridle paths in that equestrians usually bring greater prosperity to rural areas.
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hartfire · 61-69
@Caroline259 i Do feel strongly for anyone in a wheelchair, or who needs a walking frame or stick. They absolutely need and deserve a clear and safe path.
I guess from your point of view, it probably looks like the riders who are out for leisure time are selfishly making it hard for far too many others, especially those who have medical or fire emergencies and the workers who need to rescue them. I guess that's exactly how it is.
But maybe also there are many others factors affecting why the riders have no other safe choices. I'm not in that area so I can only guess at the most likely and common reasons.
If one takes a Utilitarian point of view, the well-being of the majority outweighs the wellbeing of any minority.
From my point of view, the best and most workable solution would meet everyone's needs - so the existing situation needs better planning and structural change.
I could easily reply to your point about walking on major roads and access to quiet roads, but I believe it would be best if you went to a local agistment stables or riding school and actually asked them for their experiences, fears, needs and actual attitudes.
To assume that someone is antisocial because of one type of activity in their life is a big call.
I guess from your point of view, it probably looks like the riders who are out for leisure time are selfishly making it hard for far too many others, especially those who have medical or fire emergencies and the workers who need to rescue them. I guess that's exactly how it is.
But maybe also there are many others factors affecting why the riders have no other safe choices. I'm not in that area so I can only guess at the most likely and common reasons.
If one takes a Utilitarian point of view, the well-being of the majority outweighs the wellbeing of any minority.
From my point of view, the best and most workable solution would meet everyone's needs - so the existing situation needs better planning and structural change.
I could easily reply to your point about walking on major roads and access to quiet roads, but I believe it would be best if you went to a local agistment stables or riding school and actually asked them for their experiences, fears, needs and actual attitudes.
To assume that someone is antisocial because of one type of activity in their life is a big call.
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ineedadrink · 51-55, M
Morvoren · F
Imagine having a life so simple and easy that this is your biggest problem.
smiler2012 · 61-69
@Caroline259 lol if you have a garden or allotment and bucket and shovel it is a result
SunshineGirl · 36-40, F
Is this near you? It's usually fairly easy to track down the owners and ask them to clear up.
But in the grand scheme of things, I find a heap of horse s**t on the road less harmful or objectionable than what the collective body of motorists leave behind.
But in the grand scheme of things, I find a heap of horse s**t on the road less harmful or objectionable than what the collective body of motorists leave behind.
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