why do horse owners think they own the road ?

Skintslimmer

Oh dear what a thread.

I'll try to keep it brief, and apologise if I am repeating what others have said.

Road tax: I'd happily pay road tax on my horse for two reasons. One, whilst I sincerely doubt that horses do much damage to the roads which would require upkeep, I am all for the council installing horse-friendly roads, signs and crossings, so I'll contribute to that. Secondly I'd prefer it if the anti-horses-on-the-roads brigade had one less reason to dislike us, and I would hope (not holding my breath though) that this would cause a few of them to drive more safely and patiently when they see a horse.


FatAndy: unfortunately there currently isn't a solution for horse riders to pick up poo and take it home with them. I fail to see the problem if the dung is in a road (where it would normally be if a horse should poo on a road ride), the traffic and elements tend to dissipate it fairly quickly and the little old lady you are so concerned about will surely have the common sense to walk around it if crossing the road. It is fact that it is harmless, unlike dog poo, althouh I do appreciate non-horsey people do not like it! if my horse poos on a driveway or as happens occasionally near a pub beer garden (landlords are horse-friendly as are the other drinkers, but nobody enjoys that fresh aroma with their pint!) I kick it out of the way under the nearest hedge. I understand the majority of horse riders do the same if it is in a place which would cause discomfort or difficulty to other road users, so I'm sorry that you may have come across the minority.

Having skipped most of the thread I don't know if somebody has told the OP that horses weren't born fearless in traffic? Like young dogs and young humans they need to be shown that traffic isn't something to be afraid of and how to act appropriately and safely. Sometimes the SAFEST way to do this is to sandwich them between an older/wiser animal and the hedge. This is not only to protect the horse and rider but all other road users, too. We are sorry if our riding two abreast in this circumstance inconveniences you, and can only ask for your kindness and patience while they learn.

If a horse rider fails to acknowledge or act courteously to you, please be aware that there are a few valid reasons why they might behave as so. They may have their hands full, and it would be dangerous for them to take one hand off the reins. They may need to concentrate, or you may have simply missed their nod, smile or wave (its easy to forget that car drivers have blind spots and have to look at the road ahead too! ). If a horse is being ridden in the middle of the road there may be a reason for it, perhaps something spooky in a hedge which may mean that the rider, much though they would LOVE to avoid being a sandwich on your bonnet cannot do much about to get out of your way right now.

Unfortunately there ARE discoureteous riders who don't feel the need to thank you, or move out of the way, and for their behaviour I apologise and ask you to remember we're not all the same.

Horses are animals and not machines, and sometimes no matter how much training, how much the rider WISHES they had somewhere else to ride other than on the road, they can be scared and act unpredictably. A typical horse weighs more than 1/2 a ton. If you don't wish to avoid hurting the horse or human, perhaps you'd like to think about yourself and your car.

Norant

voiceofreason wrote: »

Remember, kids - going on your hols by Ryanair means never having to get pulled by the Old Bill for driving an unroadworthy vehicle and picking up three points on your licence!

Hello voice.


Dont forget the injustice of having illegal tyres,i mean he should in no way have been given the fine and points,not him...No way!

lets hope he gets another nine quick smart,then you jolly horse riders can feel safe in his part of his world.

Mr_Lahey

voiceofreason wrote: »

Remember, kids - going on your hols by Ryanair means never having to get pulled by the Old Bill for driving an unroadworthy vehicle and picking up three points on your licence!

I travelled more last week than you have in your entire life - Probably.

I am like an oracle of knowledge and you feel threatened by it. But you shouldn't, i no doubt provide for your cosy life on the dole, you sit and put the world to rights but the thousands i pay each year in taxes pays for your gas. Go tell your kids about me, they can call me uncle Jim.

voiceofreason

Could be worse - I could be some p*sshead warden of a caravan park.....

Norant

Mr_Lahey wrote: »

Im telling you mate, I drive the same route every day and when they see me coming they get out of the way, because if they don't they are getting an Audi A4 within an inch of them at 60mph.

The result of years of delays and frustration.

Here listen Lahey.

Please dont get sick of correcting me,i am enjoying seeing you getting what you deserve on here which is nobody agreeing with your aggresive point.

FatAndy

Skintslimmer wrote: »

FatAndy: unfortunately there currently isn't a solution for horse riders to pick up poo and take it home with them. I fail to see the problem if the dung is in a road (where it would normally be if a horse should poo on a road ride), the traffic and elements tend to dissipate it fairly quickly and the little old lady you are so concerned about will surely have the common sense to walk around it if crossing the road. It is fact that it is harmless, unlike dog poo, althouh I do appreciate non-horsey people do not like it! if my horse poos on a driveway or as happens occasionally near a pub beer garden (landlords are horse-friendly as are the other drinkers, but nobody enjoys that fresh aroma with their pint!) I kick it out of the way under the nearest hedge. I understand the majority of horse riders do the same if it is in a place which would cause discomfort or difficulty to other road users, so I'm sorry that you may have come across the minority.

If you jump back to post 133 and look at the photo you'll see that the poo I was referring to is slap bang in the middle of a narrow footpath. There is no footpath on the opposite side of the road at this point so it's very difficult to avoid. And there's a very simple solution to the problem. Stick a carrier bag in your pocket and bag it, just like dog owners are expected to do. It's not rocket science.

voiceofreason

I think that one might need something a bit more robust than a plain old carrier bag, Andy....

Norant

If they dont get out of the way....they get a Audi within an inch of them

Years of frustration and delay...!



Yes i think that says just about all that needs to be said,and dont forget about speeding with bald tyres can be even more dangerous.


Why would you want to know my occupation? is that a measure of intelligence,is that how you decide who is clever and who is just an infidel.

Very petty.

Oh by the way i would tell you my occupation but its classified by the MOD,cbbc,dghk,mi high,abcdefg,and hijllmnop,and cocopops.I would then have to slot you.

tandraig

Mr_Lahey wrote: »

I travelled more last week than you have in your entire life - Probably.

I am like an oracle of knowledge and you feel threatened by it. But you shouldn't, i no doubt provide for your cosy life on the dole, you sit and put the world to rights but the thousands i pay each year in taxes pays for your gas. Go tell your kids about me, they can call me uncle Jim.

am like an oracle of knowledge??? and he couldnt even get himself out of a minor motoring fine???
ahhhh he pays thousands a year in taxes - well, newsflash lahey, most of the rest of us do too!
so, your name is Jim Lahey is it?
or is it James Lahey? sounds more likely
and he drives a 36k Audi?
lmao - hope no-one on here is a cracker jim/james Lahey - would be sooooo easy to find you!!

voiceofreason

tandraig wrote: »

[/COLOR]

am like an oracle of knowledge??? and he couldnt even get himself out of a minor motoring fine???
ahhhh he pays thousands a year in taxes - well, newsflash lahey, most of the rest of us do too!
so, your name is Jim Lahey is it?
or is it James Lahey? sounds more likely
and he drives a 36k Audi?
lmao - hope no-one on here is a cracker jim/james Lahey - would be sooooo easy to find you!!

I happen to know he's an alco too