Are there car-hating horse riders, like car-hating cyclists?
Discussion
There's a fairly robust thread in SP&L at the mo, which has turned into the usual cyclists vs drivers (well, cyclists vs me 
) flame war.
If anyone complains about cyclists from the driver's perspective on this and other car forums, some cyclists turn up and put the opposing view very robustly. Cycling forums have been known to have a campaigning (or similar) section which is almost entirely devoted to anti-car discussion.
I would assume that all the things internet cyclists hate about cars and drivers (passing too close/speeding/the inequity of consequence of accidents etc.) would apply at least equally to horse riders. And yet in years on Safespeed and a couple of years on here, I can't recall horse rider vs driver flame wars resulting from anyone saying "bloody horse riders/horse lorries" with the same dreary regularity as whenever anyone criticises cyclists.
Any idea why? My theories so far (it was a long drive home):
1. Horse riders are generally a very civilised lot, most of whom are demonstratively grateful when you attempt to pass them wide and slow. This behaviour is reflected in their internet personas.
2. Horse riding is on average a more rural activity than cycling. Urban people are ruder, so the drivers are ruder and the reaction of cyclists are more rude. Plus there's less traffic where they ride.
3. Horse riding isn't generally seen as an practical alternative mode of transport but as a leisure activity. Consequently it doesn't contain the environmental undercurrent that cycling does for some cyclists, i.e. you aren't riding a horse to reduce car use and are thus unlikely to resent cars on environmental grounds.
4. There have been huge raging arguments every time anyone complains about horse riders/owners and I've just not noticed.
In which case I'll try and start one by saying I hate those rigid bodied horse lorries, which have to be the slowest and least likely to pull in vehicles on the road system today. Off you go...
) flame war. If anyone complains about cyclists from the driver's perspective on this and other car forums, some cyclists turn up and put the opposing view very robustly. Cycling forums have been known to have a campaigning (or similar) section which is almost entirely devoted to anti-car discussion.
I would assume that all the things internet cyclists hate about cars and drivers (passing too close/speeding/the inequity of consequence of accidents etc.) would apply at least equally to horse riders. And yet in years on Safespeed and a couple of years on here, I can't recall horse rider vs driver flame wars resulting from anyone saying "bloody horse riders/horse lorries" with the same dreary regularity as whenever anyone criticises cyclists.
Any idea why? My theories so far (it was a long drive home):
1. Horse riders are generally a very civilised lot, most of whom are demonstratively grateful when you attempt to pass them wide and slow. This behaviour is reflected in their internet personas.
2. Horse riding is on average a more rural activity than cycling. Urban people are ruder, so the drivers are ruder and the reaction of cyclists are more rude. Plus there's less traffic where they ride.
3. Horse riding isn't generally seen as an practical alternative mode of transport but as a leisure activity. Consequently it doesn't contain the environmental undercurrent that cycling does for some cyclists, i.e. you aren't riding a horse to reduce car use and are thus unlikely to resent cars on environmental grounds.
4. There have been huge raging arguments every time anyone complains about horse riders/owners and I've just not noticed.
In which case I'll try and start one by saying I hate those rigid bodied horse lorries, which have to be the slowest and least likely to pull in vehicles on the road system today. Off you go...
Just as many d
heads on horses from my experience. I was stuck behind two people riding side-by-side a while ago, when a truck came towards them they didn't bother moving to the side forcing the driver to slow right down and drive past almost in the ditch to try and avoid scaring the horses.
It didn't work, the one closest to the truck st itself and leapt into the other horse then they both dived into the bushes on the left nearly throwing their riders off in the process. The mongs in silly hats were so desperate to annoy the evil car driver (me) that they nearly killed themselves, the horses would have done a better job of staying out of the way if they were allowed to wander around on their own.
heads on horses from my experience. I was stuck behind two people riding side-by-side a while ago, when a truck came towards them they didn't bother moving to the side forcing the driver to slow right down and drive past almost in the ditch to try and avoid scaring the horses. It didn't work, the one closest to the truck s
t itself and leapt into the other horse then they both dived into the bushes on the left nearly throwing their riders off in the process. The mongs in silly hats were so desperate to annoy the evil car driver (me) that they nearly killed themselves, the horses would have done a better job of staying out of the way if they were allowed to wander around on their own.There are as many ignorant horse riders (%age wise) as cyclists and car drivers. I often drive on rural roads and always pull up at a decent distance , evaluate the ability of the rider to control the horse then overtake pulling as far to the right as possible and going slowly.
about 2/3 of riders will wave a thank you. The other third will glare at you for daring to pass them. Or they will lose control as you are going past (this can gt very interesting!) or they will shout obscenities or give you coffee beans.
People are the same all over doesnt matter if they are on a bike, horse or in a car.
The above does not apply to the hunts. They are cocks who think they own the road and deserve no mercy....
about 2/3 of riders will wave a thank you. The other third will glare at you for daring to pass them. Or they will lose control as you are going past (this can gt very interesting!) or they will shout obscenities or give you coffee beans.
People are the same all over doesnt matter if they are on a bike, horse or in a car.
The above does not apply to the hunts. They are cocks who think they own the road and deserve no mercy....
I was thrown off a horse because an idiot in a car decided to blast the horn and rev the engine as he passed me. My left hand was ran over by the car following him (at the same speed). Both drivers carried on without stopping. 
I'm now right handed.
A bus coming the other way got both number plates and the driver of the second car got a twelve month ban for driving without due care and attention and leaving the scene of an accident. The first car was recovered burned out that night and the owner denied driving it that day.
As for the question. I'm neither a car hating horse rider or cyclist but I know several people who are.
I'm now right handed.
A bus coming the other way got both number plates and the driver of the second car got a twelve month ban for driving without due care and attention and leaving the scene of an accident. The first car was recovered burned out that night and the owner denied driving it that day.
As for the question. I'm neither a car hating horse rider or cyclist but I know several people who are.
Why do people suggest you're either one or the other.
I ride motorbikes and have a number of cars too, so am I a biker or a car driver?
My wife has a couple of horses (big, evil scary things IMO) and a car (Subaru Impreaza WRX-STi). Is she a horse rider or a car driver?
We've also got a converted van stalled for two horses, but it was too slow so I've had it remapped to move a bit quicker.
She thinks most motorbike riders are OK with horses, mcuh better than car drivers, who in recent years seem to drive past as close as they can at whatever speed they were doing before.
Either way there are cocks in all forms of transport / hobbies and that's the way it always has been & always will be. Personally, I don't give a stuff either way, apart from cyclists, they're alls
I ride motorbikes and have a number of cars too, so am I a biker or a car driver?
My wife has a couple of horses (big, evil scary things IMO) and a car (Subaru Impreaza WRX-STi). Is she a horse rider or a car driver?
We've also got a converted van stalled for two horses, but it was too slow so I've had it remapped to move a bit quicker.
She thinks most motorbike riders are OK with horses, mcuh better than car drivers, who in recent years seem to drive past as close as they can at whatever speed they were doing before.
Either way there are cocks in all forms of transport / hobbies and that's the way it always has been & always will be. Personally, I don't give a stuff either way, apart from cyclists, they're all
sR1 Loon said:
Why do people suggest you're either one or the other.
Either way there are cocks in all forms of transport / hobbies and that's the way it always has been & always will be. Personally, I don't give a stuff either way, apart from cyclists, they're alls
Pretty much totally agree there, not wanting to get onto the cyclist argument as we could ride around in circles all day on that debate and I am no longer geared up for it.Either way there are cocks in all forms of transport / hobbies and that's the way it always has been & always will be. Personally, I don't give a stuff either way, apart from cyclists, they're all
sHell yes. There are definitely car hating crazy horse riders out there - Came round a corner to find a fking woman on a fking horse screaming her fking her head off at me and gesticulating in all sorts of ways - I suppose this could be because I had the temerity to drive along a fking road that her fking presence deemed to be for her personal use, rather than for everyone. I was nowhere near the horse, well on my side of the road, and all the obscenities started when I was a good 10 metres away, going the opposite way. If they can't control the horse when there are vehicles on the road, they should get the fk off the road and stay in a field until they learn to control the damn things.
There have also been many other instances where horse riders/grooms have been courteous to me and other road users, waited on the side for cars to pass if necessary, and generally been considerate of other people on the road.
king woman on a fking horse screaming her fking her head off at me and gesticulating in all sorts of ways - I suppose this could be because I had the temerity to drive along a fking road that her fking presence deemed to be for her personal use, rather than for everyone. I was nowhere near the horse, well on my side of the road, and all the obscenities started when I was a good 10 metres away, going the opposite way. If they can't control the horse when there are vehicles on the road, they should get the fk off the road and stay in a field until they learn to control the damn things.There have also been many other instances where horse riders/grooms have been courteous to me and other road users, waited on the side for cars to pass if necessary, and generally been considerate of other people on the road.
We have horse who gets hacked out on roads every now and again for a bit of a change of scenery from the school/cross country field. We take a lot of care to ensure that we are as visible (hi-viz, sensible road positioning, etc) and as considerate as possible to other road users. We also make a bit point of thanking every single person who drives with consideration - and get a bit cheesed when we are in the car and see riders not doing the same (or worse - giving it the snobby/ignorant approach) - this just tarnishes us all and does not help encourage good relations! We also have very comprehesive self and 3rd party insurance (not cheap mind) - and would welcome legislation to make it mandatory- not sure why any rider would risk it without to be honest (although how it would be policed would be anybodys guess!).
An interesting observation which I have made when out with the nags is that 99% of drivers/bikers are great - and quite often its the ones you least expect (e.g. saxo 'kevs' with bean can 'zausts) who are often the best - and I would say that 65+ women drivers are by far and away the worst, often seen driving with a worrying "glazed" - straight ahead/tunnel vision only approach!
All in all I think that all road users should just have basic consideration and respect for others (whatever they are driving/riding) and remember that even a small accident can have big, life changing impacts.
Anybody who is anti-horse should remember this - its a great way to meet and hang around with women who:
1) spend a lot of time riding which does wonders for the thighs/bum
2) wear tight trousers most of the time
3) spend so much time/money on their hobby that its leaves them little time to moan about YOUR hobby of the expensive motor/etc
mosp
ps yes, there is the point 4) "quite prone to the mental" but we will skip over that
An interesting observation which I have made when out with the nags is that 99% of drivers/bikers are great - and quite often its the ones you least expect (e.g. saxo 'kevs' with bean can 'zausts) who are often the best - and I would say that 65+ women drivers are by far and away the worst, often seen driving with a worrying "glazed" - straight ahead/tunnel vision only approach!
All in all I think that all road users should just have basic consideration and respect for others (whatever they are driving/riding) and remember that even a small accident can have big, life changing impacts.
Anybody who is anti-horse should remember this - its a great way to meet and hang around with women who:
1) spend a lot of time riding which does wonders for the thighs/bum
2) wear tight trousers most of the time
3) spend so much time/money on their hobby that its leaves them little time to moan about YOUR hobby of the expensive motor/etc
mosp
ps yes, there is the point 4) "quite prone to the mental" but we will skip over that
I don't know to be honest. The same could be levelled at milk floats and tractors as they slow people down too.
Cyclists irritate car drivers for loads of irrational reasons though. Some dislike the fact that men wear lycra and others think we're all tree huggers. Others still think cyclists don't pay to keep the roads maintained and some other dick on the News/Politics forum thinks cyclists are out of order because they pay less at the pumps/no insurance yet are calling for road repairs etc. etc.
Sadly it's an English thing as most mainland Europeans are sensible enough to respect that cyclists are part of everyday traffic.
Cyclists irritate car drivers for loads of irrational reasons though. Some dislike the fact that men wear lycra and others think we're all tree huggers. Others still think cyclists don't pay to keep the roads maintained and some other dick on the News/Politics forum thinks cyclists are out of order because they pay less at the pumps/no insurance yet are calling for road repairs etc. etc.
Sadly it's an English thing as most mainland Europeans are sensible enough to respect that cyclists are part of everyday traffic.
There`s a few horsey people near me,a couple of them have the hi-vi`s with car hating slogans,it dont stop the same two stuck up tts using a guzzling range rover and Q7 to tow their horseboxes though!
I cycle,ride and drive and depending on my choice of transport adopt the same attitude,I know what its like having some transit or 3 series polish your right leg because they need to get home two seconds quicker.
I also know what its like being stuck behind some old fella wobbling around in the kerb,it aint great but is it the end of the world? some motorists hate cyclists because they think they are getting free use of the roads,I say they are risking their necks,far more costly than the price of a bit of road tax and insurance.
ts using a guzzling range rover and Q7 to tow their horseboxes though!I cycle,ride and drive and depending on my choice of transport adopt the same attitude,I know what its like having some transit or 3 series polish your right leg because they need to get home two seconds quicker.
I also know what its like being stuck behind some old fella wobbling around in the kerb,it aint great but is it the end of the world? some motorists hate cyclists because they think they are getting free use of the roads,I say they are risking their necks,far more costly than the price of a bit of road tax and insurance.
mosp said:
Anybody who is anti-horse should remember this - its a great way to meet and hang around with women who:
1) spend a lot of time riding which does wonders for the thighs/bum
2) wear tight trousers most of the time
3) spend so much time/money on their hobby that its leaves them little time to moan about YOUR hobby of the expensive motor/etc
mosp
ps yes, there is the point 4) "quite prone to the mental" but we will skip over that
Sounds exactly like my wife and she loves me buying more motorbikes and cars, as it means she gets another horse.1) spend a lot of time riding which does wonders for the thighs/bum
2) wear tight trousers most of the time
3) spend so much time/money on their hobby that its leaves them little time to moan about YOUR hobby of the expensive motor/etc
mosp
ps yes, there is the point 4) "quite prone to the mental" but we will skip over that
sinizter said:
Hell yes. There are definitely car hating crazy horse riders out there - Came round a corner to find a fking woman on a fking horse screaming her fking her head off at me and gesticulating in all sorts of ways - I suppose this could be because I had the temerity to drive along a fking road that her fking presence deemed to be for her personal use, rather than for everyone. I was nowhere near the horse, well on my side of the road, and all the obscenities started when I was a good 10 metres away, going the opposite way. If they can't control the horse when there are vehicles on the road, they should get the fk off the road and stay in a field until they learn to control the damn things.
Yep, I used to ride horses IN FIELDS so I'm aware of them yet I have met idiots like this.king woman on a fking horse screaming her fking her head off at me and gesticulating in all sorts of ways - I suppose this could be because I had the temerity to drive along a fking road that her fking presence deemed to be for her personal use, rather than for everyone. I was nowhere near the horse, well on my side of the road, and all the obscenities started when I was a good 10 metres away, going the opposite way. If they can't control the horse when there are vehicles on the road, they should get the fk off the road and stay in a field until they learn to control the damn things.I was going slowly but I do have a relatively loud exhaust. They went mental at me as I braked to avoid the two of them riding side by side blocking the road.
Needless to say I booted it off...
then reversed and booted it again...
and again.
If you can't keep your bloody transport under control GET THE f
k OFF THE ROAD.If I'd come around the bend at 40+ then I'd have had 2 tons of horse and rider on top of me... if anyone should have gone mad it should have been me !
redgriff500 said:
Yep, I used to ride horses IN FIELDS so I'm aware of them yet I have met idiots like this.
I was going slowly but I do have a relatively loud exhaust. They went mental at me as I braked to avoid the two of them riding side by side blocking the road.
Needless to say I booted it off...
then reversed and booted it again...
and again.
If you can't keep your bloody transport under control GET THE fk OFF THE ROAD.
If I'd come around the bend at 40+ then I'd have had 2 tons of horse and rider on top of me... if anyone should have gone mad it should have been me !
If you'd done that to my wife, I'd have smashed your face in.I was going slowly but I do have a relatively loud exhaust. They went mental at me as I braked to avoid the two of them riding side by side blocking the road.
Needless to say I booted it off...
then reversed and booted it again...
and again.
If you can't keep your bloody transport under control GET THE f
k OFF THE ROAD.If I'd come around the bend at 40+ then I'd have had 2 tons of horse and rider on top of me... if anyone should have gone mad it should have been me !
Cock.
Johnnytheboy said:
4. There have been huge raging arguments every time anyone complains about horse riders/owners and I've just not noticed.
This.Plenty of horse rant threads on here. Also, Glue pots. The PH invasion of Horse and Hound...
My own thoughts... Well, if you had a car that had a tendency to charge off uncontrollably in a random direction whenever another car went past, or when you drove past a piece of paper in the hedge, nobody would even think of disagreeing with the statement that it was a danger to its own driver and everyone else on the road and anyone who did drive such a car on the road should be prosecuted for driving a dangerous vehicle.
Yet there is a sizeable contingent who don't see the problem in taking a horse which does this same thing on the road. The double standard and the sheer stupidity annoy me intensely.
It is possible to train/condition a horse so that it behaves safely on the road and does not freak out at things which occur on the road all the time. Police horses are so conditioned. There should be some kind of annual "horse MoT" to check that the horse is indeed so conditioned and if it fails it's not allowed on the road - just as a dangerous car isn't.
To the argument that not all horses can be sufficiently well conditioned to pass such a test, and the horse owned by the propounder of that argument is an example, my response is... tough s
t. Get a different horse. If you want to ride a trials bike on the road you have to either make it road legal or if that's not possible get a different bike... no reason why horses should be any different.colonel c said:
For some reason I find that many horsey pople appear to be permanently ill-tempered.
Some are. I know of one lady who is in permanent pain because she was in a car crash and it screwed up her back so badly she can't ride her horse any more (thus it is a large, expensive pet with no rider).No idea if she was permanently ill-tempered before that though
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