tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703913.post6829107420947755510..comments2023-10-02T04:41:34.722-04:00Comments on Marry in Massachusetts: Little Legislative Lessons Learnedmassmarrierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02358207247771711952noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703913.post-52725508101062470602009-04-16T22:58:00.000-04:002009-04-16T22:58:00.000-04:00The road needs to be shared with horses, too. Man...The road needs to be shared with horses, too. Many vehicle operators do not know that they should stop when they encounter a horse on the road, then wait for the rider or handler to signal that it is okay to pass. Cycle riders also don't know what to do when they encounter a horse on the street, and they need to learn how to behave when coming from behind. This week I was leading my horse down a quiet country lane when a silent bike rider came up behind us--we didn't even hear any wheel spinning or gear clicking. My horse ordinarily doesn't spook at bikes but this rider didn't let us know he was there. Surprised, she veered sideways into me, I fell and she stepped on my thigh. It is better for cyclists to announce their presence by calling out "bike behind!" or by ringing your bell. Had this cyclist done so, my horse would not have spooked. Horses are prey animals that react to silent approaches from behind as if it were a mountain lion stalking them. They catch a glimpse of movement and bolt first, identify later. So please, if you are a bike rider, make a bit of noise if you are riding up from behind. That identifies you as NOT a lion. Thanks!<br />www.walkingwithwinnie.comAnn S. Byrnshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12201098393099814146noreply@blogger.com