Anne
23rd May 1999, 08:00 PM
I know that this subject has probably been raised many times before, on the net, in horse magazines .... but I've just returned from my stables, incensed by the number of rude riders I met on the way to, and from the yard.
There are inconsiderate and discourteous drivers on the road of course, but why can't ALL riders be the ones to set an example in good manners, since we are the ones most likely to be hurt by the consequences of the lack of them!
For example, so many riders just sit there, particularly when approaching a bend, expecting a motorist, who could be the most considerate and responsible of drivers, but who knows nothing about the nature of horses, to decide whether to stop, hang back, go forward, whatever, if they cannot see around the bend ... surely IT IS UP TO THE RIDER, to signal to the motorist whether it is safe to pass, or hang back?
Also, WHY, do so many riders fail to acknowledge those drivers who treat them with courtesy and consideration on the roads?
My husband was driving us to the yard today, and so there were no obvious signs of riding gear in the car, but because I ride, he knows the dangers of being careless or inconsiderate, but, I'm afraid I have to say that with the exception of one rider, ALL of those we met to and from the yard failed to acknowledge his courtesy, and all we got were either scowls, or complete indifference!
Because the roads were narrow, it was almost as though their attitude was one of complete arrogance .... what were WE doing on THEIR road!
Well I'm sorry folks, but the roads do NOT belong to riders ... it is unfortunate that we cannot get to far too many bridleways UNLESS we ride on the roads, so, ignorant drivers apart, I'm making a plea, as a rider to PLEASE try to set more of an example, and DON'T tar all drivers with the same brush! I was upset on my husband's behalf today ... he did not deserve the ill-mannered attitude he encountered, and I'm ashamed and appalled to have witnessed it at first hand.
For those of you like myself who feel it is up to us riders to show the way, and try never to be bad-tempered or rude, I apologise if I have caused offence by this "sounding off", but feel it necessary to remind everyone how privileged we are to be riders, and hope that our bad experiences with dangerous drivers will not prevent us from practising safe riding through good manners ....
And there it is .... at least I feel better ... hope I don't get a barrage of furious outpourings from dissenters, and at least some of you will understand my anger ... I know there are a lot of considerate riders out there .... but I'm afraid I've come across far too many who aren't!
Anne
There are inconsiderate and discourteous drivers on the road of course, but why can't ALL riders be the ones to set an example in good manners, since we are the ones most likely to be hurt by the consequences of the lack of them!
For example, so many riders just sit there, particularly when approaching a bend, expecting a motorist, who could be the most considerate and responsible of drivers, but who knows nothing about the nature of horses, to decide whether to stop, hang back, go forward, whatever, if they cannot see around the bend ... surely IT IS UP TO THE RIDER, to signal to the motorist whether it is safe to pass, or hang back?
Also, WHY, do so many riders fail to acknowledge those drivers who treat them with courtesy and consideration on the roads?
My husband was driving us to the yard today, and so there were no obvious signs of riding gear in the car, but because I ride, he knows the dangers of being careless or inconsiderate, but, I'm afraid I have to say that with the exception of one rider, ALL of those we met to and from the yard failed to acknowledge his courtesy, and all we got were either scowls, or complete indifference!
Because the roads were narrow, it was almost as though their attitude was one of complete arrogance .... what were WE doing on THEIR road!
Well I'm sorry folks, but the roads do NOT belong to riders ... it is unfortunate that we cannot get to far too many bridleways UNLESS we ride on the roads, so, ignorant drivers apart, I'm making a plea, as a rider to PLEASE try to set more of an example, and DON'T tar all drivers with the same brush! I was upset on my husband's behalf today ... he did not deserve the ill-mannered attitude he encountered, and I'm ashamed and appalled to have witnessed it at first hand.
For those of you like myself who feel it is up to us riders to show the way, and try never to be bad-tempered or rude, I apologise if I have caused offence by this "sounding off", but feel it necessary to remind everyone how privileged we are to be riders, and hope that our bad experiences with dangerous drivers will not prevent us from practising safe riding through good manners ....
And there it is .... at least I feel better ... hope I don't get a barrage of furious outpourings from dissenters, and at least some of you will understand my anger ... I know there are a lot of considerate riders out there .... but I'm afraid I've come across far too many who aren't!
Anne