Motorbikes

[Nookster]

My boy has a terrible of motorbikes.

The louder they are the worse reaction he takes. If they are coming head on we normally run backwards at 100mph up take a flakey on the spot and dart in any direction possible. Last night because a particular rider refused to slow we ended up vertical.

I just can't see the answer?

He is fine with other vehicles.

Has anyone else had the same problem with there horse ? Any suggestions for over coming this problem?

[eventerbabe]

do you know anyone with a motorbike who would let you use it to help chinook over his fear?? my course of action would be to get him used to one just sitting there, doing nothing, then progress to engine on, then engine on and moving. its weird its only motorbikes and not other vehicles. is he ok with push bikes??

[larryt]

I can't claim to follow my own thinking, let alone a horse's, but is it possible that he links seeing human types on horses with human types on two wheels - he may think a bike is thus some sort of threatening moster horse. Acclimatisation, as eventerbabe says, is probably a good way. Maybe start with motorcycle with no rider -and/or possibly with some one he knows (you?)on initially. You can get the owner to actually do the riding. I hope it works out as we both have a right on the road - although I have far less sympathy with off road motorcycles, who often should not be riding etc etc. . . .

[Nookster]

It was lovely day yesterday and i appreciate the bike rider was out appreciating the nice weather same as myself.

I had asked several times for him to slow when I felt Chinook get worried. No response. (maybe they thought i was just trying to fly). We could be seen as it was on a straight stretch of road. I also had him kitted out in High vis - it was a clear day but with it being country back roads just want the extra 'hello we are here'. This probably added to the panic as he had longer to see it and it came very fast towards him. The other problem was it was a very loud burbling motorbike? chopper / Harley kind.

His reaction took me by surprise as its the worst he’s been with a motorbike. I have experienced this once before but with a moped when he shot backwards into a stone pillar. All other traffic is fine...... I try to stay calm and ease him through it but I can also guarantee when i know we reach the point of no return I just tense up! which doesn't help..... :(

The rider in particular couldn't care less. Normally they slow right down or turn off there engines when they see him react so badly. This rider dropped a gear in front of us and the burble bang just made a bad situation worse. Seemed the rider was getting some kind of joy out of the situation.

There is a quad on the yard that I guess sounds like a motorbike to introduce him to the sound but I’m not sure of anyone in the area that has a motorbike

I think at the moment solo riding is out of the question……..

[eventerbabe]

i'd take advantage of having the quad bike and do some de-sensitising. no, solo riding isn't a good idea if he has such a violent reaction to bikes. not all bike riders are inconsiderate, i met a nice one yesterday.

[larryt]

I can only apologise on behalf of bikers - even when young and wild (big bikes, little silencing) I and the crowd of 'outlaw' bikers I rode with were always careful with horses (even with no one else) - I think we regarded them as fellow alternative transport types. And this was long before I got into horses as well.

I'm afraid you get thoughtless inconsiderate types everywhere.

Larryt

[lightining]

Sorry to hear about your bad experience with the motorbike, please dont let it put you off. Charlie is the slightest bit bothered by them, but then where we hack around the majority of motorbikes do slow down and pass us with respect. I also make sure that I thank them when they do. Try the methods already suggested and good luck