kids, husbands, bikes and horsy

[Giveitago]

Has anyone some ideas on how to hack one spooky horse(me riding) with a ten yo daughter on the steady mare with two boys on bycycles?

Is it better to have the bikes in front, behind or leave them at home! And where (school too deep) can we bombproof them first without harm?

[Sarah-B]

I have ridden out on TC with DH on his bike a few times and last weekend for the first time we took the boys too (aged 6yrs & 8yrs). We found the best line up on the busier road was me in front with the boys behind and DH bringing up the rear.

DH did have to keep shouting at the boys for getting to close to TC, but luckily he doesn't mind bikes at all.

When we got onto the quieter lanes the boys went in front with DH and me behind.

As for bombproofing can you use a corner of your field?

[LindaAd]

I think I'd have the bikes in front, where you can watch them and they're not going to scare the horses, then the steady mare, then the spooky one at the back so he can follow the mare.

[NoviceNic]

I would have the kids in front. If you have a spooky horse then it isnt wise to go onto roads with kids as well. If the kids are sensible then put the spooky mare in the middle and the good mare at the back. Ride the good mare a little more out from the verge pushing drivers to go wider and slow down more around you and the spooky mare and bikes. Just my opinion. But I think that you will get a variety of thoughts on this one. When I ride out with my bombproor and my 9 yr old daughter on bike she goes in front and me behind with Captain's big bottom in the way for fast drivers to slow down past. :p If there are paths then my daughters bikes on them instead.

[Greentchr]

The horse will feel more in control if she is following the bikes- they are 'running away from her' and don't seem like a predator, hence should not be scary.

When I first got my spooky mare, I never rode without one of my kids on a bike along with me so that if anything should happen, they were there to help me. My horse will go anywhere with a bike now:) .

After a few rides, it did not matter where the bikes were; they would ride circles around us and the horse couldn't care less.

I think it is great training for road riding, since (at least here) you never know when a bike-rider is going to zoom up behind you; they are silent, unlike motorized bikes, and can sneak up on you when they are moving at racing-speed.

I agree with bikes in front, then calm mare, then spooky mare at first, then switch places with the mares, but keep the bikes in front and far enough away (15 feet or so ) that they are not a threat. After a few rides, reduce the distance and I suspect you won't have any trouble.

Has she ever seen a bike? Parking one outside her living quarters for a day or so might be a good introduction. Having the kids just ride around the stables for a day or so also would be a good introduction.

[Giveitago]

thanks for the advice,

I think we may have to ride them around the yard first. I'm not sure of what the reaction may be as he's fairly bomb proof with other stuff. (but not the huge red umbrella)

Will update.