Yesterday afternoon I was driving home at about 25 mph through our subdivision when coming at me on the other side of the street were three people on three horses. Gorgeous horses. Big horses. Very calm.
Just walking along. *clip-clop, clip-clop*
Not knowing what to do when driving past horses on my suburban street, I slowed down to about 10 mph. The people on the horses nodded, waved, but did not smile, as we passed each other.
Ever self-aware, I realized that I may have done something wrong.
So here is my question: when driving through city streets am I supposed to treat horses as cars and just drive on by; OR am I supposed to slow down [stop?] when I see them?
Anyone got an answer? I sure don’t. This is all new to me.
• • •
THE SPECTACLED BEAN 
I wonder if anyone is going to see this post. There is something wrong with my WP editor. It keeps changing the spacing on this post, causing me to doubt whether or not WP has published it. Hoping for the best here.
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Okay. Just checked and this post posted like I want it to look. Wonder why the system went bonkers? It’s not like WP to not let me post… that wouldn’t help them at all!
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One of the recent jetpack updates totally fouled up posting – but that’s been fixed. And I can see your post!
As for your question, I’ve always slowed down for horses. I don’t know if it’s the right thing to do but I’m afraid of spooking them.
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Zazzy, is that what happened with the posting? I’ve had some rather strange probs since last week. Thx.
I slowed down for the reason you stated. Those animals were big, large, tall, strong, intimidating. I didn’t want any trouble.
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I loved that show! We always slow down and never make sudden changes of direction. Horses spook at the oddest things.
Nod and wave is the normal courteous response acknowledging you. Maybe they were busy talking or watching the horses – don’t think the lack of smiles meant anything.
Oh, great. WP quirks again. Sigh
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philmouse, good answer. I thought that I was doing the right thing, but then afterwards I wondered. Will heed your advice about not worrying about the lack of smiles; I imagine if I was riding a horse down a street I’d be more focused on not falling off than seeming cheery.
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I have no idea what you are supposed to do but I always think it’s wise to go slow enough that you can stop if something wonky happens. I would feel so bad if I hurt a horse.
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kate, that was my reasoning exactly. I’ve seen riders on horses go by when I’ve been inside my house, but this was the first time I encountered them while I was in a car. Strange moment.
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I see your post. I vote for accelerating and heading right toward them, then swerve out of the way at the last minute. I say this because I assume nobody else will say this.
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Z-D, well. of. course. no one is going to say that because IT’S A STUPID IDEA.
[And just keep in mind that if there is an accident btwn me and the horses then you, Mr. Esq, will have to deal with the insurance company. And you don’t want that, now do you?]
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If people take horses on the road with CARS and not on a trail then they are responsible for keeping them under control and knowing what to do, in my opinion. I think slowing down was a wise move and giving them plenty of room was also indicated since they could do massive amounts of damage to themselves and your car. Zen Den’s idea makes me laugh though; I know several teenage neighbors who would probably do exactly that!
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Margaret, I hope that whoever rides a horse around here knows what he or she is doing. It was a strange sight to see these horses on my street. I guess that it’s legal but I don’t know if I think that it’s smart. Of course, I know so little about horses that maybe it’s just what you do.
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I generally slow down just so I can maneuver better if the animal startles or anything. Do cowboys smile? 😉 I feel like it’s not cool to smile. Maybe nod or tip a hat?
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Kourtney, this was my first experience with horses in suburbia and slowing down seemed sensible. You are the first person who has practical experience with this car – horse etiquette issue. Thanks for the advice.
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I grew up in a small CT town so we had people riding horses on roads. It just seemed natural to slow down. I’d do the same for a bicycle or pedestrian. 🙂
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I’m not sure what I would do because my neighborhood streets have lots of curves and I would probably be on top of them before I knew it. I do know I would be thinking, “What the hell are these horses doing on my street!”
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la p, I was thinking exactly what you said. I mean, really?!! Horses? Here? Wonder if this was a one time event or a preview of things to come.
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Ally, we have so many horses around here! I think what everyone has said about slowing down, giving them a wide berth, is correct, they spook at the slightest thing. But I do get angered when the riders barely acknowledge the effort, or plain ignore me, or look at me from on high with a superior look on their faces. In which case I agree 100% with Zen Den (not a stupid idea, the stupid idea is taking horses on the roads with cars, as Margaret said), or drive past really fast honking the horn loudly. Lord knows I’ve wanted to do that on many an occasion!
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Polly, thank you for your insight. I really didn’t know what to do when I saw the horses + riders coming at me. It was surreal. I agree that these ppl did appear to be superior as they went by me.
Be that as it may, I need to get used to horses + riders because now that the horse crowd has figured out this shortcut to the trail through our sleepy subdivision, I suspect that there will be more of them.
*clip-clop, clip-clop*
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