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Kes
Platinum Member
 England
1819 Posts |
 Posted - 02 Jun 2011 : 9:11:04 PM
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I have done a search and didn't find much on this topic so thought I would ask people's thoughts and maybe some can share their experience.
I have a 6yo newly backed and I am hoping to get him out in traffic very soon. So far when he has seen vehicles moving around whilst tied in the yard he has had various reactions from 'fixed eyes on the scary thing' to 'I'm going back to my paddock now'.
In people's opinions which is safer and best for the horse to learn: Taking a horse on the roads in-hand (trusty 12ft line will come in handy here), I would follow another field companion who I know to be good in traffic or, ride him out with same trusted field companion and have OH armed with same 12ft line just in case?I would be interested in knowing what has worked well for other people, also, knowing what not to try would be helpful.
The area directly outside the yard gate is village/residential but it does have a bus route every 30 minutes. Drivers in our area know we and another yard who are close by use these roads a lot so are generally quite considerate.
I have a highviz to wear and life insurance, equine insurance...
Any ideas would be great, Carole.
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Carole & Kes, West Sussex. |
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Offira
Platinum Member
England
1583 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jun 2011 : 9:52:10 PM
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My mare was terrifed by traffic. Not being naughty just genuinely very scared and panicky, I didn't have another horse to go out with as nanny on a regular basis so started by taking her out in hand on Sunday mornings when it was quiet (lunge line and gloves and hat, tabard with L plate on it).
I chose a route with plenty of escape places in it. Every time a car came we stopped and waited. I tried not to hold her but was there to lean on if needed so that gradually she built up confidence for herself. She is not the type to pull away and clear off though more gallop on the spot. When she comes back in to work every spring I give her a refresher course as it would be too much to just step out in to the fast traffic round here. Avoid rush hour, even in the countryside as people as rushing to/from work and school.
Definately avoid wet days as the cars are so much louder. |
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Offira
Platinum Member
England
1583 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jun 2011 : 9:54:03 PM
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| oops, forgot the vital bit! We started off just standing at the end of the drive to just watch everything go by. |
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Sabine K
Bronze Member
130 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jun 2011 : 10:06:50 PM
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2 or 3 month after my filly`s birth I already started walking with her (together with her mum) to confront her with bikes, cars, etc. etc.
Her mum is a horse that would stop an ambulance just to have a look at the blinking lights on top 
This month, I have moved into another stable and next to the meadow trains are passing - she does not care.
I started all of it so early, to make sure, that I am not having a scared 3 year old one, who feels save being ridden in the indoor arena only.
That`s what we have in the new stable.
Guess what: A couple of days ago, a girl asked me, I she could join us next time I take my filly for a walk (I want her a bit slimmer for the next show ).
The day was today:
Me and my filly went first ( I had her on a lounge - just in case) and the scary 15 year old westfalian gelding was following under saddle.
When we came back, the girl was smiling and saying that she never had such an relaxed ride on the countryside with that horse.
Just 3 hours ago, I had a phone call by another girl: asking if I could go on a walk with her as well
I am so proud of my little girl who does not care about bikers, cars, etc. at all. |
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arabesque
Silver Member
339 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jun 2011 : 10:49:02 PM
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Sabine, that's a lovely story, a real success!
I second Offira with the 'L' plates - I wore them when I started hacking my youngster out, and noticed that people laughed, but took more care going past! |
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Kes
Platinum Member
England
1819 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jun 2011 : 11:10:07 PM
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Thank you for your replies, it's good to hear other peoples experiences, ideas and recommendations. I have heard of people using the 'L' plate idea before although haven't actually seen it. Who cares if someones laughs, the point is , they saw you and took notice
I am starting tomorrow with taking him to the yard gate, from there he will see moving traffic from about 25m away as we aren't on a direct path with the traffic flow, luckily there is a big patch of lush grass there, hopefully he'll be more interested in that! If he's ok with that I will open the yard gates and go outside, I thought I would just increase it every day all the time he is happy until I can lead him quietly down the road and back. It's so exciting, my little man going into the big wide world. Sorry, had a Pimms earlier  
Thanks again, Carole. |
Carole & Kes, West Sussex. |
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Callisto
Platinum Member
6905 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2011 : 01:02:13 AM
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We took our youngsters out at first leading them on the inside of a traffic proof horse, then progressed to riding them using traffic proof horse as a buffer, then hacking out on their own taking care to get into gateways and turning them to face potentially scary stuff - always wearing hi viz tabard stating please pass wide and slow, young horse. Had no real problems, but have noted passing drivers seem to take more care if you are leading another. Standing them in gateways with a bit of grazing is a very good way of initially getting them used to traffic too.
ETA
I also think it is important that you show no fear or trepidation, because they will pick up on this, you must act as calm protector to give them confidence. |
  Zahkira (GR Amaretto x Taffetta)
Linda
East Sussex |
Edited by - Callisto on 03 Jun 2011 01:06:12 AM |
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Vik1
Platinum Member
1711 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2011 : 09:54:28 AM
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Ive started taking my 2yo out with my older mare for traffic training. Hes fine with things coming towards him but does the gallop on the spot with things coming up behind him. He even does it travelling in the trailer if a lorry overtakes us, so Im a bit scared it causes an accident if I dont get it sorted.
If I could ride him I would prefer to be doing this for traffic training. I feel more in control when I sit on a horses back, if it gallops off then it takes me with it!
I also use the tabard with an 'L' on it. It makes a huge difference. We used it when traffic training my mums highland. So far we only go out on a sunday, still not seen a bus and the quarry lorries that normally pass every 10 mins isnt on. We'l work up to that, not even sure how my mare will react to them!! |
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Quarabian
Platinum Member
Wales
4340 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2011 : 10:24:35 AM
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You must have other traffic proof horses around to show yours that everything is okay. My youngsters went out in a field with quiet horses at the side of a busy road. By the time they were led out on the road it didn't bother them.
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Kes
Platinum Member
England
1819 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2011 : 11:21:45 AM
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Thanks for your replies. It does seem to be that if he sees things he's not too worried about them, it's things that sneak up on him, so similar to what you have said Vik1. But you can't stop traffic passing from behind. Actually I would if he was totally panicked, better that than have an accident.
Quarabian, we do have a quiet road by one of the fields he goes in but due to a thick tree line he doesn't see or hear cars as much as would be useful. That was my thoughts too in my OP about getting my friend who's horse who is also Kes's field companion to come out with me. I think that not only will Kes get confidence from having his friend with him but when we do eventually walk on the roads I can ask her to act as buffer (as suggested above) and go two abreast until he has more confidence. Will definitely be getting some L-plates later though, it seems that people have had good results using them so standing out to drivers would be a priority.
Carole. |
Carole & Kes, West Sussex. |
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arabianrio
Gold Member
England
1300 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2011 : 11:36:34 AM
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| I do agree with everyone especially using an older traffic proof horse to go out with. Just a hint...I have recently been using a long schooling whip with a piece of bright fluorescent yellow at its tip. I carry it whenever I go out and have been amazed how much more room I am given by passing cars etc. , also most will not pass me now on bends when before they would take a risk.- it just gives you a couple more inches of safety. |
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Kes
Platinum Member
England
1819 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2011 : 12:56:53 PM
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| Ah, good tip, thanks. I will be going out on foot today but when I do start riding in traffic I will try that. |
Carole & Kes, West Sussex. |
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Quarabian
Platinum Member
Wales
4340 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2011 : 3:15:30 PM
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That's right Kes, use the other horse as a buffer. Some are more worried about cars approaching from behind, some don't like to see them coming from the front so place your escort accordingly. Also horses are usually less scared of things going aaway from them. I haven't tried it yet, but if you could get a friend to drive slowly in front of you and you follow that would be a confidence booster.
The biggest problem on the roads are indifferent drivers. We have all sorts of problems here if we try to slow down vehicles after an accident or trying to round up neighbours cows!! Some of them would drive over the top of you. |
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delly-b
Gold Member
United Kingdom
1107 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2011 : 5:34:07 PM
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I second the whip idea! And if you cant get another horse to go with you, have someone in hi viz walk on the road behind slightly holding whip out... its amazing how some drivers pass too closely... the whip always makes them go wide!
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Adele
Batley, West Yorkshire |
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Kes
Platinum Member
England
1819 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2011 : 9:02:49 PM
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More good tips, thanks everyone.
I didn't get to go out on the roads this afternoon, apparently too hot for some! But rode him in the school and he was so good. I started with a very nervous boy 2 months back, I now have a lovable, happy and sensible little horse. Really, really so pleased. When I do get to go out (hopefully over the weekend) I will post how we got on.
Carole. |
Carole & Kes, West Sussex. |
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Etoile
Silver Member
275 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2011 : 9:16:48 PM
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Personally prefer riding to leading but really depends on the horse and what you are most confident doing, as they'll really pick up on whether you're confident or nervous. At the start maybe avoid wet or windy days so no added distractions.
I too found using an absolutely traffic proof and very sensible horse who was a lot larger than Senj as a buffer very useful. It also helped me having a friend to ride with, when you're chatting rather than worrying about what the horse is about to do you tend to relax.
Once more confident possibly bicycle as a companion (kindly hubby came out and still occasionally comes out with us and this had the side effect of making Senj totally bike proof even when bicycles come silently, flying up behind him)
I found once I set out on my own that it was best very early in the morning, initially at weekends and then during the week (0400 - 0500 so has to be this time of year, and oddly enough I always found the motorists out and about at this time were really considerate). I then worked gradually up to busier times/days.
Remember to thank all motorists, even those who aren't so polite. People do remember and I think respond accordingly, as I realised when I was chatting to someone and when I said I rode a grey they said 'oh you're the person that always says thank you'. |
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morag
Bronze Member
England
94 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2011 : 9:29:08 PM
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| When we took our youngster out on the road we had long-reins on plus we had one in front and one behind to stop the traffic passing until we were happy it was safe. Difficult getting three people in one place but it was so much safer - still got idiots trying to go round the walkers but it is amazing how you can face them down carrying a long whip and a glare When we progressed to riding along the road we had a car in front with hazard lights on and drove down the middle of the lanes to stop traffic to a crawl to go past!! Some might say that was anti-social but tough - must say I live in deep country though - might not go down so well in suburbia! Mostly agricultural implement proof - the biggest Green John Deere tractor ever - he walked straight past and round the back - and shied at the sheep in the field gate. |
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morag
Bronze Member
England
94 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2011 : 9:30:11 PM
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| Kes - forgot to say I like your optimism - life insurance! |
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Kes
Platinum Member
England
1819 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2011 : 10:08:50 PM
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Hey Morag, you can never be too careful!
Etoile - my OH rides a (very loud) motorbike, not a bicycle, I forsee 
Funnily enough though, years ago when on the Downs with my TB mare my OH came up with me on a quadbike, after about half an hour Harley was following him like he had a bag of carrots or something, very strange as it was noisy so thought she would hate it but was cantering along only a few metres behind it.
Carole.
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Carole & Kes, West Sussex. |
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MinHe
Platinum Member
England
2927 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jun 2011 : 12:02:14 AM
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I third the long whip idea - I have always found it works. It's amazing how drivers who don't seem to worry about the idea of half a ton of horse coming through the windscreen are cowed by the thought of scratching their motor!
Keren |
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hazelcat74
Silver Member
472 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jun 2011 : 11:47:52 PM
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| My mare was 5 when i got her and though I was told she was used to traffic she came from the middle of nowhere so had seen very little, and was scared of everything, white lines on the roads, people walking, drain covers,brightly coloured flowers, she was pretty bad. I did lots of walking her out in hand and soon found that if I marched along confidently she would follow, and most drivers I find to be pretty good, if she was scared of something she would scurry past behind me. There wasn't really anyone else to go out with, great if you do have a quiet horse to accompany you, but they do take confidence from you as well. Some people thought I was silly and should just get on and ride her, but she isn't strong to lead, never pulls even if scared, and it definitely helped get her used to stuff and helped her develop trust in me too. If your horse is good to lead and you feel confident to do it, perhaps with someone else too, it can be very good for them. Interestingly my mare still now is not so bothered about the traffic, its silly little things that upset her, ie empty crisp packet on pavement! |
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Kes
Platinum Member
England
1819 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2011 : 12:56:16 AM
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Hi Hazelcat, there have been some varied replies all of which I am grateful for. It seems some advocate leading out whilst others say mounted is safer, I think it depends on the horse, rider/handler ability, your relationship with the horse and many other things which are all important but I could go on forever. I did lots of leadership training with Kes at ground level (obviously) and he walks beside me obediently with me being both the leader and protector. Today I was walking him through the yard and for the first time a white carrier bag all puffed up in the wind was blowing towards us. I strode on purposefully and he trod on it! So much for scared! Having said that, there is a big pile of rubble outside the gate which he jumps sideways at. I always use a 12ft line so when he jumps away from me I give him the length of the line and stand still, he just stops, turns towards me and gives me that butter-wouldn't-melt look! I would be happy to take him out on foot as I know he won't drag me, but that doesn't stop him spooking possibly into something dangerous. As I only rode him properly for the first time yesterday (I got him 2 months ago and have put in a lot of hard work) I wouldn't be confident enough just yet to ride him on the roads as I can't try and predict what he might do. I need to do more work in the school but at least I can do that on-board now. I'm hoping that if I can do short riding sessions with him everyday this week then by Friday I will do a short ride with 2 other big horses who he knows. A very steady large Warmblood who is his field friend and a ride and drive Friesian. I want the Friesian to lead and the Warmblood beside me closest to the traffic. He has apparently been out in traffic before but after seeing his initial reactions to vehicles moving around in the yard I knew he must have not seen much.
Carole. |
Carole & Kes, West Sussex. |
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cmj
Silver Member
France
383 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2011 : 10:29:35 AM
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I think traffic training is horrid to have to do personally because there is such danger and yet we have to be confident and calm. I always start all my Arabs and made the decision many years ago that when I first started going on the road I would simply get off if I saw any vehicle coming in the distance and lead mine. Dreadful for your horse to be killed BUT worse for you to be killed (obviously this is a rather extreme philosophy!!!) Anyway, it has worked fine for me, they soon got used to the traffic and I didn't feel the need to get off.
I am doing exactly the same thing with my 5-year old in France now. He has had loads of ponying off my other saintly boy. I've got off several times for cars and trailers, now I sit on for cars as long as there is somewhere to get off the road if needed. And I sing etc so that I don't hold tension All going well. I think the real danger is more that they can jump into the road from something silly in the hedge. Mine doesn't yet ride in shoulder-in sufficiently for me to feel safe about this aspect. Working on it though. In France there are a lot of electric fences right near the roadside, now that seriously scares me as if he touches that it doesn't bear thinking about.
Look after yourself hun. Safety is paramount.
x C |
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Kes
Platinum Member
England
1819 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2011 : 11:58:34 AM
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I really understand where you are coming from there. Top of my mind is safety and the what-ifs. I realise that Kes has to go out and see the traffic but I think we all, at a point, have to put faith in ourselves, our horses and our ability and maybe a pinch of luck for those first few times that we don't meet the worst thing going. The horse being a flight animal has instinct telling him/her that if scared or frightened here's what you do, hopefully out training will allow us to take control of that situation should it arise and carry on safely. I know Kes is going to spook, it's going to happen and there's nothing I can do to prevent it. But there is plenty I can do to keep safe, let him see and learn, and my confidence and leadership should make him more confident and reduce anxiety.
I said this recently to another AL member, it's amazing how many of us sing or chat incessantly to our horses to diffuse any nerves and it keeps the horses attention on you more. Us Arab owners/riders/handlers but all have fab singing voices by now..............or maybe..
Carole. |
Carole & Kes, West Sussex. |
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cmj
Silver Member
France
383 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2011 : 12:28:06 PM
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Well we should be on Britain's got Talent shouldn't we! Strangely all I can sing is "Singing in the Rain" when riding Tried a bit of Luther Vandross but couldn't remember the words. Do a lot of "talking up" too, as much for me as him, goes something like this
"I know that stupid dog is barking at you but I'M TELLING YOU to walk on, so stop being a MUPPET and remember your mother is on board who needs LOOKING AFTER....." and so it goes |
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Kes
Platinum Member
England
1819 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2011 : 12:46:55 PM
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Lol, that's great like your style!!
If you are the one who has been 'Singing in the Rain' this morning then I thank you for the rain we now have (for the grass), although if you could stop it at about 5.30 when I want to ride I would be most grateful
Before now when out on rides on my own I have had mountain bikers creep up behind me when I have been rabbiting on to my horse, most embarrassing, but I least I wasn't singing!!
I too am guilty of making up weird and wonderful rhymes, I think if our horses know and trust us it must be more calming for them to hear out calm voices. And like when people soothe babies, it doesn't matter what you say, it's your tone of voice.
I think if you can get over say, the first 5 rides out with a youngster you feel a lot better. It's that anxiety before the first time. Not because you are scared, you just don't want a terrible accident which lets face it, happen all too often sadly.
Carole. |
Carole & Kes, West Sussex. |
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Traffic training for youngsters.
