Equestrians have been using many popular trails for decades. It is extremely important that mountain bikers are aware of what to do when encountering horses on the trail. Hikers, surprised by an oncoming bike, have the maneuverability to avoid an accident if necessary. For those on horseback, it is an entirely different matter. They are sitting on top of an 800 to 1,200 pound animal that, if startled, can be difficult to control and potentially very dangerous.
A biker coming up quickly behind a horse, or appearing suddenly around a blind corner, even riding slowly, can cause the horse to lose it. Anything new or suspicious will be avoided until proven harmless. Loud or strange noises and sudden movements are cause for instant alarm. To a horse, a person on a bike is a strange creature.
If you come upon a horse and rider, it is important to make sure that the horse and rider know you are there. The easiest way to do this is to call out in a friendly voice. Voice contact allows both the rider and the horse to locate you. The horse, hearing your voice, will begin to process that you are a human. Announce your position by calling out, "bike on trail" or "bike behind you", as soon as you are aware of a horse on the trail.
When passing, the safest thing to do for both yourself, the horse and the rider is to dismount and move off the trail on the downhill side. Talk in a friendly manner, if the horse or rider seem uneasy.
As cyclists become more common on trails, and previous encounters have proven to be no cause for alarm, animals and riders will gain confidence and become more relaxed. It is worth the effort to ensure that every interaction between horses and cyclists is friendly and safe.
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