From The Union newspaper:
Last year a unique and successful event took place in Nevada County that brought together two groups who share the same trails but don’t always understand each other very well—mountain bikers and equestrians.
On Saturday, March 21, the event returns.
To sign up, CLICK HERE.
“Horseshoes & Handlebars,” a clinic designed to improve trail safety and communication between mountain bike riders and horseback riders, will once again take place at the historic Nevada County Horsemen’s, Inc. (NCHI) grounds. The event is sponsored by the Gold Country Trail Council (GCTC) in collaboration with Bicyclists of Nevada County (BONC) and Youth Bicyclists of Nevada County (YBONC).
Last year’s inaugural event drew more than 40 cyclists and equestrians and proved to be both educational and fun. Many younger riders attended, gaining valuable knowledge about how to safely share Nevada County’s multi-use trails. With spring arriving and trail traffic increasing, the timing for this event couldn’t be better.
Nevada County is fortunate to have incredible access to public lands, with the Tahoe National Forest serving as our outdoor playground. Most of these trails are multi-use, meaning hikers, runners, equestrians, and mountain bikers all share the same terrain. Understanding how to interact safely with one another on the trail is essential.
The clinic will feature a series of short presentations from local trail leaders and experienced riders who will discuss trail etiquette, right-of-way rules, and best practices when encountering horses on the trail.
One of the most fascinating topics discussed last year—and likely again this year—is how horses perceive the world around them. Horses have nearly 350-degree vision, extremely sensitive hearing, and a powerful sense of smell. They can detect sounds and movement long before we humans even notice them. Because of this heightened awareness, sudden movements or a fast-approaching cyclist can trigger a horse’s instinctive flight response.
That’s why one of the most important lessons for mountain bikers is simple: Slow and Say Hello.
Talking to the rider and horse lets the animal recognize that the approaching figure is a human and not a predator. Often the rider will give clear instructions on how they would like you to pass. A calm, predictable interaction keeps everyone safe.
Participants last year also had the chance to take part in hands-on exercises. Mountain bikers practiced approaching horses at different speeds and angles, learning how communication and body language can make encounters far less stressful for both horse and rider.
One of the highlights of last year’s event was when a few brave mountain bikers—including yours truly—climbed onto a horse for a short ride in the arena. Being several feet off the ground on top of a 1,000-pound animal with lightning-quick survival instincts provided a whole new appreciation for what equestrians experience on the trail.
Let’s just say it had been about 50 years since my last horseback ride—and that reunion with the saddle reminded me why I chose bicycles.
Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend this year’s event because I’ll be traveling out of town for work. But if the first year is any indication, it will once again be a great morning of learning, laughter, and better understanding among trail users.
Key Takeaways for Trail Users -
Mountain Bikers...
Yield to all other trail users
Control speed and approach carefully
Avoid startling horses
Use your voice and ask riders how they would like you to pass
Hikers / Walkers / Runners...
Stay alert and aware of others
Allow space for safe passing
Yield to horses
Keep dogs under control
Equestrians...
Communicate clearly with approaching trail users
Help guide others on how to pass safely
Stay calm and attentive to your horse
As spring arrives and our trails fill with people enjoying the outdoors, a little knowledge and courtesy go a long way.
Whether you travel the trails on two feet, two wheels, or four hooves, we all share the same goal: getting outside, staying healthy, and enjoying the beautiful landscape that makes Nevada County such a special place to live.
To see the original article in The Union newspaper, CLICK HERE.
Last year a unique and successful event took place in Nevada County that brought together two groups who share the same trails but don’t always understand each other very well—mountain bikers and equestrians.
On Saturday, March 21, the event returns.
To sign up, CLICK HERE.
“Horseshoes & Handlebars,” a clinic designed to improve trail safety and communication between mountain bike riders and horseback riders, will once again take place at the historic Nevada County Horsemen’s, Inc. (NCHI) grounds. The event is sponsored by the Gold Country Trail Council (GCTC) in collaboration with Bicyclists of Nevada County (BONC) and Youth Bicyclists of Nevada County (YBONC).
Last year’s inaugural event drew more than 40 cyclists and equestrians and proved to be both educational and fun. Many younger riders attended, gaining valuable knowledge about how to safely share Nevada County’s multi-use trails. With spring arriving and trail traffic increasing, the timing for this event couldn’t be better.
Nevada County is fortunate to have incredible access to public lands, with the Tahoe National Forest serving as our outdoor playground. Most of these trails are multi-use, meaning hikers, runners, equestrians, and mountain bikers all share the same terrain. Understanding how to interact safely with one another on the trail is essential.
The clinic will feature a series of short presentations from local trail leaders and experienced riders who will discuss trail etiquette, right-of-way rules, and best practices when encountering horses on the trail.
One of the most fascinating topics discussed last year—and likely again this year—is how horses perceive the world around them. Horses have nearly 350-degree vision, extremely sensitive hearing, and a powerful sense of smell. They can detect sounds and movement long before we humans even notice them. Because of this heightened awareness, sudden movements or a fast-approaching cyclist can trigger a horse’s instinctive flight response.
That’s why one of the most important lessons for mountain bikers is simple: Slow and Say Hello.
Talking to the rider and horse lets the animal recognize that the approaching figure is a human and not a predator. Often the rider will give clear instructions on how they would like you to pass. A calm, predictable interaction keeps everyone safe.
Participants last year also had the chance to take part in hands-on exercises. Mountain bikers practiced approaching horses at different speeds and angles, learning how communication and body language can make encounters far less stressful for both horse and rider.
One of the highlights of last year’s event was when a few brave mountain bikers—including yours truly—climbed onto a horse for a short ride in the arena. Being several feet off the ground on top of a 1,000-pound animal with lightning-quick survival instincts provided a whole new appreciation for what equestrians experience on the trail.
Let’s just say it had been about 50 years since my last horseback ride—and that reunion with the saddle reminded me why I chose bicycles.
Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend this year’s event because I’ll be traveling out of town for work. But if the first year is any indication, it will once again be a great morning of learning, laughter, and better understanding among trail users.
Key Takeaways for Trail Users -
Mountain Bikers...
Yield to all other trail users
Control speed and approach carefully
Avoid startling horses
Use your voice and ask riders how they would like you to pass
Hikers / Walkers / Runners...
Stay alert and aware of others
Allow space for safe passing
Yield to horses
Keep dogs under control
Equestrians...
Communicate clearly with approaching trail users
Help guide others on how to pass safely
Stay calm and attentive to your horse
As spring arrives and our trails fill with people enjoying the outdoors, a little knowledge and courtesy go a long way.
Whether you travel the trails on two feet, two wheels, or four hooves, we all share the same goal: getting outside, staying healthy, and enjoying the beautiful landscape that makes Nevada County such a special place to live.
To see the original article in The Union newspaper, CLICK HERE.
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