As spring approaches, more people will be out enjoying trails around Powell River. This includes the horse-riding community, who ask those who share trails with them to be aware and respectful.
A close call last spring led horse-rider Corinea Woloschuk to post about her experience on social media, imploring vehicles to slow down when approaching horses.
“My friends and I were riding up at West Lake and a truck just came out of nowhere and almost hit us from behind,” said Woloschuk. “My horse spooked and galloped away. I did manage to stay on and stop eventually, but it was really scary.”
Woloschuk added that many riders around the community are young and may not have the experience or strength to hang on if a horse is badly scared and runs.
“I ride with my nine-year old daughter,” said Woloschuk. “She wasn’t with me that day, but if it was her, I don’t know if she would have been able to hold on.”
The experience Woloschuk described is familiar to others in the equine community, according to Powell River Trail Riders Club member Colleen Birnie. Learning some best practices and sharing trails safely is key, she said.
“Horses are reactive,” said Birnie. “They are living animals, not a bicycle. They can get spooked.”
Birnie has some tips for sharing the roads and trails of the community with horses, including exercising caution when approaching a horse, especially when coming at it from behind.
Generally, horses should travel with traffic, she said, but sometimes road conditions will require a horse to use the other side. The rider needs to use good judgment to help ensure safety and motorists need to slow down, leave space, and watch for any sudden movement by the horse, or any signal from the rider that may indicate a problem, she added.
Woloschuk said for those riding dirt bikes, allowing horses to pass is greatly appreciated.
“My horses are really scared of dirt bikes; we’ve had a couple of experiences where they’ve just ripped by,” she said. “It’s great when motorbikes pull over to the side and let us pass them. It’s even greater if they turn off the engine.”
Cyclists and joggers who share roadsides and trails with horses should also be aware that by moving quietly, the horse may perceive the individual as a predator and become frightened. Best practice is to call out when approaching and be very visible. If the horse seems scared, slow down and talk calmly to horse and rider, and do not hide.
Birnie said if dogs are off leash, bring them into close control until horses pass. Any dog jumping up or barking at a horse may cause a problem, but by talking to the horse and rider, most issues can be avoided, she added.
Areas to be particularly aware of in Powell River include Paradise Valley, Wildwood and Kelly Creek, according to Birnie. These rural areas have a large number of horse riders and roads are often narrow, she said.
“If you’re living and driving in a rural area, expect to see horses,” said Birnie, “We all share this whole, beautiful community.”
For more information about horse activities, trails to ride, or to connect with the equine community, go to powellrivertrailriders.com.
