Safe is Secure

Another Urban Horseman Story

By Gabriel Denison

Central Oregonians are used to wide-open spaces, and are now adjusting to widening roads. Urban horsemanship, the tag currently used for the marriage of horse, rider and creeping urbanization, is not as new a concept as we may think. The mixture of horses and traffic was common around the turn of the 19 th century, although without the speed in-town riders encounter today. Most cities had horse drawn ice wagons, junk collectors, and of course, mounted police. Today, horses are once again making their way into areas ruled by cars, as viable means of in-town transportation.

Although many Central Oregonian horse owners do not consider themselves as living in an urban situation, any horse owner living on a five acre plot is actually an urban rider . In a 2003 study conducted through local feed stores, William Bering, a marketing representative, discovered that while one out of every five customers owns horses in 1996, one out of every two customers is now a horse owner. These horses are usually kept on small acreages, and close to town. This affords easy accessibility to a country lifestyle, while the conveniences of living close to town.

The urban living development offers challenges in safety and health concerns for both horse and rider. Grazing potential, exercise areas, manure control and traffic are some of the concerns that are raised. Traffic presents a formidable problem for urban trail riders, as roads are cutting up previously open riding space – much as the barbed wire divided the ranges long ago.

Suitability of mounts is an issue that must be addressed as well. Most trail riders agree that the horse with a high startle response is not the best choice for urban riding. A sensible, mature horse is always a dependable mount, as long as he has undergone some habituation to road hazards.

Although trail riders of any sort will keep up the search for the illusive “bomb-proof” mount, in-town and road riders are looking for new trail training methods to make their riding more secure and enjoyable.

John von Haas, an all-breed trainer in Sisters, Oregon has a complicated trail method he uses to desensitize horses to the trials of city trails. “If you have a calm horse, start by taking him to a parking lot for his ground work. Nothing fancy, stay close to your horse. But let him experience the footing, the sounds, and smells of asphalt and cars in a safe zone: your presence. When he is reintroduced to in town riding with more skills, he'll be ready.” Bicycles are used in the trail training course, as bikes are as prevalent as cars on roads and side paths designated for alternative transportation. He also uses silk trees, mailboxes, introduction to dogs, honking horns, and llamas.

“The key is confidence building, teamwork and a sense of accomplishment,” he says. These are the elements necessary in good trail training. “You have to introduce the horse to alien objects, and reduce his fear in them, while building confidence in you,” John explained. “When you run into the unexpected thing, in the wild or on the concrete, your horse will know if you, the rider, says it's O.K., then he can trust you.”

Gear, although urban riding doesn't require much, is still a necessary issue. Jerry Bratland, an in-town rider and farrier in Eugene, Oregon, recommends calks be put on your horses shoes if you plan many concrete miles, and advises riders should always have a light halter under their bridle for tethering, leading or break-away emergencies.

“Tethering or leading your horse by the bridle is just wrong,” said Jerry, shaking his blacksmith-bald head. “If a situation arises, your horse could get his mouth damaged badly. I always have a lead rope in the saddlebag, along with water and a cell phone. Just make a habit of securing your reins loosely on the saddle, and snap on the lead rope. Once you do it a few times, it becomes second nature!”

Another urban veteran, Kelly Barnett, head of nursing at Central Oregon Health Care, has ridden her horses in urban conditions through out Idaho, Washington and Oregon. She stresses safety must be your first priority for you and your horse.

“Firstly, be prepared. If you ride at night, put reflective tape in your horses tail, and reflective tape around all four of his legs. Velcro anklets are available at sports stores, and it's worthwhile to have them when competing with cars, or getting caught in the twilight. Night riders should have a bright reflective vest.”

She continues, “If you plan to ride in town, which is always fun, check out your tether and ‘poop' ordinances. These rules differ from town to town. Some areas may still have laws regarding horses from the 1800's on their books, while in others, horses may fall under the dog and domestic animal restrictions.”

If you plan to haul your horse to more wilderness areas, contact the OET, Oregon Equestrian Trails Association, that promotes horse camping and trail riding in more remote areas, but for those who seek the high life as opposed to the high line, remember the rules of the road.