Hi, I'm a bike rider and not a horse rider but I thought someone here can tell me what the correct way for a cyclist to overtake a horse is.
The other day I was cycling along a single track road (paved) and came across a group of horse riders (about 6). The riders at the back of the group heard me and they went into single file. I overtook slowly leaving as much of a gap as possible (say 1.5m). None of the horses got spooked - but the lady on the leading horse might have been cos she shouted something at me a few minutes later (advice I think - not abuse). Couldn't really make out what she was saying cos I was concentrating on manoeuvring onto the main road.
So, can a horse rider let me know what they would prefer. I know they say you should take sensible precautions etc, but if you dont know horses this may be too vague. Should I give lots of advance notice by shouting while I'm still some distance of - and if so what? Does the law say I need to ask permission to overtake or is it polite enough to let them know I'm about to overtake? And what about the horses further along the convoy - do I need to keep signalling or do horse riders have a system for warning the riders ahead?
Thanks.
The other day I was cycling along a single track road (paved) and came across a group of horse riders (about 6). The riders at the back of the group heard me and they went into single file. I overtook slowly leaving as much of a gap as possible (say 1.5m). None of the horses got spooked - but the lady on the leading horse might have been cos she shouted something at me a few minutes later (advice I think - not abuse). Couldn't really make out what she was saying cos I was concentrating on manoeuvring onto the main road.
So, can a horse rider let me know what they would prefer. I know they say you should take sensible precautions etc, but if you dont know horses this may be too vague. Should I give lots of advance notice by shouting while I'm still some distance of - and if so what? Does the law say I need to ask permission to overtake or is it polite enough to let them know I'm about to overtake? And what about the horses further along the convoy - do I need to keep signalling or do horse riders have a system for warning the riders ahead?
Thanks.