Self defense on the trail

Forget about TV fantasy shows. Just read the news.

I know a lot of bad has been going on, but I never can put it quite in perspective since it's not happening to me, it's hard to explain.

It was very intense...and very eye-opening.

Mildot, why are you getting so huffy about this? If you've been a victim at some point, then I'm sorry, but berating someone for not thinking the absolute worst of people is not the way to help them learn or gain awareness.

It's human nature to not dwell on what might happen and many people grow up/live in areas where crime just isn't commonplace so they disconnect themselves from the possibility of it because connecting every horrible thing you see in a personal way is just....horrible. It's not something to be ashamed of doing and it's not a reason to bite someone's head off or treat them like a child. Everyone does it at some point, some more than others.

I do strongly encourage everyone to take some self defense classes or martial arts classes, especially women, but I realize that many people don't because they feel like it won't ever happen to them.

Because of my unique experiences, I am more aware of what's out there than many people are. I feel it's partly my responsibility to share my knowledge and help people to think of the world in a way that they might not have before, so that's what I do.

Talking down to people is not going to help do anything except make them unwilling to listen to anything you have to say.

Thanks smrobs :) Yes I plan on taking self defense courses!

I am plain, direct, and to the point. Not everyone any more can take that as it is.

Carry on.

You can be direct and to the point without talking down to people, you know.

The video was very good as these time are now people are looking for quick money go to netposse.com and read about horses and tack and trailers taken it could happen more now them every so being ready is a good idea--Hppy trail riding--

Ta thanks!!

That was a good video. I always think about self defense since im one of the survivalist types and usually carry my gun on trail rides ( which I train with regularly and also carry daily). I teach martial arts but I never really though of being attacked when I am on a horse, that would definitely change things. I don't really look like a target because of my size and the im a guy, but im going to have my girlfriend watch this video. She can handle herself also but im not sure if being attacked on a trail is something she has thought about.

There have been a lot of sensible responses on here about self-defense on the trail, There have also been some big misconceptions.

First off, not everyone who hunts is a drunk. Also, I would like to see the law that states someone cannot carry a firearm before hunting season starts. Believe it or not, there are more hunting seasons than just deer season, and believe it or not, some hunters put a great deal of time and effort into the pre-hunt. This also leads to the point that the 2nd Amendment is not about hunting, it is about the right to keep and bear arms. It says nothing about hunting in the Constitution.

When I go out on trail rides, someone approaching me is the least of my concerns. It is very seldom I see a person where I ride. I do come across people on mountain bikes on occasion, and have never felt threatened by one of them. Still I carry both a large caliber rifle and a large caliber handgun on each and every ride I go on, and sometimes my pepper spray as well. Although I do not feel fear when I see a fellow outdoors person in the mountains, I do have a great deal of respect for bears, both black bears and grizzly bears, especially if they are with cubs. I do not fear the wolves nor do I fear the mountain lions. They are more afraid of people than I am of them, and they will keep their distance. The problem with the bears is that you can surprise a sow with cubs and then all heck is going to break loose. So it is important to allow them to hear you, simple talking, to a friend riding with you or your horse. Whistle a tune while you ride. Put a bell on your horse. These will all work fine to allow them to hear you.

I realize some folks do not approve of guns, do not like guns, are afraid of guns or do not understand how guns work. That is fine, and a great alternative and very effective means of protection has been mentioned, pepper spray. If this is your choice, please get the larger canister which will shoot out a spray to 30 feet. Do not get one of the chemical make believe sprays as they will deteriorate over time. Get one that is made with real peppers. Have someone who knows about bear spray/pepper spray tell you if it will be no good over time. Most have an expiration date on them, that does not necessarily mean that it will no longer be any good, it sometimes means that the manufacturer want you to renew your purchase.

Most situations can be controled or avoided with plain common sense. Now go out and enjoy a nice lone ride with your four legged friend.