With increased population comes increased traffic. The Powderhouse Connector Roads are planned to relieve 25% of the traffic from Whiskey Road, and that will result in more through traffic in the Horse District.
I have been speaking out, posting and giving presentations to the Eq Alliance, the City Manager's office and the Public Safety Department about the need for increased awareness of horses and traffic. Below is an article I wrote for the Aiken Chronicles.
Aiken Chronicles
New Series Idea - Horse Sense
Article One – Safety
Lisa Smith
In Hitchcock Woods, on the dirt roads of Aiken’s Horse District or at one of Aiken’s many equestrian sporting events you may cross paths with horses. It’s an Aiken tradition!
Here is some information and examples to help everyone stay safe and happy during these encounters.
Three key ideas:
1. Think like a horse!
2. Understand and respect the risks.
3. Protect and enjoy Aiken’s special traditions.
Horses are docile animals that have been domesticated and serving humans for thousands of years. If given their choice, they’d be quietly grazing out in a big grassy field with a horse friend or two or napping under a shady tree. Not long ago we depended on horses for work and transportation but now they are living in our modern world doing their best to serve humans for pleasure and in sport. We should never forget though; they are large animals with their own instincts and nature.
Many of us are more familiar with the nature of dogs and we understand that dogs can be obedient, or energetic, or aggressive, or passive. As with dogs, a horse’s age, training, and experience, as well as their own personality, makes each unique. Think of the difference between a mounted policeman’s horse and a racehorse. The policeman’s horse must stay calm and remain steady and obedient even in a riot. A racehorse is expected to be dynamic with high energy. You can probably imagine a young thoroughbred racehorse prancing and cavorting on their way to the starting gate. That behavior wouldn’t be very useful to a policeman. When you encounter a horse out and about in Aiken, you may not be able to easily tell what type of horse it is.
Horses are not afraid of people or of the things they expect or are used to seeing. What they are afraid of is surprises, things they don’t expect that startle them, or things they do not understand and aren’t used to seeing. Each horse can have a different reaction, but given the choice between fight or flight, horses will choose flight. They will try to run away, but if for some reason they cannot escape they will fight. Think of the rapid acceleration of a racehorse leaving the starting gate or of the power of a horse jumping over a large fence. Think of the agility of a polo pony. Horses can spin around very quickly. They can move in any direction, including sideways, easily covering 15 feet in one step. They can strike out with their front legs, kick out to the side with a back leg or kick out behind with both back legs. They can lunge and bite or trample other animals or people. The average horse weighs 1000 pounds is seven feet tall at the top of its head and about 8 feet long. They are big, powerful, quick, and agile.
Most of us have seen the damage that occurs when a car hits a 150-pound deer. A vehicle and horse collision does not turn out well for anyone involved and the people in the vehicle can be killed as well as the rider and horse. The best way to stay safe when you encounter any horse is to understand and respect the risks.
Here are some examples:
You are jogging with your dog in Hitchcock Woods, and you see a horse and rider approaching you. Remember, it is unlikely that the horse is afraid of a person walking, or of a dog, but it might be startled if you suddenly appear where the horse did not expect to see you, especially if you are running. If your dog is not close to you and fully under your control it puts everyone, including itself, at risk. Speak to the horse and rider and stay where the horse can see you.
Walk! Say hello! Stay visible! Make sure your dog (or child) is next to you and fully under your control!
You can keep walking and speaking as the horse approaches you. Keep your eyes on the horse and keep a safe distance from it as you pass each other. Wait until the horse has moved well away from you before you start running again.
You are riding your bicycle (or golf cart) and you see a horse and rider ahead of you. It is your responsibility to make sure that the horse and rider know you are there. The horse and rider may not hear or see you coming up behind them. If you startle or surprise the horse it could bolt forward or sideways or could kick or strike at you. Electric bikes are especially dangerous around horses because they are faster and make unexpected noise.
As you approach, slow down! Calmly call out to the horse and rider to let them know you are coming! Watch the horse and rider closely to be sure that they know you are there before approaching and passing. Allow as much room as you possibly can between you and the horse. The riders may signal to you. Keep everyone safe by following their directions.
You are driving your truck and towing a trailer and you see a horse being ridden towards you.
Now, if you were just driving your car, you should:
Slow right down! Keep a close eye on the horse and rider! Pass slowly and as wide as possible!
The rider may signal to you with hand signals letting you know that it is safe to go past, or they may know that another car is coming or that they are turning off the road, or that it is unsafe, and they may ask you to wait. Keep everyone safe by following their directions.
However, if you are towing a trailer, it may make more noise and surprise or startle the horse. If your vehicle and is loud or surprising, like a bouncing banging trailer, or a motorcycle, you should:
Proceed very cautiously and expect the horse to react! It will be safest for you to stop and let the horse pass by you! Let the horse and rider get well away from you before proceeding slowly on!
We all get in a rush and sometimes you may not want to slow down. Or you may see others are close to a horse and it everything seems completely safe, but in all cases everyone will be safest if you think like a horse and understand and respect the risks. Even the most predictable, docile horse can make a mistake.
Stay safe and help to protect Aiken’s special traditions.
