Remember: Horses are animals with minds of their own. Unlike a bike rider, someone o­n a horse does not always have total control over their horse...

If you are o­n a multi-use trail where you may encounter horses (such as Beaver Creek State Park), it is your responsibility to know what to do.

What mountain bikers should do when they encounter a horse:

1. Stop and get off your bike. Yes, you should get off your bike. This helps the horse recognize that you are a human (versus some weird thing with wheels attached to it).

2. Communicate!!! This is probably the most important thing you can do. If the horse sees you standing there and not saying anything, instinct tells it that you are a predator. Say hello to the rider and try to strike up a conversation. This will calm the horse and also does wonders for relations between cyclists and equestrians. Talk about the weather or talk about the trail. Anything you can do to make a positive impression o­n the equestrian will help ALL mountain bikers.

3. Ask the rider what you should do. Sometimes the rider will ask you to continue riding while they wait o­n the side of the trail. Sometimes they will pass through while you wait. Again, remember that horses have individual personalities and o­nly the horse's owner/rider knows that personality. Trust their judgment.

4. Take EXTRA care if approaching the horse from behind. Horses can't see behind themselves very well, so approaching from behind can be dangerous to both the equestrian and the cyclist. Again, communication is critical: gently announce, well in advance, to let them know that you are approaching from behind.

What NOT to do:

1. Don't stand there silently. This makes the horse think you might be a predator and the horse might run as a result.

2. Don't speed past by the horse. This is almost certain to startle the horse which puts the equestrian and YOU in danger.

3. Don't do anything that might startle the horse. This might include yelling or making your brakes squeal.