Bridges over motorways

[pottamus]

I have an endurance ride at the weekend and towards the end of the route a bridleway crosses over the M1 via a bridge. My horse has never experienced this before and I have heard they can be scared by the traffic underneath.
Does anyone have experience of this - good or bad - and any tips to make the process go smoothly if he does get worried by it apart from me being confident and carrying lot's of mints!!!

Thanks all!

 

[Moggy in Manolos]

Took my mare over one for the first time ever a couple of weeks back,i was hacking out and had horsey company,she was rather scared and just stood there and stared! i kept trying to push her on confidently (well mostly confidently)*cough* and she then got moving and followed our hacking partner.
i would just say keep pushing forward calmly and try to act as if there is nothing there to worry about if ya know what i mean,good luck,you will be fine

 

[katiejaye]

My old yard used to have a bridge over the M1 to the turnout fields. All three horses I have had over the years had absolutely no problems going over it. My second horse had a good look around when we first walked over it but she didn't react in any way. I think it really depends of the horse but if yours is generally sensible then you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[Laafet]

I had to cross a bridge over the M6 when I did one of my endurance rides - it was horrible you could feel the lorries going underneath. Luckily I got my horses head amongst some of those mad arab endirance people so he went across ok - it was a fast trot - and I don't think he would have done that if he'd been on his own.
My tip being - hang on, trot and try to cross with a buddy.

 

[H's mum]

We have lots of motorway bridges to face on our hacks - the best way to introduce them to horses (that we've found anyway) is to ride side by side - go into a brisk forward trot together, leg on and keep going as though nothing is different - We find the horses "squeeze" themselves closer as they go over but when you've got your leg on and the horses are going forward "together" they keep going - Good luck - I'm sure if he's traffic proof he'll be ok

Kate x

 

[starsky]

I used to regularly cross the A3 and M25 on bridges (at least 8 lanes!) Try and cross with someone who's horses have been before, but our didn't really bother. I think it scares the rider more.

 

[berry]

I cross the M25 and A3 bridges dailey, my mare was really good when I took her across for the first time.
I dont think any of the horses at our yard have had a problem with them.
Like Starsky says try and cross with someone else horses feel safer when they are together.

 

[Parkranger]

I think you'll be ok - if a horse was scared in that situation I'm guessing they would bolt forward not sideways. That is meant to reassure you in a weird way !

If she's generally good with traffic I think you'll be fine - like everyone else says just ride forward confidently!

 

[pottamus]

Thanks guys. I will be on my own going over unless by luck I meet up with someone at that moment! He is more likely to stop and plant before it than bolt I think. But I feel we will be ok!

 

[OWLIE185]

I would try to team up with someone who has got a nice steady horse. If this is a British Endurance ride I am sure that there will be stewards on both sides of the bridge.

What is the ride called and where is it? Are you doing the competitive or pleasure ride?

 

[sham]

I rode my youngster over a motorway for the first time a few months back, she's natually very spooky but didn't bat an eyelid at going over.

Just don't look down..Its horrible!

 

[_jetset_]

I have to ride over a motorway bridge everytime I go out for a hack... The first time I went over it I went in thye middle of the road and closed my eyes, but Hannah did not bat an eyelid.

Most horses I know have just walked straight over it without worrying, it's usually the owners that are a shaking wreck! I am sure you will be just fine... sing over it, it makes you relax!