different hacking, different reaction from the public?

Fools Motto

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As some of you know, I've recently moved my horses. Although the hacking is 100% better because I now have a choice of good riding/bridleways, I still have to use little lanes.
I've noticed that the traffic that I have met have been much more 'warming' to me on horseback. They have all waited, been polite, telling me to enjoy my ride through their windows, saying good morning etc... It is a total joy!! Today, a group of young lads enjoying their last day of summer holidays were out on the single lane road with their home made go-kart. It was fab! As I rode past, I commented on it, saying that looks such fun. They thanked me so much and were telling me of their plans with it, that we didn't see the Z4 politely waiting to get past! I appologied to the driver, who said she didn't mind waiting as we were having such a nice time chatting. How cool is that? Before I would have got beeped at!
Don't get me wrong, there were a ''few'' nice members of the public from the old place, but somehow they seemed forced, now its doesn't seem like that at all. I am so enjoying it.
But, WHY the sudden change? I've moved the horses 12 odd miles in the 'other' direction, am just in a different county - is that the answer, new county people aren't so up their own wotsits??!!! lol
 
Perhaps you're just more happy and relaxed on the quieter roads and its rubbing off? Sometimes country people are lovely. You're bound to meet some horrors too, but enjoy it!
 
I had this on Sunday. I hacked to a show a few miles away up the hill, don't really go that way. Its mainly more country roads and I found that the drivers were much more considerate and polite than I do in my normal area. The difference between the two are my area is on the edge of the countryside and takes me a while to get to bridleways etc, its not a overpopulated horsey place whereas the place I went to on Sunday is out in the sticks (although potentially fast roads) is a horsey place.

If I didn't already have a good set up and my own place I would seriously be thinking about moving up the hill! :(
 
Maybe you're not hacking on a 'commuter route', maybe these people aren't rushing to get to/from jobs so are more relaxed and have more time themselves?

I do a fair bit of hacking and have to use roads to get between the off-road bits, generally I have been very fortunate with friendly drivers and residents. I'm beginning to get known around the area and have little chats with people I now 'know', and as a group we're known as the 'high vis yard' - lol
 
Usually where the inbreds are it is better, true country people, with plenty of patience for local riders, it's the newcomers/incomers in my experience that are 'up their own arses'.

I actually agree with that comment - it's the tourists round our area who are the worst - usually on their way to the local petting zoo/maize maze.
 
For those who want to come to my yard - feel free, I'll love the company (it is just me, a small yard, 100 acres), but beware, I'll put you to work. Its on a farm you know!! hehe
 
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