Gates and cows on bridlepaths

[Hayjay]

Does anyone know if the gates on bridlepaths should be able to be opened whilst mounted? We have only one bridlepath near me which goes through lots of fields. I can just about open two of the gates whilst mounted although takes an age and lots of luck. One of them doesn't stay back so it's a problem getting through safely. I can't get on without a mounting block so I haven't progressed any further yet. Also there is often cattle in the fields and I have no idea what my mare would do if they came over.....im terrified of cows! I think the bridlepath is rarely used so not sure if a horse would be a curiosity to the cows! Is it safe to ride through cows should I find the courage? Any advice would be great. Thanks.

 

[webble]

Personally I wouldnt do it but I'm not a fan of cows either!

 

[eggs]

I've had too much experience of having cattle out in fields crossed by a bridleways and certainly come across plenty of gates that were not possible to open whilst mounted. I usually end up using the gate as a mounting block when I have to dismount to open if.

If you are terrified of cows I would definitely recommend that you don't hack out on your own through them. In the vast majority of cases they don't cause a problem but you don't want your mare picking up on your fear.

 

[Suechoccy]

many gates have to be opened from the ground. Good design is they should be openable from horseback but not always possible.

cows, depends what sort of cows, ages, etc. If cows approach, they don't like head-on confrontation or you chasing them (thinkof that nursery rhyme what'sthetimemisterwolf) so if cows come towards you, shouting at them, waving your arms and riding your horse at them seems to work for me. (You need a horse that is very relaxed about you shouting at cows!)

 

[ihatework]

I'd only ride through a field of cows on a horse I was very sure of, who wouldn't flap if they got a bit frisky.
On the whole cows are fine, but I had a scarey incident a few years back when they weren't and a mare I was riding (who was generally very good) took fright. It could have been disastrous with a novice rider on.

 

[laura_nash]

Not sure about the gates, although I don't think they are required to be able to be opened whilst mounted. Can you get back on from the gate? I wouldn't be happy hacking a horse out if I can't hop off and get back on it (though that may be why I have a 14.3!).

As to cows, it would depend on the type of cow. I was on a yard for years where we rode through cows to get in and out. They were dairy cows and often crowded around the path waiting to be milked, so we would literally push our way through. Some horses did find it a bit intimidating, but my horse loved it, he likes cows and also likes moving them about (makes him feel like the boss!). On one hack out alone we came across a herd being moved and stood on the verge as they came passed, completely surrounded by a moving sea of cows, they were sniffing and licking him as they went past. Dairy cows don't tend to be much trouble IME, and are too busy eating to be inquisitive over a horse in their field. Young bullocks are more trouble, especially if they are used to being fed and come galloping over as soon as they see you. I would avoid riding through a field of them if I could.

If you are terrified of cows you will pass that on to your horse, so I wouldn't just "find your courage" and ride through them. Do you know anyone with cows locally? We had a livery on that yard who was scared of all cows when she arrived, she overcame it quite easily with a few lessons on moving them around. Their body language is quite similar to horses, so its easy to pick up if you are used to being around horses. Once you are happier with cows yourself then you could give it a try.

 

[Goldenstar]

Avoid dairy cows .

 

[Hayjay]

Thanks all. Some great advice. Think I'll give it a miss unless I have someone on foot who can go ahead and see if cows are hiding round the corner! I am going to practice
getting on from a gate though.

 

[Ella19]

Have a chat with your local bridleways officer. Ours is incredibly helpful in west sussex.

 

[neddy man]

the B H S have bridleway officers to cover every part of the country ,a phone call, or e mail will give you the answers to the opening system rules .Have a polite chat with the farmer about you or him erecting a mounting block either side of the gate .

 

[PeterNatt]

The gate latch should be such that it can be opened from horseback. Contact your local county access officer and ask them to get it sorted. If they fail to do so contact your local county BHS access officer. As regards cattle in a field you need to ensure that your horse will not take fright so may be useful to find someone with a laid back horse to accompany you through the field a few times before you go by yourself.

 

[cremedemonthe]

Avoid dairy cows .

This ^^
Dairy cows tend to be more aggressive, especially if they have any calves. Beef breeds tend to be more docile, of course you may always find an exception to the rule.

 

[popsdosh]

This ^^
Dairy cows tend to be more aggressive, especially if they have any calves. Beef breeds tend to be more docile, of course you may always find an exception to the rule.

What a load of twaddle(aggressive dairy cows dont live very long) ,on the whole dairy cows are a lot more relaxed as they get more human contact and its a long time since you will see many dairy cows out with their calves as it kind of defeats the object of them. Try a herd of limousin beef cows!!!!! of course with their calves!
I would suggest though that in that situation take a wide berth and walk around them rather than stick rigidly to the path,I dont know any stock farmer that would have an issue with that as long as you dont take it as an excuse to have a hooley on the nice grass around the field believe me it is very common.

Technically the gate should be opened from the horse however there is a huge issue with that!! People on horseback more so than walkers just leave gates open because their horse is not trained to stand still enough to close it again and riders tend to dislike the self closing gates which negate the risk of cattle escaping. Please Please try and get out of the habit of mounting from the gate for one its dangerous and two it soon causes the gate to be even more difficult to open.

FYI all our bridal way gates have polite signs asking that the gate be closed and mounting points are provided but none can be opened from a horse as we have lost to many cattle due to gates left open im afraid.

 

[tashcat]

We have one ride with gates: they're supposed to be able to be opened on horseback but in reality they're a challenge.

When riding by myself I can squeeze through because I thankfully have a sensible horse, but with others I always have to dismount and hold it open for them. Many a time I've come back with super muddy boots - eek!

I agree chatting t0 the bridleway officers: everyone I have dealt with were great.

 

[jrp204]

This ^^
Dairy cows tend to be more aggressive, especially if they have any calves. Beef breeds tend to be more docile, of course you may always find an exception to the rule.

Dairy cows wouldn't have their calves with them.

 

[Gloi]

I've never known a cow that doesn't shift if you ride determinedly at it.

 

[RunToEarth]

This ^^
Dairy cows tend to be more aggressive, especially if they have any calves. Beef breeds tend to be more docile, of course you may always find an exception to the rule.

Sorry - completely disagree, and I'm yet to see dairy cows with calves at foot on a bridlepath...

Heavily weighted gates are usually the only form of protection a farmer will have against those members of the general public who can't manage to shut gates after them - it's a PITA trying to train a horse to open them sensibly but once you do, you have a very useful gate horse.

 

[LittleRooketRider]

Learn to get on and off from the ground or use your grey matter eg. natural slope of field, banks (even if this means squeezing yourself into the hedge), jump. 2 things I know are very much at the bottom of a busy farmer's list is whether gates can be opened whilst mounted and wheher mounting blocks are provided. Please don't clamber on the gates, you'll only make it worse.

PS. Sorry if this comes across a bit ranty but we are sick to death of complaints about the safety-reverse-beep on the JCB, cows mooing (yes seriously), the eyesore our farm causes after soem idiot decided to cut down all the trees at teh bootom of his garden and demands (yes demands) to walk/ride through our vey busy, working farm-yard.

 

[Annagain]

We ride through a field of cows fairly regularly. Ride at a walk only and just be nice and positive. They always move if they're in the way or ignore us if they're far enough away. I prefer sticking to the edge (not so close that you'd get trapped but not right in the middle of the field) so that you just need to keep an eye on the one side and don't get surprised by them creeping up on you!

 

[turnbuckle]

Couple of thoughts:

If the gates just need better catches or the hang adjusting you could ask the farmer if he minds if you do that...much better than getting a bureaucrat involved! Or offer to supply some mounting block things yourself. Getting on from gates can be quite tricky, wouldn't recommend it. But banks and tree stumps and things are all good ideas.

Cows - my experience is that they invariably move for horses. But they do like playing grandmothers footsteps, which yours may find a little spooky. Going out with a schoolmaster pal sounds a very good idea.

 

[Elbie]

Where I ride they keep young bullocks in the field from early summer to autumn. The bridleway runs around the perimeter of the fields and is separated by stock fencing. My experience is they go through 3 phases; 1) uber excitement at the big 'cow' creature, causing lots of running up to the fence and following us round, 2) general disinterest, 3) once beefed up (pardon the pun) they then see 'big cow' as a threat and one or two bound at the fence!

Luckily horse is ride is fantastc and just rolls her eyes. Although she was wary last year when they reappeared. I think it's because they were a different colour lol.

However, old loan horse we had was petrified. Always remember us having a bit of a standoff - me trying to coax him past the cows on the other side of the fence and him standing his ground. All of a sudden he spun round then it was a bit like a cartoon with his legs going but us not moving anywhere. He then launched forward and took off. Cows thought it was great and chased us along the fence line. Managed to finally pull horse into a hedge to stop him and the cows carried on. That was fun :/

So...if you're not sure how your horse will react (especially if cows approach) I would proceed with caution and not alone!

 

[cremedemonthe]

What a load of twaddle(aggressive dairy cows dont live very long) ,on the whole dairy cows are a lot more relaxed as they get more human contact and its a long time since you will see many dairy cows out with their calves as it kind of defeats the object of them. Try a herd of limousin beef cows!!!!! of course with their calves!
I would suggest though that in that situation take a wide berth and walk around them rather than stick rigidly to the path,I dont know any stock farmer that would have an issue with that as long as you dont take it as an excuse to have a hooley on the nice grass around the field believe me it is very common.

Technically the gate should be opened from the horse however there is a huge issue with that!! People on horseback more so than walkers just leave gates open because their horse is not trained to stand still enough to close it again and riders tend to dislike the self closing gates which negate the risk of cattle escaping. Please Please try and get out of the habit of mounting from the gate for one its dangerous and two it soon causes the gate to be even more difficult to open.

FYI all our bridal way gates have polite signs asking that the gate be closed and mounting points are provided but none can be opened from a horse as we have lost to many cattle due to gates left open im afraid.

There's no need to be so rude if you don't agree with me is there?
Actually you do see them, we had 120 on a farm in Surrey, used to keep some to bring on for replacement stock so they would be seen with their Mothers.
Friesians are known to be stroppy now and again as are Jerseys. The dairy bulls tend to be more aggressive than beef breeds.
This is from our own experience, yours obviously differs.

 

[Elsbells]

I believe, having read BHS leaflets and done some bridlepath reinstatement etc myself, that If there is an obstacle on a bridlepath, being anything from gates, barbed wire, hedges, dangerous stock keeping or anything blocking the safe negotiations, you are within your right to find an alternative route around that hazard even if thats 2 field gates away(no limit) or such, until you can safely rejoin it.

Someone please correct me if Im wrong.

 

[Boulty]

I think that if they're on a bridleway then yes the gates did ought to be able to be opened on horseback as long as the horse is trained to be calm when opening / closing them (Mind you I used to ride through some field years ago that had very dodgy gates and I was on the only person on my entire yard who could do them mounted... could have been down to my small pony! Oh and there were normally cows in those fields). In theory the cattle shouldn't be in a field with a right of way going through it if they are normally dangerous but animals are animals at the end of the day and accidents can happen. If your nervous I'd get off and lead or go with a confident horse and rider first few times

 

[jrp204]

Actually you do see them, we had 120 on a farm in Surrey, used to keep some to bring on for replacement stock so they would be seen with their Mothers.
Friesians are known to be stroppy now and again as are Jerseys. The dairy bulls tend to be more aggressive than beef breeds.
This is from our own experience, yours obviously differs.[/QUOTE]

Very few people keep dairy Bulls and it is very doubtful you would see them in a field, and it is illegal to keep them on a PROW, as you said they can be a bit feisty. I think your farm must be very unusual, I have never heard of replacements running with the milking herd (unless they were very close to calving, Most keep heifers separate until they have calved).

 

[RunToEarth]

Friesians are known to be stroppy now and again as are Jerseys. The dairy bulls tend to be more aggressive than beef breeds.
This is from our own experience, yours obviously differs.

Dairy bulls over 10 months are not allowed to be kept in a field with a PROW, and beef bulls must run with a herd of cows or heifers - if you think that isn't the case where you are I would urge you to seek advice because dairy bulls are very dangerous to members of the public and their handlers alike.

Most cows do move out of the way when you are on a horse, but your horse's reaction is going to be more important. There have been a lot of accidents involving cows and the public and I think the danger needs to be highlighted - there is no need for the bravado around them IMO.

 

[Goldenstar]

I've never known a cow that doesn't shift if you ride determinedly at it.

I would have said that until I was lucky to escape in one piece from a field of bullocks

 

[LittleRooketRider]

Dairy bulls over 10 months are not allowed to be kept in a field with a PROW, and beef bulls must run with a herd of cows or heifers - if you think that isn't the case where you are I would urge you to seek advice because dairy bulls are very dangerous to members of the public and their handlers alike.

Most cows do move out of the way when you are on a horse, but your horse's reaction is going to be more important. There have been a lot of accidents involving cows and the public and I think the danger needs to be highlighted - there is no need for the bravado around them IMO.

^^this

We have a dairy herd but dad point blank refuses to have a dairy bull (particularly Holstein-friesans). We AI instead and have a beef bull.

 

[laura_nash]

I believe, having read BHS leaflets and done some bridlepath reinstatement etc myself, that If there is an obstacle on a bridlepath, being anything from gates, barbed wire, hedges, dangerous stock keeping or anything blocking the safe negotiations, you are within your right to find an alternative route around that hazard even if thats 2 field gates away(no limit) or such, until you can safely rejoin it.

Someone please correct me if Im wrong.

Whilst I think that is right, I suspect the gate would have to be actually chained / padlocked rather than simply requiring you to get off to open it, and the stock would need to be actually dangerous (e.g. a dairy bull) rather than just potentially dangerous due to the fact that you or your horse are scared of them.

 

[RunToEarth]

^^this

We have a dairy herd but dad point blank refuses to have a dairy bull (particularly Holstein-friesans). We AI instead and have a beef bull.

We had a very bad accident at home last year which involved a herdsman with a good 30years experience of dairy herds and a Holstein Friesian bull. I've grown up around a dairy herd which is why you wouldn't catch me riding/biking/running/dog walking/skiing/skipping/swimming/sledging or lapdancing around them when they aren't known to me, and even then it's a pretty risky thing to do.