Getting a horse used to trains

[blitznbobs]

This goes through the centre of our land… the first time I turned the baby warmbloods out next to it and a train went over, they galloped round for a couple of minutes, the second time they cantered a large circle, the third time they didn’t raise their heads… the cobs didn’t break fro eating the first time !

 

[SOS]

Another who had horses at a yard near a train track and they never reacted. The fields actually were on the opposite side so didn’t back onto the train line and they were still fine.

I think they hear them coming so far off that it’s ‘ok’, not many predators would approach so loudly! I also had horses near an RAF base and although the planes scared me at times when they came roaring across they also never really reacted. I only once had a problem with a chinook but they are rather odd and very low!

 

[Orangehorse]

Very interesting replies, and it was my experience also with my horse who never blinked an eye at the trains going over the bridge across our lane. Like Black Beauty, he spent time as a youngster in a field with a busy line at the end of the grazing field.

I do have a query though, I assume that the above experiences relate to main line trains.

Has anyone experience with meeting, head on and from behind, a miniature or small scale railway? One which would take up half the trackway width of a disused railway line? There would be a fence to separate trains from the path.

 

[EmmaC78]

My horse usually takes every available opportunity to spook but is liveried next to a railway line and doesn't bother at all when trains go past.

 

[spotty_pony2]

Used to ride both of mine and ride and lead alongside bridleways and over toads that ran alongside high speed train tracks. They couldn’t see them from the field, I introduced them by letting them see them in the distance and also by standing well back at a crossing and they started on learnt what they had to do. The scariest part for one was the barriers going up! He also initially was unsure about walking across it so I used to get off and lead him in hand across but once he had done it a few times he was fine. I have great memories from my 20s riding and leading down a track in canter and the train going past and my boys trying to race it!