Trail Riding Tips

[CarolU]

Thought I'd start a thread to match the Show tips, for the trail riders in our group.

1) Know where you are going to ride or carry a good USGS map or GPS so you don't get lost.

2) Have a magnetic hide-a-key with an extra key to your truck and trailer hidden on your truck. A friend here lost his keys riding and had to ride 14 miles to the highway to get help.

3) Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you expect to get back.

4) Don't ride alone.

5) If you get in a situation you're not sure of, get off and walk!

6) Make sure you get your horse used to packs, dangling ropes, the sound of velcro, rain slickers, brush tickling his/her sides, other horses at HOME first before a big ride. Training water crossings is a good thing too.

7) Have a good horseman's pocket knife with hoof pick, leather punch, blade, etc. with you and some extra leather straps or ties.

8) If you're going to ride through thick brush, wear pants or chaps appropriate for it. Don't wear your best jodphurs no mater how great you look in them!

9) Carry an extra everything in your trailer - rain gear, sunglasses, cinch, bridle, reins, girth...you never know when you'll need it.

10) Don't forget your camera!!!!!

[cowboy ed]

and if you are like me and ride alone alot, carry a cell phone. make sure you clip it to your belt or put it in your pocket. if for some reason you and your horse part company, it wont do much good to have a cell phone in your saddlebag. not speaking from experience, but you just never know....

[Terri]

Keep your cell phone in a water proof pack. You can buy them at sporting goods stores.

[halfmoonfino]

I'm not a true-blue trail rider like some of ya'll, but I have my own safety considerations even when exploring around the barn property and fields.

1. Wear a HELMET always!

2. Bring a cell phone and make sure it gets a signal where you are riding. One time we were on a trail and my cell phone didn't get a reception...it was not a good thing. thankfully nothing bad happened, but if it had, somebody would have had to ride back for help.

3. Don't wear shorts :roll: Learned the hard way...

4. Make sure all your tack is safe and in good condition. Bridle or saddles breaking is really scary. I've had it happen a few times, thankfully most of them were in an arena - but once it was on a trail. The girth snapped and my brother got thrown. Not only that, but Dora proceeded to run back to the barn, and Poppet wasn't fast enough to catch her!

5. Like Carol said, If you or your horse get scared, GET OFF; Especially when dealing with water or steep hills. It's so much safer to just get off and take it easy.

6. If you have to go by roads, be sure your horse is ok with all kinds of traffic, including trucks and motorcycles.

7. Have a designated "safe horse" who can be reliable in the face of an accident. It's not safe to trail in a group of young, nervous first-timers. Having a veteran horse on the trail makes it a lot easier. Plus it calms a nervous horse down.

8. Develop an emergency plan before you leave. Example: "if anyone gets thrown, 'a' will go after the loose horse, 'b' will dismount and check on the rider, and 'c' will watch over 'b''s horse". We always do that in case there's a problem. One time some boarders forgot to do that, and everyone tried to help with everything, which we all know ends up being a hindrance. On more than one occassion, I've had to stand between a galloping QH and the trail, and go after a horse who went off into the woods with a scared rider. It really helps for everyone to already have an assignment.

9. If you're nervous, go slow. Try the 1 mile trail behind the barn instead of the 10 mile ride at the local park. Don't push yourself; it will only be harder on your nerves (and your horse's!)

[DebbieS]

I bought a cell phone holder with a strap that goes around your upper arm, or your calf. It's very handy to reach for your phone, and is not in the way when getting on and off your horse. My ring-tone is a horse whinny!! Sometimes I get confused if we're near loose horses especially ;-)

Never leave the gate person alone. Always wait for them to get back on their horse before continuing on the ride.

Don't canter/lope/gallop without making sure everyone in the group is okay with doing so.

Never canter/lope/gallop your horse when you're getting close to home/trailer. My son has done that one before and I make him turn around and walk his horse all the way back.

Always bring snacks/water for yourself and your horse (Listo will actually eat anything I bring for myself (granola bar, banana bread, PB&J, doritos. A carrot?? Forget it!)

Always allow your horse to stop to drink at water crossing, if he chooses to. Don't rush him through. (Don't let him lie down either!)

[Barbwire]

Carol, I don't like tip #4 "Don't ride alone." If I didn't ride alone I would almost never ride.

Other than that, the tips are good. http://homepage.mac.com/oatmeal/MAF/maxes/applause.gif

[darcy]

Don't talk on your cell phone while riding up to the trailer on a very willing loader..... or invest in a hands-free device. Distracted riding is bad riding! :D

[Beth Worden]

Don't whine - ever! And... If I tell you it's "just 5 more miles" NEVER believe me.

[Barbwire]

- Wrap your shotglasses in a spare pair of gloves so they don't get broken.

- Grade "A" cleavage comes in handy to carry money, juice bags, and small injured animals.

- Never trust a man to hold your horse when you have to go off trail to tinkle.

- Just because blackberry brandy tastes like cough syrup doesn't mean that it is, and it certainly doesn't mean the old dude giving it to you is trying help your nasty cough.

- I'll think of more later, time for a shower......

[Fuego]

When riding in a group, put the most experienced riders/horses in the front and back, with the others in between.

Always wait for the slowest rider/horse.

Make sure your horse is in good enough physical condition for the proposed ride.

When riding with people you aren't familiar with, assume they are total idiots and know nothing of safety and proper etiquette and ride defensively when ever in close proximity of them. ( though not intentional, I've seen incredibly stupid/dangerous behavior).

Leave alcohol at home, or simply don't ride with people that insist on combining horses/alcohol, never a good combination.

Plan the ride based the the rider/horse with the least experience based on their current abilities.

[Pasogirlz]

Great idea for a thread Carol. Mom and DebbieD have been riding up a storm here lately, and she is being coming pretty trail savey thanks to Deb. She just bought some saddle bags, and a water bottle....next....a our very own horse trailer. (FINALLY *keeps fingers crossed). Keep up the tips. This is great.

[Brigitte]

Carol, I don't like tip #4 "Don't ride alone." If I didn't ride alone I would almost never ride.

Other than that, the tips are good. http://homepage.mac.com/oatmeal/MAF/maxes/applause.gif

If you do ride alone amke sure someone knows you're gone and about what time you're planning to be back.

[PasoJoy]

If you are 'bushwhacking' your OWN trail, make sure you are not following too closely to the rider in front of you, otherwise you are likely to get smacked in the face with a tree branch...
and it could swipe the cornea of your eye and leave a trench thru it... :-?
If you are bushwhacking a trail and are in the lead, make sure you don't let go of branches too soon.... :-? so no one else behind you gets smacked with them... :roll:

[Fuego]

Always allow your horse to stop to drink at water crossing, if he chooses to. ************

Before allowing your horse to drink water on the trail, make sure the water isn't polluted and safe for drinking for your horse. Not all places in this country has safe water, even in running water ( i.e. streams , creeks...).

Have had friends that ended up with costly vet bills and even one death from what the horses came in contact with from drinking water on the trail.

If the trail head doesn't have safe water available, I bring water from home for the horses.

[Minouri]

I have a couple....

Don't be afraid to turn your horse around and head back to the trailer if the group you're with is making some unsafe choices. I once rode over a road of nails (put down to top four wheelers) just because I was a guest of someone I didn't know very well and I had no idea how to get back. My horse didn't get hurt, but just by the grace of God. If he'd gotten a nail in his frog I would have had no one to blame but myself. I let feeling stupid in front of strangers outweigh my common sense. I haven't made that mistake again.

I'm looking into a straight firing pepper spray for aggressive dogs. Most dogs are more of a nusance than anything else, but I was on a traillride with a horse who got mauled by a pittbull. Just having a cell phone was not enough to help in that situation.

If approached by a stranger on the trail, always give the man your horse's butt to move around. Never let them come up to your side even if you have to pretend you have a crazy horse you can't get to stand still. And if he grabs your leg...let your leg go slack for a second then twirl your horse on him. I learned that one from a self defense class. If you try to pull your leg away from him while he's pulling down he can yank you out of the saddle. Your horse's size is your greatest advantage.

Talk to the people you're going to ride with about what kind of riding you'd like to do so everyone is on the same wavelength. If you like to run try to ride with others who feel the same. Take it easy on newbies who might say they like to canter but look terrified doing it.

Pee before you go.

Don't forget to spray down you and your horse before ......those biting flies can ruin nice rides.

Bring first aid gear in your trailer. Weird stuff happens fast. You want to be able to clean it out and see how serious it is.

I'm not big on getting off the horse when things get hairy. I would feel differently if I were near a cliff I suppose.

Never stop and stare at nude couples you find in the woods. Etiquette says you pretend you don't see them.

Never fart and say it was the horse in front of you.

Buy the halter/bridle combos so you don't have to do any halter changing on the trails.

I've heard people who insist on bringing gatorade or 7 up on long trail rides. They say if there horses won't drink anything else they put that int he water and they will drink. My trail rides are usually 3 hours tops, so I don't know if that's true.

[GregM]

There's a product called "Halt!" that's a pepper spray for dogs, shoots about 10+ feet in most condtions. Available in bike shops and endorsed by the letter carriers of America :-).

[motorgypsy]

We just got an automatic airsoft pistol for protection from dogs. It's battery operated and really puts out the plastic bb's. Once I threw horse feed at a very nasty dog and he took off running away which is why I got the airsoft. I was going to get a paintball gun but they are larger, require a CO2 cartridge and don't shoot as fast as the airsoft. The airsoft does really hurt too. We tried it on ourselves.

We put a 1/8 inch rope halter under the bridle with an extra set of reins hooked to it.

Carry water for yourself and food with high calories like snickers or vienna sausages.

If another horse spooks really badly or throws its rider it's very important to know how your horse will react. Chinook would just get a little upset but SloughP will buck to the moon. I bailed really fast when Kyle slipped off Sultan after losing his balance once and when he was clear Sultan took off for home. I quickly got Sloughp's halter reins unclipped on one side when he threw his bucking fit but I was able to stop it from the ground. If I had been in the saddle I'd have been on the ground injured for sure because that boy can really buck. He was then fine and I remounted and we went after Sultan and all were fine.

If it's hot, add water to your hay and feed the day before. This is where a beet pulp based feed is really good. It just soaks up that water.

Get a shade brim for your helmet. They really make a difference.

If it's really rugged get a protective vest. They aren't expensive, can be purchased at English tack shops, are comfortable and really protect you.

Ride on weekends at strange trails and chat up people who ride the trails often.

Trailer early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you have to trailer in serious heat, hose your horses down before you leave and you can put a block of ice or a bag of ice in the manger area so the wind blows across it and cools your horse. You can also put water on the hay. We actually take our endurance horses out on the interstate rest area dog walks if it's a long trip. Put fly masks on your horses if there is air moving straight at them in the trailer.

[Beth Worden]

This just in… get ‘em flashlight broke. I just got this done with Perfecto. Got home from work at 5pm, door is wide open (no, I never lock anything), furnace is running, no dogs (always left inside), water has not froze yet, guns, appliances, etc all in place. Light the wood stove, go out to tie up horses and feed hay, etc. Listen for the dogs baying and hear nadda. No point in calling them because they are BEAGLES and beagles never come when called. Come back in house and leave a note for my husband in case he gets home and I am not back, dress up warm, grab flashlight – it’s dark now and 20 degrees, we have about 3 inches of snow and big beautiful flakes are falling. Go saddle Perfecto and start up over the ridge toward one of the dogs’ favorite hunting spots. Turn on the flashlight and Perfecto spooks a bit because he is not used to traveling at night with a hovering light that points out every non-snow covered patch that could be a horse eating hole, but he settles in and goes to work. I have ridden in moonlight a lot, but never took a flashlight along – or never had to use one, I should say. Well, finally hear the dogs and they are on rabbit so are deaf (more deaf) than usual. Have to sit and wait – it was just beautiful! Finally shine the light at two eyes about 11 inches high and Perfecto is not sure we had ought to be doing that but he stands his ground. Hook up the Cricket with a lead rope and get on horse – BTW my horses are trained to lead and follow the dogs. I don’t know if it’s training the horse or training the dog , but beagles trot along to a smart corto, and know not to pull on the rope or get twisted up in any way. Buford, fat older dog is bringing up the rear – he hates to hunt alone.

Get home and husband Michael is home. After 28 years he is not shocked at any of my “horse doins” but he is wondering how the heck the door got opened. Who knows? Found some strange tire tracks in the driveway, but the snow was covering them fast. Looks like someone came to the house, got stuck in the driveway – it’s a peach - and then maybe came to the door and might have opened the door and hollered in? Dogs made their get-away and maybe “whomever” did not pull the door all the way shut. That is the best we can figure.

Life’s a trip.

[motorgypsy]

WOW! But I bet you remember that ride for a long time!

[Barbwire]

Beth, I must confess...it was me. I came to steal Perfecto, but the long drive over got me hungry, so I went in the house and raided your fridge. I'm sorry I let the dogs out, but boy are they fast.

[Beth Worden]

MG - I will tell ya, I'm at work today and my butt is dragging! These late night rides are for the young!

[jodiTowne]

Beth, I can imagine that scene perfectly!!!!!!!!!!! Perfecto and all.

[CarolU]

Well, this has been an interesting thread. Your story sounds oh so familiar Beth, and there I thought Brittneys were the only breed that put their nose to the ground and went hunting...deaf to the world around them. LOL You must have had cloud cover there last night. Here the moon was so full and bright I would have been tempted to try a moonlight ride myself - if it was above 20 degrees and I weren't already sick with bronchitis. LOL

I've never ridden with a cell phone. They don't penetrate the mountains and so aren't of any use here. Even the GPS can have a hard time acquiring satellites in the canyons. Interesting that so many rely on them elsewhere.

It's been a long time since I worried about dogs. I used to carry a squirt gun full of ammonia water when I rode in Salt Lake. Same idea I guess as mace. The only caution I'd have with guns and sprays is to make sure your horse is okay with the noise coming from their backs - or the dogs may be the least of your problems.

I really like the reminder about water sources. A lot of times here there is no water at the trail head and springs and creeks are often dried up later in the summer.

I've never thought about someone trying to attack me while I was riding. It honestly never occured to me to worry or think about. I have had people try to spook my horses and THAT is my biggest worry when I meet non-horsemen elsewhere. Those are who I'd like to use mace, pellet guns, and pepper spray on!

[Beth Worden]

I have been catching up on paperwork here at work and sitting at the puter most of the day....Good thing cause I'm tired.

Jodi: Yes, you CAN just see that scene. I was so mad at those dogs I could spit. Everytime I gave a holler Perfecto just came to attention thinking HE was in trouble. It is a wonder the poor horse is not deaf today. Hounds...

Carol - we had a hazy moon and for awhile it was snowing pretty good so not a REAL black night, but dark enough. Snow is great tho for grabbing light. It really was a beautiful evening.

On cell phones - Like Carol we get like zero signal. I ride alone most of the time. I never worry because I am never really alone - I have my horse and my dogs. Best riding companions I could ever want. Plus, I train young horses. How can I ever get them trail broke if I don't go out alone with them. They would end up being one of those horses that can only ride with a group. In other words and untrained horse. And I am AMAZED at the number of horses that simply will not ride off alone. Herd-bound is one thing I will not tolerate.

[Beth Worden]

Another thought - I never worry about dogs. Any horse that would let a dog bite or get to it is too stupid for me. My horses know and respect dogs, but if one comes healin' for it , the dog would be toast. I would not restrain my horse from striking or kicking a nasty acting dog. Most dogs come out hard-charging and then kind of give up when they get up and find the REAL size of the horse. They usually do a lot of posing, but I have never had a fear and my horses don't either. Here again, a BROKE horse will not panic at a dog or two coming running/growling/snapping at it - not one of mine, anyway. I have found it's the RIDER that panics - not the horse.

[Moniece Dickerson]

GREAT tips you guys,great tips!Moniece

[Cindy]

If I ever have a dog run at me and my horse we just run right back at them. Never had one that did not go away. I have no fear of that either. And I have thought about strangers in the woods being potential predators. But I have always had faith that my horse and I could overcome. Very good advice about how to handle that situation though.

[Beth Worden]

Good advice Cindy - Always be the agressor with dogs and they back down.

Minori/CIndy - Yes, very good advice on the predator thing, however at my age one can only HOPE a man appears in the woods and grabs my leg! LOLOL

[Cindy]

LOL

[Jane Hurl]

I really like this thread! Question: how on earth do you teach a horse to attack a charging dog? I mean ... where do you find a teaching scenario?

[KAB]

We go after anything that comes out at us if it scares the horse.Even at a walk most things will run and that gives the horse lots of confidence.And if my horse is acting really spooked, I call out my dog's name hoping the horse thinks it's our dog playing in the bushes.Hey. it works!!!! We always go after the armadillios.They don't get upset---they just scoot off.

[nmcreel]

My horse was attacked badly last summer by a German Shepherd who would not stop. I watched 600 hunts with African Wild Dogs in my "previous life", and this attack was very similar except that the dog was going for the legs instead of the groin. I managed to kick it myself from the horse, but was uneffective. I was on a trail with a lot of hikers and the dogs owner reported that he had attacked horses before and she didn't know what to do. Cassidy tried to get away but the dog was all over her and she had wounds on all four legs. Once I was off I was able to give the dog a tremendous kick, but it didn't phase it. The husband eventually caught the dog and while we were checking my horse he turned it loose again. If I had had a gun that dog would be dead right now. As it is I'll never go to that trail with a horse again. My horse is so dog broke that my own dogs can weave amongst her legs with no ill effect.

Nancy

[CarolU]

My horses chase stray dogs, in fact I have three horses that chase my dogs too if they get the chance, and one dog who runs out there trying to get the horses to chase her.

When I lived in Salt Lake I used to ride down a lane next to a yard with a big German Sheperd in a kennel. One day it wasn't and it came out after my dog that I rode with. She was a small Britney and was getting chewed up pretty good...my horse attacked the Sheperd, bit it and when it turned on her she kicked him good. He ran away. The next time I had my squirt gun and got him in the eyes...that was the last time he came out after us.

[Beth Worden]

"Nother reason to teach your horse to neck rein (or leg turn) - you will have a free hand to grab a branch, squirt a dog with the squirt gun (50% amonia x 50% H2O is my weapon of choice), drag YOUR dog along on a rope, pony a grandkid, or carry your beer - hey, you don't have to ride with me, OK?!! My dogs also weave in and out of the horses at times, but my horses know their dogs and any instinctively know the "posse" dogs, but a snarling, growling, charging dog is fair game. I road-ride a bit and there is no leash law in my township so dogs will run out and bark or whatever. My fear is my DOGS getting hurt by other dogs. Carol - I know exactly what you mean - good horse!!! I have a junk-yard type dog just up the road from me and she would come out after my young beagle and scare the tar out of her. She (Cricket) finally learned to get in real close to the horse and the junk-yard dog would not come near her. When I had my Icelandic I would call Cricket and get in the ditch and have Cricket jump up in the saddle with me and I would carry her past the mean dog. And, yes, I once had a horse (Arab, sorry not paso) that protected my dog (Gus the wonder dog now deceased). We were riding by a place and out came this snarling mangy looking cus and started in on my Gus. I called Gus and he stood right in front of the Arab's front feet. The Arab bowed his had over Gus and when the mean dog came in towrad Gus the Apollo struck him! I was dumb-founded. The dog kiy-yiy yipped away and Gus, horse and me booggied down the road. Horses are unreal, no? Thank you Carol for your story and reminding me of one great horse and dog.

[CarolU]

That was a good memory for me too Beth. That horse and dog were pretty inseperable. I couldn't go riding without taking the dog!

Years later when we lived on the ranch I picked up a pup someone had dumped on the highway. As near as I could guess, she was a beagle/daschund cross. She would ride with me too, but up on the horse. She'd stand on the horse's butt and bark at the dogs as we rode down the street...trying to start fights from her safe position. LOL As it turned out, she was an excellent cattle dog. I'd put her down and she'd run through the brush barking. The cows would gather up their calves they had hidden and herd up to protect the calves. I'd call Chub and she'd jump as high as my boot where I'd catch her and put her on the horse. Once there, the cows couldn't see her and I could herd them down the canyon to the next stand of scrub, where we'd repeat the procedure. LOL

I don't ride with dogs now...too much hassle with other people's dogs.

[Minouri]

Beth apparently you've never been attacked by pittbulls. I think you've got a false sense of security. I watched a very good horse get mauled. Don't think there was anything stupid about that horse :(

[Beth Worden]

Oh Carol – I can picture that dog in my mind riding on the rump of your horse! Wonderful combination of horses and dogs, yes? I hear you about too many dogs about. My area is becoming populated now with “city folks” particularly since 9/11 and who can blame them for wanting out. I take my dogs around home but not always when traveling and riding other places. I will be boarding them when I go to Fairhill to ride. Dogs are allowed but not on the trails and I just don’t want to leave them back in camp for 5 days running. They DO have to do that once in awhile though and I put them in the “horse” part of the trailer with their water and blankies and they are just fine. I always check with my camping “neighbors” to make sure my dogs were quite while I was gone. Bark collars are wonderful if your dog needs one. Fortunately, the beagles are quiet without.

Nancy, what a horendous experience! You were brave to get off and do battle with that German Shepard. Yep, you sure should have short the dog – right after you shot the owner. Idiots are everywhere.

On other tips for trail riding. Know your limits. Know the condition of your horse. Take a map (if available) or your GPS. We do it this way. We start out with a group, but if the horses are not compatable we may break off into small groups, maybe even ride off alone to decide where we will meet for lunch.

[Jane Hurl]

Okay, so nobody has answered! HOW do you train your horse to stand and attack rather than run for it?

[Cindy]

I train my horses that if I tell them to go forward, they go forward. Whether there are barking dogs or scary hidden monsters. They must trust me to go there. No big deal unless you have a horse that has some unnatural fear of dogs. Which I have not to this point run across.

[Beth Worden]

Cindy has it. The thing is, all it takes to be a rider, instead of just a passenger (and I tell my kids and grandkids this) is to make the horse go where YOU want to go - into the gates of hell of you ask. My horses go where I point them. ANY horse I ride had better go where I point them. If a dog, goat, chicken, or Bigfoot comes out the trail at you do NOT turn and run away. Go TOWARD the the dog. Horse will become bold and 9 times out of 10 the dog will run the other way immediately. Rarely will a dog keep his ground and not yield to the larger species. If they don't run, then keep your horse moving (appropriate place for using spurs BTW) and run over the top of the stupid dog - they WILL move and your horse will realize that he is able to face down the wolf. Now, with bear - I turn around slowly and change MY direction at a walk. Here's an interesting thing...IF my horse - one I've broke myself and have ridden for a couple years, absolutely refuses to go somewhere (like bushwacking) and I can see no obvious problem, I stop my horse and take a look around - may even get off and lead the horse in the direction I was asking him to go. One time I took 3 steps and fell into an old house foundation! My horse stood up on the rim laughing at me. Another time my mare would not move ahead. Got off to look around and she was straddling a line of smooth wire someone had wrapped in the ferns across the trail. If your horse is REALLY broke and does what you ask when you ask, IF he refuses, listen to him.

[sporthorse]

if you wear your swim suit under your chaps and you go to a spring and swim wait til your swim suit is dry completely :roll: or you will not want to ever go back again on a 22 mile round trip to the nice 70 degree spring swimming on a hot june day in Florida. You will find out where the saying soft came from. :oops:

[Minouri]

The whole dog thing is upsetting for me to talk about. Maybe because I know that on many levels you guys are right. MOST dogs can be turned on and run off. MOST dogs are toast when a horse begins to kick and stomp. But I'll say it one last time and then I'll shut up.

Everything you know about being attacked by dogs and defending yourself does not work against a pittbull. Those horses beat the crap out of those dogs and they still came back for more. They sent them sailing 20 feet into the air and those dogs still came back. They front kicked them. They back kicked them.

The vet said that luckily we didn't turn and run cause those dogs were there to kill. They would have taken our horses down like wild dogs on a hunt.

Am I afraid of a Labrador? no. A growling shepard? no. The average mixed breed loose and unattended no matter how aggressive...I suspect a good kick will turn it away. I've heard of horses killing dogs that were harassing them on trails. I've seen even Rottweillers get a good kick to the head and run home.

But don't let past success with those breeds make you think your horse can handle a dog that was bred (and probably trained) to kill. I thought I was going to see people die that day, too. And trust me there is not worse feeling than watching a friend fall into a mix of dogs that are already mauling horses and not having any tool other than your horse to drive the dog off with.

In the end it was my cell phone, the police, and the owners that saved us. But th at day I needed a gun or something that could hurt their eyes.

I'm not saying you guys don't have great advice on how to deal with dogs, but you might want to have a plan B.

Ok, ok. This time I'm really done...lol Sorry. :oops:


On a lighter note, after the pittbull incident we were riding through a neighborhood and two Yorkhsire terriers came out and started bothering us in the street. I hopped off my horse with my crop and chased those dogs all the way back up the long driveway to their owner.....horse in tow. I didn't hit them, but I think I scared the crap out of them AND their owner.

When I got back to my riding buddies...they were laughing. They said..."You realize you're insane, right?"

I grumbled, "I hate loose dogs."

The good news is that after years of therapy (wink) I don't have those extreme reactions anymore.

And, hey, we never did see those Yorkies again while we were riding. :roll: Was it something I said?

[Beth Worden]

Minouri – you are absolutely right and if I have offended you (although I was not referring to your post, but after re-reading the post I can certainly understand why you would take offence. “Stupid” was the incorrect word – I guess I meant Non-alpha, bomb-proof, too-trusting???? In any event, please accept my apologies. Anyone that knows me can tell you eloquence is not my strong suit and diplomacy is even less. Hey – I’m a New Yorker. What can you expect! LOLOL

Having said that, I really am interested in more details of this dog attack. Because it certainly COULD happen to me and if I have some insight from your encounter, then perhaps I can figure out a way of preventing/avoiding the horror you must have experienced. Any, yes, there are probably a number of ways to do this and I would like to have every advantage in a situation such as you describe.

So…Please tell me (us)….

1) How many pittbulls were there?
2) Were these seasoned trail mounts?
3) Rider level experience, children, adults, geezers?
4) Which direction did the dogs come from? Were they in a “pack” formation, e.g. one at point one at rear others grouped near the middle?
5) How many horses were involved?
6) The terrain – road, path, woods?
7) Was the horse that apparently took the brunt of the attack at point, rear in the middle?
8) Someone was dismounted – their position in the group. How did she/he fall?
9) What was your group’s reaction? Did you circle, stand still in line?
10) Did you shout, cus yell?

This may be too painful for you to relate and if so, please disregard, but if not, then I hope you will share because if I (we) can learn how to control such a situation, then what a wonderful thing for all of us.

[CarolU]

Minouri, I too apologize. I didn't mean to offend or belittle your experience. Rhonda on here was also attacked on her horse by pitbulls and it took a LONG time for her and her horse to get over it (if they are yet). Pittbulls are why I won't take my Labs riding anymore. Not that I've ever run into them, but there are many around and many with dumb owners who don't control them. They scare me to death.

Jane, my experience with horses is that once they learn dogs will run from them, they ENJOY chasing the dogs. I have to get after them if they chase my old Lab, which is NOT ALLOWED.

[jodiTowne]

Interesting reading!! I knew there were lots of stories behind these does and don't of trail riding. I have one....check your trail map before you leave to make sure there is actually print on it!!!!!! I was familiar with the first 2 hours worth of trails at one place. I had grabbed a map at the station before I took off. Got about 1 1/2 hours out, looked at the map and ....NOTHING. There were ads on one side, but when I opened it up to view the map...nadda, zip. I continued on my way anyhow and made it back OK.

Another...if you go riding with Beth W. make sure you're in shape!!! HaHa

[Beth Worden]

Some more tips for trail:

Buy a couple black water buckets, fill them and set them in the sun so the water is warm when you get back and can sponge down your horse.

For the ultimate ride, ride with other gaited horses whenever possible. I seldom ride with a non-gaited group because my horses are used to moving along. My group does have a couple Morgans (non-gaited) that clip along and can leave us in the dust if they have a mind to.

Don’t be too critical of what other folk are doing with their horses in the camp area. They know their horse better than you and maybe that is why they seem to be doing something “wrong”. In the same respect, if you see something that is going to get someone (or a horse) hurt, speak up. Better to offend someone than to have to unhook to get them to the hospital or call in the vet.

Ride you OWN horse. If you have consented to go with a group, PLEASE don’t start with the “their horse is making mine crazy” routine. You are responsible for riding YOUR horse and keeping him under control. You can always cut off from the group if your ride is not good. My crew does it all the time. If you think this is being hard-nosed, then believe me stay out of the show ring. When it gets to the higher levels where money, jobs and livelihoods are at stake there will be people who will DELIBERATLY “make your horse act crazy” in the ring. I don’t show pasos but I have done my ring time and I am sure it is no different with this breed, so ride your own horse. That is the reason I liked show jumping because the judge can be blind and still the best horse with the best rider will win – you either knock the fence or you don’t – no politics, no favoritism will win that class for you, but I digress.

If your horse even thinks of kicking another horse in the line correct him right then, that instant. No one wants to ride with a kicking horse. Especially people with short horses.

Bring Molson Golden for camp fire time – I hate cheap beer.

And, yes, Jodi – if you ride with me then be in shape cause we are going to ride LOL

[Jane Hurl]

I, too, would like to hear more from Minouri. The thought of riding into a pack of pitbulls terrifies me. Hell, ONE pitbull's enough to terrify me, thanks.

Beth suggests a squirt gun that's 50/50 ammonia and water. Would that stop a pitbull? Somehow, I don't think it would, unless you're talking a water cannon! Bear spray might though. (I used to have a cannister of that for camping. Dunno where it is, or if a person can still get it. It's what -- pepper spray?) I think I'd want something that would lay down a broad, steady stream as I'm not sure how accurate I'd be in the middle of a melee!

I don't know how I'd train my horse to attack dogs without teaching her to attack my OWN dogs, which I don't think I want to do! (You guys have NOT been tres helpful on this one!) Sometimes my Great Whites (dogs) decide it would be a lark to come screaming out at the horses when they're eating. They come full blast and full throat (100+ lb dogs). My horses ignore them -- totally. The only one they don't ignore is the Border Collie when she decides to herd them. They flick a heel at her.

[motorgypsy]

Again check out the air soft automatic battery operated pistols. They aren't lethal but they HURT and they shoot really fast. I'm not volunteering any of my doggy friends to try them out on but they are about $25 and work very well and hold a lot of plastic pellets. It's not the pain that bothers the dogs - it being hit all over the face and body that freaks them out. I just threw a handful of horse feed pellets at a border collie and hit him in the face and he turned tail and ran.

For pit bulls - I don't know. You might need a paint ball gun or a real gun for them. Perhaps law enforcement could check on their reaction to the airsoft but they would drive off a person who was sane. We know from experience that neither mace nor pepper spray work on a really determined dog because my sister sprayed a German shepherd that was running at her to attack her and he just kept right on coming. And if you have a breeze you could get your horse or yourself with mace or pepper spray. Luckily the attacking dog's owner was there and called him or she would would have been injured for sure. We've been pulled off bikes by dogs and it's not fun. A bite I got on my calf when riding a bike didn't heal for a year.

[cowboy ed]

one pit bull is all it takes. it happened to me, too. this was about 7 years ago. five of us were riding through the park near home. my wife, two friends, my daughter (who was 13 at the time) and i riding double. all on paso finos, seasoned trail horses. we were going along the lakeshore, past a pickup truck. there was a dog, a pitbull female, in the back. she was barking, but it sounded muted. we found out later that her vocal chords had been cut, so that the barking wasnt so loud it drove the owners crazy. since the dog was barking at us, we moved away, but continued at a walk. after we were about 30 yards past the truck, i heard a scrambling, rattling sound. i looked back, and the dog had jumped out of the truck and was running toward us. she ran past the other three horses (all bay geldings), and headed straight for my gray mare. the dog wasnt barking or growling, just running straight for my horse. the dog leaped up at my horse's neck, but caught the leadline of my halter/bridle combo, and was swinging from it. i tried to reach down and knock the dog loose, but couldnt reach her. a woman nearby(the dog owner) was yelling for the dog, but the dog paid no attention. meanwhile, my horse spun around, the dog released its grip on the leadline, then immediately lunged at my mare's throat, catching hold. the horse spun around and went down, kind of backwards and sideways at the same time. i fell on top of my daughter, then rolled to the side. when i looked up, the horse had righted herself and took off. hooves flashed past my head. i jumped to my feet to see if my little girl was ok. she said she was. my wife kathi was screaming, go! go! i grabbed her horse, leaped into the saddle and took off after the mare and the dog. the mare and the dog were running around the service road, past some trees and a curve. when i caught up to them, the dog had the mare by the nose, and the horse was trying her best to stomp the dog and shake it loose. i ran over the dog with my horse, freeing the mare, who then headed for home. the dog turned on us, and caught my horse in the chest. my gelding, who has a history of stomping dogs, went to work on this one, and managed to free himself. the dog headed after the mare again, who had managed to put some distance between us. as this was going on, a man came racing up in a truck yelling, "how can i help? what can i do?" i told him to try and stop the dog, and i would head for home with the horses. the mare was about 80 yards ahead of us at that point. i took off after her. the dog was still in pursuit, but running slower now. it looked like she was injured. i sure hoped so. i caught up with the mare after about 1/4 of a mile, grabbed the reins and got her stopped. i looked back, and saw the man in the truck and gotten between the dog and us, and was beating the dog back with a shovel handle. he told me later that the dog quieted down immediately, and he was able to pick it up and put it in his truck. as i rode and led the mare home, i calmed down enough to think. i couldnt believe this had just happened. i began to think of all the things i could have done, should have done, did, and didnt do. i got the horses put away, jumped in the truck and headed down to the park. the police car had whizzed by a few minutes earlier. when i got there, i found out my daughter was not injured. the policeman was talking to the dog owner, not the woman, but her husband. the guy was drunk and had been out in a boat fishing when the attack happened. he tried to tell the policeman that the dog was securely chained in the back of the truck and he didnt know how it got loose. the guy was mad because we were so upset. i stayed out of the way, because i was not in the best of moods. the animal control officer arrived shortly and took the dog into custody. the ACO told the dog owner how long they would keep the dog, and also told him that he would be responsible for any veterinarian bills i incurred. the policeman told me that he had already called a veterinarian to come over and check the horses. we headed for home to wait for the vet. while we were waiting, the dog owner drove up from the park, and spun out in my driveway. excuse my french here, but i thought, well, at least i know what kind of dum bass, redneck, white trash i am dealing with here. the vet got there, stitched up a wound in the mare's side and left medication for both horses. the mare had also bowed a tendon when she fell. the gelding sustained a punture wound in the chest. the mare recovered just fine. couldnt ride her until about 6-7 months later, but she was ok. she is not afraid of dogs either, still isnt. just a crazy, isolated incident, that couldnt have been predicted. how could it have been prevented? the only thing i can think is that the dog owner had no business with a trained fighting dog loose in the back of a truck in a public area. what could i have done differently? well, if i had been carrying a pistol, i could have shot and killed the dog, but considering the mentality of the owner, that would have led to further altercations. all i can say is, at least none of us were hurt, the horse recovered just fine, so thank God for that.

[Minouri]

Can I tell you why I love this board? It's obvious that this is a wonderful bunch of people. Thank you for your..albiet unnecessary....apologies. I wasn't really offended by the comments made....rather adamant for those who haven't experienced something like that to realize that a false sense of security is a bad thing to have.

I'll give you a run down of what happened. It was about 7 years ago. I was leasing a MFT from a local woman who had owned horses her whole life. Her horses are fantastic trail horses. Very smart. Very sane. Very used to almost anything that jumps out of the woods at you. She has Rottweillers at her barn who like to hang on the tails of horses despite the kicks to the head it has received over the years. Two of the three horses were not horses that had any fear of dogs.

We went down to a local park that is attached to her property with trails. It's a busy park. You'd never think anything could happen to you with so many people around.

We met the owner of a large farm that ajoins the park. She was trial leasing a young Rocky Mountain.

I was the least experienced rider in group. I had just gotten back into trailriding and it was my first summer doing it.
During the trail ride I was the middle horse.

The woman I had come with asked to stay behind on the trail for a bit to let her horse graze and then she would catch up with us later. So for a little bit of the trail we were just two riders. I was the second horse.

In the middle of a busy park two pittbulls raced toward our horses. At first we kept walking, but they started to circle us. The woman infront of me halted her horse. I was completely confident at this time for a couple of reasons. One, I was out with a very seasoned rider. I saw the experience as a chance to learn how to deal with aggressive dogs. Second, we could hear the owners calling the dogs. It didnt' seem like a dangerous situation.

It was two pittbulls and they continued to circle us....closer everytime. The woman infront of me was yelling at them to go. She was yelling at the owners to get their dogs. We could see the owners approaching. Two young men.

One dog bit the back of one of the horse's leg and all hell let loose. For a few moments pittbulls were flying everywhere. Her horse was back kicking. My horse was front kicking them. They were flying everywhere. It was terrifying because each time they went sailing they came back with more anger and force. I saw real terror in the face of the woman on the lead horse and tears still come to my eyes when I remember that.

The dogs seemed to zone in on her horse. I can't tell you why. The owners of the dog were on the sidelines calling their dogs. Just calling them. Like nothing really bad was happening.

I stayed close to her and tried to keep the horses together. They kept biting her horse no matter how we let our horses go after them. Her horse was rearing up and trying to stomp on them.

And then she fell off. I still cry even as I type this because I remember feeling absolutely helpless. A hundred ideas come to me in retrospect, but it all happened so fast. I didn't want my horse to kill her. I didn't want her horse to kill her. I didn't want to watch my friend be mauled to death by the pittbulls. But I had to back up so that my own horse wouldn't step on her.

And those pitts circled both her and her horse.

I was screaming at the top of my lungs for help. Our third rider heard and fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it....came barreling over the hill.

In a flash, the two dogs were on the third horse. One attached itself directly on the face and just hung there. The other went after the legs. I was on my cellphone by now with the police screaming that we needed help.

My friend got back on her horse in mix.

The pitts were relentless with the third horse. Everytime the horse was able to knock it off it's face.....shredding the whole face of it.....they lept again and reattached themselves. There was blood everywhere. It was the most horrific scene I've ever been a part of. Like a horror movie but in slow motion and with people you know in it.

That horse would not let the pitts behind it. It faced them each attack they made.

We were in a large crowd of people by then. People watching this horse get shredded.

Prior to this incident I thought horses could kill dogs if they had to. I saw these poor horses try and I realized then how really dangerous some breeds are.

The owners finally grabbed their dogs as the police arrived. They tried to take off but people stopped them. In the end it was the cellphone (police) that ended the encounter.

The vet said had the horses turned and run the pitbulls probably would have killed them. He said those dogs were probably trained to kill....and could have taken down our horses in a chase. He said if the horses had turned and run and the dogs had bitten at the belly or the neck we'd be putting a horse down that day. So, however horrific, the horse who fought facing the dogs repeatedly was actually saving it's life.

As it turned out, all of the damage was reparable on both horses. We have an excellent vet who pieced back together one horse's face....and luckily all of the leg bites on the lead horse did no real damage to muscles. A year later both horses had only light scars.


I did cry as I typed this because I remember feeling that there should have been something else I could have done.

My own horse did not get bitten, not once. He was seasoned and older. He barely moved through the whole exchange....except to kick them away when they came close. But, like I said, they did not focus on us. I don't know what he would have done if they had chosen him to circle.

When all was said and done the law enforcement considered it animal on animal and did not press charges on the dog owners. They said we were both in the wrong. Horses should not have been in a public park and the dogs should not have been loose.

I'm not sure what you can learn from this post other than to bring something with you that you could fight off an animal with. For example, had my friend been bitten....and I had hopped off my horse to save her....I had nothing to fight off two pittbulls with. My bare hands?

I support any and all laws against pittbulls. Not because there are not nice ones. But because when they do turn theyare more dangerous than the average person can handle. Why have a pet that can eat your neighbor alive if it decides to?

I don't fear even Rottweillers because I've seen them chase horses and get kicked.......they run away. An animal that gets only more angry and determined when faced with pain is a very scary animal to deal with.

So when I trailride now I bring something...even if it's just a knife....with me. I always feel a little paranoid......but I never want to be a helpless bystander again. If I know I could jump down and stab something....well, that's what my never killed anything before self believes it could do. I hope I'm never in a situation where I have to actually use it.

And it's why I'm always looking for some good spray or anything that would deter the worst case scenario.

[Cindy]

Scary stories. Thanks for telling them. I don't think anything short of a gun could stop dogs lke that though. Maybe the knife would work but you would have to get off the horse and risk getting mauled yourself if you missed. Some things you can't plan for.

[Beth Worden]

Wheeehoooo. VERY dramatic stories and I thank both of you for relating them. This is just unreal! I am so sorry this happened to you. The stuff nightmares are made of. And, ED, with your child, yet!!!

I re-read both posts and am trying to compile the facts as I read them. Carol U, you said Rhonda was also attacked by a pittbull so I would love to get her data on this also, if she would feel up to sharing. Anyone/someone, please jump in here and help me out here if I have misread something and have listed something incorrectly. I just want to know which canine skills these Pitts use, and which are unique to the breed. Then maybe we can come up with a plan of attack, as it were.

1) In both instances the dog(s) went for the lead horse, initially. – not generally wolf behavior.

2) The dogs circled the “prey” – wolf behavior.

3) In Ed’s case they also went for the “white” horse. Very typical wolf behavior to go for the light colored animal.

4) The dogs went for the front of the horses in both instances. Wolf

5) In Minouri’s case the dogs left one horse (and human) to go after a RUNNING target. – Very definitely NOT wolf behavior

6) The dogs were oblivious to pain – not wolf behavior

Now for the horses…the horses tried kicking and fighting with their rear first. The dogs insinuated themselves to the front of the horses and the horse had to fight a frontal assault after that.

I think we can all conclude that running is not an option. Spray and pellet guns are not going to work either, by the sounds of it. Knife? Well, I always ride with my skinning knife, but (and this will be graphic) anyone who has skinned a deer out can tell you that animal hide is tough. On a living, attacking dog I would not trust myself to be able to stick it. And, when using a knife you are looking to kill by “bleeding and animal out”. The Pitts is not going to bleed out quickly even if you could strike a killing blow, which I know I could not. Of course you have the adrenaline factor going for you, but still…

Now it sounds like if your were in a group and had time to circle the horses nose-in, rumps out you might stand a chance of keeping the horses from getting torn up, but still this would require 3 or 4 riders and if you are alone, well…


Running object keeps coming back to me…they left the vulnerable, downed prey for running prey – SO strange. Could we use this somehow?

Guns seem to be the solution in this case, to me. I can carry a handgun in NY State with my permit, but I can’t carry one outside the state, so it won’t help me in Rhode Island. And, I am not that good with a pistol and what if I’m riding a green horse I have not shot off before?

I don’t know folks. Anyone have any input?

[CarolU]

These stories scare the beejeesus out of me. I think often people have these dogs and just don't realize what they can be like.

Rhonda will have to tell you about her attack, I don't remember it that well. I do remember there were several dogs and she came off her horse. The owner was right there.

[GregM]

It's not really the same but I was bitten on a bike ride 10 years ago. I had climbed a very steep hill over a mile long and was recovering at the top. Two dogs came out of the brush at me, I got off to use the bike as a shield, with the two dogs I had to keep moving it. They were smart, came at me from 90 degrees apart. The was a man up the hill watching the dogs menace me and not answering me when I called to him, I later found out he was afraid of the dogs himself, they were his son's. The dogs gave up and disappeared into some brush, I got back on the bike to ride away and they came back and bit me on the leg and foot (through my shoe!). Finally the wife came out and took me to the doctor. Not fun. Animal control kept the dogs for 30 days.

[Minouri]

Ed,

Your post really touched me because I could imagine it so vividly. And to have your child with you. I can only imagine how you felt with that. Sounds like we both had angels with us that day. Both situations could have turned out much worse than they did.

Beth,

Thank you for the analysis. I have a hard time analysing sinc the memories are so vividly entwined wtih emotion. I carry with me a little guilt that I didn't jump off my horse and stand with my friend on the ground but it all happened so fast and I had no idea how to begin to fight such a dog.

Interesting fact that I didn't mention.....the horse I rode was white. The horse attacked first was a bay and the one mauled was a cinnamon color. Never thought much of the color before.

I wonder if our horses would have faired better had we turned the backs to the dogs....not sure it's entirely possible, though. Those dogs circle fast. They are in and out....biting and retreating. You can barely stay on your horse. Maybe you're right...with three or four riders it may be possible.

I have never stabbed anything so again you're probably right with the knife. I wouldn't even know the force to stab with...and if the dog doesnt' die right away.....I'm not much better off than I would have been without the knife.

Don't know if I could have done a gun with so many people around...plus the fact that I've never even touched a real gun..... :duh I'll have to take lessons or something first.

There must be something out there that stops pittbulls. That stuff HALT....does anyone know what that would do? I'd gladly pay whatever to know that if it ever happened again I'd be better prepared.

So sad that even on this message board there are THREE people who have experienced it. It was horrifying enough thinking it was just me. Really breaks my heart to think it's more commonplace than I thought.

[Trail Rider]

Thanks for sharing these stories. I carry a knife in my water bottle holder, a lot of good it would do in this situation with a 4 inch blade.

Guns on a moving horse are too dangerous. You can not control where the shot will end up. Unless you have fired from the horse before it could end up with you on the ground and the horse running.

I think I will buy a Bowie type knive with a blade 8 to 10 inches long with a good scabbard, one that I can tie to the saddle. I thought about a machete but to do enough damage would take more movement. An 8 to 10 inch blade should be small enough to use and large enough to be effective. Keep it sharp and use it to slash and not stap. It sounds like the pitbull will come at you head on, that should expose his throat or gut to the knife.

[Minouri]

now you got me curious

Here are some of the sites I looked at for anyone who is interesting in using their attacks as a insight into their behavior. Never did a Google for it before.

On a very breed sympathetic site I found this quote: (http://www.realpitbull.com/fight.html)

The breed known as the American Pit Bull Terrier was selectively bred specifically with the idea of it becoming the ultimate canine gladiator. But by virtue of the fact that so much of the breed was made up of versatile bulldog blood, the breed also proved adept at a number of non-fighting activities, including those which the bulldog had been used for. Also, the traits (specifically gameness) bred for in pit dogs were surprisingly
relevent in other arenas. Gameness is defined as the willingness to see a task through to its end, even under penalty of serious injury or death. Gameness was the trait most cherished in a fighting dog for obvious reasons, however this same trait proved useful in other areas--a dog who had the tenacity to hold a wild bull or boar, steadfastness to protect his master's home and property, an extreme tolerance for pain...if fear or pain was terribly useful in rural old England. So while a core group of fanciers focused on the fighting uses of the breed, and bred with the pit in mind, still others kept dogs for bulldoggy tasks.


Pitbull attacks Police Horse?
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgif=/c/a/2003/11/25/BAGCR39TMT1.DTL

Bolinas pittbulls attack horses.....on the face....interesting....
http://www.ptreyeslight.com/stories/july26_01/dog_attacks.html

One pitt attacks two horses....again attacks face. I see a pattern here.
http://www.pulse24.com/News_Features/Silverman_Helps/20041202-001/page.asp

Perhaps my vet was wrong. Don't know. Are all of those horses alive BECAUSE they faced the pittbull? or does the pittbull attack the faces? I read a lot but I'm not sure I learned much. Maybe just that a gun or shovel DOES work.

Ok, now I'm going to go back to reading about baby horses.....cheer myself up.....lol

[CarolU]

The pit bull is also bred to have jaws 4 times stronger then other breeds, even big breeds like Bull Mastiffs. THAT is what makes them so very deadly.

It is one case where humans interceded in nature and created a monster - no not the dog's fault - he can't help what he was bred to be. But that does not mean we should ignore this problem. This is one breed that really should be done away with. There are many other - even bulldog - breeds that make excellent guard dogs, while not being so deadly.

[Beth Worden]

Minouri – Excellent sites.

I am not trying to be flippant here, but has anyone watched the Dog Whisper, Caesar Milan on the National Geo channel? He is good. Don’t be put off by the name of the show. The guy is good. Pitbulls seem to be his forte. I am going to search for a website. Maybe we could email him and find out what would work. I know it sounds crazy, but to tame, restrain, or kill an animal successfully, you have to get into his head. More later.

[motorgypsy]

http://zia.blogs.com/wastedbirthcontrol/2006/02/what_to_do_if_a.html

OK I went to Caesar's site and he doesn't do consultations and I emailed one of the people he lists - but - I found this site and it gives really good information on how to deal with a pit pull attack.

In summary you have to grab the dog around the neck and shove your hand down between the ears to stop the dog from shaking the animal it's attacked. You then get a "break stick" - something stout like a piece of re-bar, shove it between the back teeth and pry the dog's mouth open.

This is fine if the pitbull has attacked your dog but your horse is probably not going to stand still while you immobilize the pitbull and pry his jaws open.

The second alternative offered is to wet a towel and wrap it around the pit bull's face which will cut off it's air supply where the dog will release it's grip.

What doesn't work - beating them over the head, beating on them, yanking on them or anything like that because they WON'T let go unless you cut off their air or pry their mouth open after they are immobilized.

Soo what will work from horse back - hmmmmm

The stick and loop thing work but you'd have to carry a telescoping stick with the loop built in. Maybe a fire extinguisher. There are gel guns but I haven't seen on for sale. It would have to be something that would cover their face to cut off their air like gel or foam.

One interesting thing. They said once you got the dog detached from it's victim you held on for deal life until someone came with some duct tape prefereably to tape it's mouth closed.

On thought - could they be distracted with food???

[Linda Y]

This just scares the fool out of me.
One house down from us are two trailers with about 15 pits a piece. They each have a 'house' pit that they let run loose from time to time. The rest are chained up to whatever. A couple of them have veritable FITS whenever I drive past in my diesel, or on the tractor to do the road. Almost all of them have fits about the horses if we ride past. I have given up trying to ride down the road because I know one day, one of those hillbilly inbreeders will have the 'house' dog loose. I will be on Cita, and she will be scared to death.
I am afraid I would kill someone.

[CarolU]

Good God! I think I'd rather wrestle an alligator!

And to think, men 'created' these creatures. Cheery! :shock:

[motorgypsy]

Another interseting article on Pit bulls

http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/articles/060206fa_fact

[cowboy ed]

well, of course the best thing is to stay far away from any pitbulls if you are on horseback. the dog that attacked my horse didnt circle, she just ran from behind us and tried to catch the horse by the throat. my first clear thoughts after it was over, wished i had a gun or a baseball bat. i can use a pistol, and am not afraid to. i have shot off this mare before too, but i dont usually go around with my .45 strapped to my hip. but like i said earlier, if i had killed the dog, i would have had another fight on my hands with the owner. which, when it comes down to it, THE OWNER is the real problem.

[Jasfino]

Very scary experiences. I dont imagine I could ever get over something that traumatic. I had a site bookmarked that showed the difference in pit bull bites and other dog bites. Its scary. Pit bulls actually tear the flesh from their victims, much like shredding. Most other dogs such as dobermans, deliver puncture type wounds.

My brother related a story to me about his friends pit bull. The friend was out on the farm tending to his cattle with his pit bull. This pit bull had been raised on the farm with the cattle so what happened next was a surprise. For some reason, on this day, his pit bull ran into the field with the cattle and attacked a cow by grabbing onto her face. It's jaws became locked during the attack and the poor cow was running and shaking her head trying to dislodge the dog. Other cows were coming over kicking the dog and trying to help but to no avail. The owner ran out and was beating the dog trying to make him let go. That didnt work. He got a waterhose after the dog, that didnt work. Finally the poor cow had gotten down on the ground with the dog still attatched to her face. She had given up. Then the guy decided to get a crowbar and try to pry the dogs jaws open. That worked. The cow was ok in the end. It is true that pits jaws lock and they wont let go. I have seen them climb trees and hang by ropes with their jaws locked while swinging around in the air. Once their jaws lock, they can hang on through heck and high water. If I was ever out on horseback and met up with a pit bull, I would know I was in deep trouble. Once they get their minds made up.. its hard to deter them from their actions.

[Minouri]

After more reading I'm thinking strong taser gun. The police reports I read said it works. It actually immobilizes them. Don't know if it's legal to get one strong enough, though.

I'm sorry, but I'm not hanging onto a pittbull till someone comes.....I can barely hold my Maltese when she gets excited to see company. :shock:

I have to stop reading this thread soon or I'm going to be more paranoid than I am. You'll see me ride by with a shovel, a sword, a crowbar, a taser, a concealed gun, a fire extinguisher, a telescoping stick with a loop, some duct tape, a towel, pepper spray, a small metal rod and Caesar Milan strapped to my back......all incase I ever see another pittbull.... :duh

Cowboy Ed is right. The owners are your second enemy in the fight for your life. That's why maybe a taser is the answer. Or a tranquilizer gun? Is anything legal like that? Probably not in Rhode Island. I saw some great taser guns that they won't ship here. I could save my life with the taser....but then you'll see me paying a fine? doing time? for having an illegal weapon. Not sure the parents of my kindergarten students would like that.

[Terri]

What? You've never watched Kindergarten Cop???

[Minouri]

:rofl

[Beth Worden]

Ed, I hear you loud and clear on the owner thing. Especially if he knows where you live. And, no, I do not think I could shoot a pitt from the saddle with a pistol. I can just imagine what that would look like. And I hate the image of the red-neck grandma with the gun strapped on my hip, but then again…I have to admit a little part of me finds it appealing.

Trailrider, your slashing idea is good, but here again, I can’t see ME being able to pull it off.

Minouri – Great response. I don’t want to look like a survivalist going out for a 4-hour ride, either LOL! But we may be able to come up with a workable plan because of your and Ed’s experience.

While we wait for a reply from Caesar Milan’s counterpart – thank you, MG for doing that, I will add a few more trail tips non-canine related. These involve camping overnight with your horses:

All trailheads have a list of rules. It is unusual for there to be more than 10 rules listed. When you pull in and set up go read the rules, and then follow them. If you are in doubt, ask somebody. There are always a few of them around.

This is a real biggie with me…in NYS a good portion of the camping and horse trails are free – a well kept secret, but not so much anymore. The stalls are covered straight tie stalls. Check out the stalls in the background of this pic
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a196/pasobeth/Perfecto/jn16001.jpg
It is a first come, first served basis. On busy holiday weekends the place will be full to capacity. DO NOT SAVE STALLS. It says so in the rules but I have watched people rope off stalls for too many years. Other people have friends coming too. And ropes have been known to be cut.

Speaking of rope – you can never have too much in your trailer.

If your horse does not tie, leave him home.

If your horse likes to eat other horses try to get a stall where he can’t get at another horse. Or, if not possible carry a small roll of lightweight plastic snow fence and rig it biting level between your horse and the other guys.

If your horse cribs, put his collar on.

The stallion pens are for stallions. Not for your horse that does not tie. Occasionally, if a horse is sick and a stud pen is not in use folks will use it for a sick horse.

If you play an instrument bring it. There is always jamming at night somewhere in the campground.

Try to make friends with the natives. One of the nicest compliments I remember was while camping/riding in Virginia and a local riding lady told our group that we “didn’t act like any New Yorkers that SHE had ever met”. Plus the locals know the really good trails and if you are lucky they will invite you to ride with them.

[GregM]

"To Minouri, Halt! has been on the market for over 20 years and is carried by many mail carriers. Perhaps there are some on here? I've only used it once, to chase a dog out of our yard, and it worked fairly well. It shoots a narrow stream that will "bend" some in a strong wind, but didn't seem to blow back toward me.
It's cheap and legal everywhere, except California (which makes me think it works). Might be worth a try."

[Mellifluous]

:oops:

[Pasomom]

Well, I have just started Trailriding away from the ranch, and you all have certainly got me to thinking real serious about Pitt Bulls!

On one ride, I did pack my 45 pistol in my saddle bags, but from the sound of these encounters, there would be precious little time to go digging for it! Not like seeing someone on foot coming down the trail, where you have time to dig it out.....Nope, Not enough time to deal with that...would have to be planted on your hip. Now I am a crack shot, but I would probably dismount to shoot. There is no denying that a 45 slug would stop a pitt bull, but it would have to be attacking something besides me for me to be able to put the gun to his head and pull the trigger.

One of the other ladies who rides with us is also a packing momma, so between the both of us, one of us should be able to get down and get a clean shot. Once these dogs attach themselves, you should not have a problem putting the gun right to their head and pulling the trigger.

Yeah, I know....sounds easy doesn't it? Well, at least there is a chance that it would be feasible. Forget about the owner of the dog. In Florida, if he becomes real agressive, I have the right to shoot his ugly butt too! (not that I would, ;-) but he would be thinking twice about backtalking to me looking down the barrel of a 45 pistola! ) He better just drag his dead dog off and leave the scene. :realmad His manly parts would be the first place I aimed...that ought to send him on his way! ;-)


I really enjoyed the rest of the thread...there are some excellent tips in here.
Thanks everyone.

[Pasogirlz]

Well, I have just started Trailriding away from the ranch, and you all have certainly got me to thinking real serious about Pitt Bulls!

On one ride, I did pack my 45 pistol in my saddle bags, but from the sound of these encounters, there would be precious little time to go digging for it! Not like seeing someone on foot coming down the trail, where you have time to dig it out.....Nope, Not enough time to deal with that...would have to be planted on your hip. Now I am a crack shot, but I would probably dismount to shoot. There is no denying that a 45 slug would stop a pitt bull, but it would have to be attacking something besides me for me to be able to put the gun to his head and pull the trigger.

One of the other ladies who rides with us is also a packing momma, so between the both of us, one of us should be able to get down and get a clean shot. Once these dogs attach themselves, you should not have a problem putting the gun right to their head and pulling the trigger.

Yeah, I know....sounds easy doesn't it? Well, at least there is a chance that it would be feasible. Forget about the owner of the dog. In Florida, if he becomes real agressive, I have the right to shoot his ugly butt too! (not that I would, ;-) but he would be thinking twice about backtalking to me looking down the barrel of a 45 pistola! ) He better just drag his dead dog off and leave the scene. :realmad His manly parts would be the first place I aimed...that ought to send him on his way! ;-)


I really enjoyed the rest of the thread...there are some excellent tips in here.
Thanks everyone.

She sounds scary don't she? :shock:

[DebbieD]

Hey! I don't know how I missed this thread. OMG! I have to say after I read those stories I have a knot in my stomach. How scary for everyone. I think the part that makes me so mad is the idiots that choose to own these types of dogs. I was a Pitbull owner for the last fifteen years and I was a very responsibe one! Never had a incident with any of my dogs but it is called being RESPONSIBLE! People were always shocked when they came to my home and saw my dogs with the horses,cats,pygmy goats, and guineas. They just couldn't believe that my dogs didn't kill them. My dogs knew better! But the sad fact is more idiots are chosing to own these dogs and more terrible things are going to happen. I don't know what the answer is but something definatly needs to be done! I can honestly say that if I was out on my horse and saw a pitbull I would definatly be scared! They are very dangerous dogs in the wrong hands! I am so sorry to hear these horrible stories. I had my dogs for many years and they were part of the family but the breed is no longer for me. I see the idiots are the majority and no matter how hard I did try to better their reputation the idiots are winning! I Just put down my 14 year old last week from cancer. The other one is the female in my avatar and she was put down two years ago from cancer also. I will miss them! I think being out on the trail and coming across dogs is always my biggest worry.

[Barbwire]

Yes indeedy!

[Beth Worden]

Pasomom - you can go riding with me anytime!!! I like your style.

As for the Pitt Bulls as pets. My oldest daughter has a Pitt/mix dog but looks like 100% pitt to me. She's brindle and she is the nicest dog you could ever want to meet. I admit I went ballistic when I first was told about my daughter getting this puppy, but she was headed for the needle and Sonya could not stand to have that happen, so they got this pup. My granddaughter (11 yr old) and Cinnamin are inseperable. The dog was at our house last year for my family reunion of about 90 people for 3-4 days and everyone hated her when they saw her and then loved her after they got to know her. She was at my house with dogs, horses, sheep, etc and no problem. So who knows how much is genetics and how much is environment? Still, in the town where my daughter lives, Rouses Point, NY, the dog is "registered" with the town police department as a Pitt/cross. Apparently if you have a Pitt or cross you must have them registered with the local police or the dog will be confiscated and distroyed, no questions asked! If police are protrolling the area and they spot a Pitt looking dog (which has not been registered with them) they have the right to untie/or unchain/ take out of the yard - whatever and the dog is taken to the local vet who verifies it is a Pitt or Pitt cross and the dog is destroyed - right then.

[lisa l aka marci]

If you are 'bushwhacking' your OWN trail, make sure you are not following too closely to the rider in front of you, otherwise you are likely to get smacked in the face with a tree branch...
and it could swipe the cornea of your eye and leave a trench thru it... :-?
If you are bushwhacking a trail and are in the lead, make sure you don't let go of branches too soon.... :-? so no one else behind you gets smacked with them... :roll:

See, now that's why I've taught Marci to stop and wait for me to clip those pesky branches! I can't reach some from the ground, but from horseback with a pair of pruners I can really clear the trail! :D

[Linda Y]

If there were an incidence of a Pit attacking a horse, and you happen to have a tazer, would it knock the horse down too if the dog were latched onto the horse? You know horses are very sensitive to electricity.
Hmmmm.... :-?

[Minouri]

How about if we just tazered the Pitt's owner....not to save the horse but just to make ourselves feel better?

[Barbwire]

http://www.jammerbabe.com/flotilla/images/smiles/rofl2.gif

[Barbwire]

http://www.jammerbabe.com/flotilla/images/smiles/rofl2.gif

This thing has been hiccuping on me a lot lately, hence all the double posts. Anyone else have this problem? I have DSL.

[Cindy]

I think shooting with the 45 is a much better option for the owner. But that's just me.

[Minouri]

You know, you guys are too cool with your gun stories. I shouldn't read too many posts online because it makes me want to try a gun. I've never even touched a real one. I'm going to have to go to a practice range and try it.

My fiance is a Marine so I'm sure he'd get a kick out of teaching me.

On a completely unrelated note, I also would like to ride a cow one day. I think I watch too much tv.

[Cindy]

No, you don't want to ride a cow. I hear they are much, much meaner than bulls.

[Barbwire]

Oh, oh, oh, you'd better get two riding steers, then you and the old man can have races whilst the folks in the infield (pool) can cheer you on, raising their poof drinks to ya.

The bar in the cabana would have betting windows and a rockin' bar. Woot!

OMG, the possibilites are endless!
http://www.jammerbabe.com/flotilla/images/smiles/drunkmouse.gif

[Cindy]

I'm there. Where and when?

[Minouri]

I'm sure to be institutionalized if I spend too much time with you all...lol

I can clearly picture that race happening......just ad a tazer to one side of the belt and a 45 to the other....make for some real celebrating potential when I beat my man to the finish line.

[Cindy]

Ooooh, confidence, I like that.

[Barbwire]

He's a Marine, I'm sure he's and been shot and/or tazered before.

[Minouri]

You're right! It'd probably just turn him on, anyway. Everything else seems to :bsmile

[pnalley]

Very good tips, ones I rarely use.

I used to have an awesome little appendix AQHA that would do a funny little buck thing if her butt was tickled when under saddle. My husband always thought it was big fun to tickle her but so she would buck.

Since she was about 6 inches shorter & WAY faster then his horse I would ride in front, grab branches out of the way & let go just in time to have them smack him in the face. Then I would yell "DONALD DUCK"

I always do try to watch all riders in the group & see if any are in "over there head" if needed I'll babysit them to see they get back safely.

The usual group I ride with can ride their horses with no problems.