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> On trail, when riding in a group, it is polite and correct etiquette to wait
> at water for other horses to drink.

If there is one trough and several horses, I get out of the way.  If I am 
riding with somebody who has a horse still drinking I'll wait nearby, so I 
am out of the way. Horses need to learn to drink on their own, with other 
horses leaving them.  If my horse won't drink because another horse just 
left, then too bad for my horse, he has to learn and get with the program 
or get over the mental anguish (poor baby).  I don't offer up much sympathy 
because I know that when my horses want to drink, they will drink even when 
people gallop by, they won't even look up.  If they are learning and 
excited then it's a good learning experience for them.  I depend on my 
horses to take care of themselves, and that means drinking on the trail 
when there is water regardless of what is going on around them.  If they 
can't at least learn this one little thing they need a new line of work. 
haha :+P

What annoys me is when I am with other riders who ride up on another horse 
drinking and they just let their horses barge right on into the water 
without even noticing first that the other horse already drinking is a 
stallion. (note: the red ribbon on the tail does not mean get as close as 
you can!)  People really need to learn to pay attention to more than just 
their own selves.  I had one person complain to me that so and so just up 
and left the water stop and then I said, well that horse is a 
stallion.  The stallion rider was the polite one by moving out of the way 
of the inattentive rider.  (my horses are all geldings)

I personally don't like to get close to horses I don't know in any kind of 
a drinking situation.  Last month at a ride I patiently stayed back at a 
creek crossing and it was a good thing I did as the horse in front backed 
up 4 ot 5 feet and tried to nail my horse with a cow-kick.  Missed but only 
because I was keeping my horse back.  I would prefer if other riders in 
front would drink, then get their horses out of my way so I can let my 
horse drink.

Just so you don't think I'm rude and run of leaving everybody at water 
stops, I don't.  If I ever leave somebody with a drinking horse I only do 
so after asking if it is ok. If my horses nose is out of the water before 
their horses nose hits the water I don't have a problem leaving without 
permission.  I also have taught my juniors when we get to water, as soon as 
their horse is done drinking to get it out of the way AND if their horse 
won't drink to not just stand there fiddling around, especially when you 
are blocking people. Get out of the way then if you want come back when 
it's clear again but don't back things up.  You have to be courteous to 
other riders just as much as you have to take care of your own horse.

Happy Trails,
Karen
in NV





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