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[RC] kickers... - Jonni Jewell

While we should all use good manners on the trail, stay off of other horses
hind ends, ask to pass etc. etc., we have many newer riders who just do not
KNOW about trail etiquette. They don't have a clue what a red, yellow, or
green ribbon means in a tail of a horse. Many are out there just trying to
deal with their OWN horse. Some are having control issues, and have a hard
time passing nice, or not crowding at water spots. Yes, they SHOULD learn to
control their own animal, but it ain't gonna happen that day, during THAT
ride.

While red ribbons do give warning, I hate to see riders pass off the
responsibility of riding a kicker on the other riders sharing the trail that
day. Just because you put that red ribbon it the horses tail, does not hold
you harmless if your horse kicks someone. Here is something to think
about...

You have that red ribbon, because you KNOW your horse kicks. So, it indeed
kicks a rider passing, and breaks the riders leg. The rider sues you, and in
a court of law, you were asked this question : "So, you knowingly took a
horse that kicks out to a public event??"   Think about it.... when we
worked a mounted patrol job, we were in the center of the public eye daily.
Part of our job was to allow kids to come pet the horse on the shoulder.
When a child asked if the horse kicked, our reply was "This horse has never
kicked, but all horses are capable of kicking, so you should not walk behind
a horse you do not know". If we said "Yes, he kicks" (trying to scare kids
from walking behind the horse), and for some freak reason he DID kick a
child while out there, we could have been held liable, as we brought a horse
we knew kicked into the public.

Take responsibility for your kicking horses. If they can not be broke of the
habit, maybe this is not the best sport for them. Maybe they kick because
this is NOT fun for them. Figure out WHY they kick. (it was interesting that
it seems more mares kick than the boys)
Jonni



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