Re: RC: snakes & gators & bears

[BMcCrary27@aol.com]

In a message dated 4/22/99 12:17:10 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
guest@endurance.net writes:

<< If a horse meets a bear face to face, what happens then 
   - any experiences ? What should the rider do ? >>

The one and only time my husband and I encountered a bear on the trail, she 
was off the trail urging her cubs up a tree.  Our horses did not react but 
just walked on by.  However, I know that bears can frighten horses if they 
take the horses by surprise.  We had one tied to a tree on a Ride and Tie 
event and I'm fairly certain it was a bear that frightened the horse so much 
that he broke loose and ran wildly down the forest trail.  Another runner 
caught him, but we lost the bit and reins.  The horse was brought into a 
checkpoint with the headstall hanging from his ears.  He was tied by a halter 
and rope, but he must have caught the reins somehow and tore them and the bit 
off the headstall.  Other runners said they had seen a bear in the vicinity 
that day.
What to do?  I have no experience, but I would say try to remain calm and 
leave the area as quickly as possible !!!  There are Ridecampers who live in 
bear country who could advise you better.

Barbara McCrary


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