I moved from glorious boarding to the rural south. I keep my horses at home, but if I want to trail ride I either need to haul out or ride the roads. Before I did that I opened my eyes and surveyed the route. I noticed that many people just let their dogs roam. It’s a rural area, it’s what they do, what they’ve always done. I also took note that on one road I’d be on, people drive very fast despite the 35 mph signs. I also noted that there were not many horses in the area, and the ones that did ride out had horses who did not mind traffic in the least. In other words, most drivers have NO idea of what horses can do. Zero.
Yes, it’s irritating as hell to be chased by dogs. I taught my horse to turn and face them, or even go after them. You’d be surprised at how many lunatic sounding dogs turn tail when their prey doesn’t run but turns into predator!
Yes, crazy drivers are scary. I make sure that I only ride on days with no wind so that I can hear cars coming and get well to the side or up a side road or driveway. I don’t ride where there are no escapes. When people make the slightest effort to slow down or move over they get a cheery wave and a big grin. I wave at the people I see in their yards.
I’M the newcomer. Most of my neighbors have lived in the area all their lives. I may not agree with what they do, but since I don’t want them telling me that I’m mean to fence my dogs and cats in and not let them roam, I’m not going to lecture them on how they keep animals or drive.
There are some damned scary people around here. There are also some really lovely folk who look just like the scary ones. I don’t judge, I keep myself TO myself as much as possible, and take people as I find them.
OP, you might try a looser set of judgey pants, and to teach your horses to deal with the real world.
