Ran into a group of horses on public gravel road. Their leader was a gentleman…. Not.
I was out for a fun 4th of July MTB ride and I left from my house, which had about 5 miles of public road (3.5 mi being gravel) before getting to the trailhead.
Anyways, on my return from the trail I am back on the gravel road and have a mile or so left of gravel when I encounter a group of horseback riders. I’m on a decent, I know this trail/road and there is an outfitter that gives tourists a guide-led ride on this road. So I figure it’s one of them or maybe a family for a ride. I let the back of the group know I’m there, approach slowly and am on the opposite side of the road.
I’ve grown up in Montana and know horses, I spooked one a bit and said sorry , but the guide stops me a bit aggressively, he rides on and I’m like why isn’t he halting? I know a ride like this just needs the leader to stop and boom the rest would to.
Anyways, it’s all on the video, that’s how I felt when it happened. I was shook by this guy and I literally ran high school track exercises up this hill as a kid (I’m 36 now).
What do y’all think? Was I in the wrong? Should I talk to someone about this? There’s a local Facebook group I could always add it too.
Thanks y’all for your thoughts.
Happy fourth and happy riding!!!
Edit: wow this blew up!! Thanks for all your comments and feedback. Yes, I could have announced better, but on a road, not legally required.
I know the company this guy works for. I’m going to do the considerate thing and contact his employers and explain the situation. If they are willing to listen and reprimand him—okay. But if they ignore me or are just straight up rude, I think I’ll report the incident to the police and post on local Facebook pages.
Thanks again y’all.
Ride safe, have fun, and put out the positive vibes.