![\"USDA](\"https:\/\/www.fhwa.dot.gov\/environment\/recreational_trails\/publications\/fs_publications\/fsshield.gif\")
<\/a><\/td>\n![\"Forest](\"https:\/\/www.fhwa.dot.gov\/environment\/recreational_trails\/publications\/fs_publications\/logoblk.gif\")
<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nUnderstanding Horses and Mules<\/h2>\n
In addition to the usual planning considerations, equestrian recreation trails and facilities require attention to the behavior and physical characteristics of horses and mules. The success of horse trails and recreation sites depends on how well planners and designers understand these animals.<\/p>\n
<\/a>An Evolutionary Perspective<\/h3>\nEssentially, horses and their kin are prey animals. They developed behavior patterns and physical characteristics over millions of years spent in wide open spaces. Flight is their primary defense. They use their strength, stamina, agility, and speed to escape predators, notably large cats–such as cougars–and wild dogs–such as dingos. Horses and mules constantly monitor their surroundings and are always aware of available escape routes. They may become nervous when routes are narrow or blocked. Horses and mules also prefer to see what they hear or smell.<\/p>\n
\nLingo Lasso \/\u00a0Horses and Their Kin<\/strong><\/p>\nWhat is the difference between a\u00a0horse<\/em>\u00a0and a\u00a0mule<\/em>\u00a0(figure 1-1<\/a>)? A mule is half horse and half donkey. When a female horse–a\u00a0mare<\/em>–mates with a male donkey–a\u00a0jack<\/em>–the resulting offspring is a mule. Mules are sterile and are generally unable to reproduce. Their adult size depends on the breeds of their parents. A rarely seen variation is a\u00a0hinny<\/em>–the offspring of a male horse and a female donkey.<\/p>\nWhat is the difference between a\u00a0donkey<\/em>\u00a0and a\u00a0burro<\/em>? Burro is Spanish for donkey. Many people in the Southwest use the term to refer to feral donkeys on public lands. Burros (figure 1-2<\/a>) are usually smaller than horses and mules. When this guide refers to horses, stock, or trail animals, it includes mules and donkeys as well.<\/p>\n<\/a>![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.fhwa.dot.gov\/environment\/recreational_trails\/publications\/fs_publications\/07232816\/fig01_01.jpg\")
\nFigure 1-1–The mule on the left and the horse\u00a0on the right are closely related. The mule is a\u00a0unique animal with a blend of characteristics\u00a0inherited from its horse mother and donkey father.<\/p>\n<\/a>![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.fhwa.dot.gov\/environment\/recreational_trails\/publications\/fs_publications\/07232816\/fig01_02.jpg\")
\nFigure 1-2–Burros–also called donkeys–generally\u00a0are smaller than horses and mules. These two are\u00a0hard-working members of a trail crew.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>The Startle Factor<\/h3>\nWhat frightens horses and mules is not always obvious. Anything that moves suddenly or makes an unexpected noise can rouse an animal’s survival instincts and prime it to bolt. This natural reaction–often referred to as a startle reflex–is the result of remarkably acute senses.<\/p>\n
\nLingo Lasso \/\u00a0Startling News<\/strong><\/p>\nA horse or mule can be said to\u00a0startle<\/em>, to\u00a0shy<\/em>, to\u00a0spook<\/em>, or to be\u00a0skittish<\/em>. The terms have similar meanings–a horse is instinctively on alert, assessing the situation for danger. Horses and mules have much faster reflexes than humans and other domesticated animals (Miller 1999). When a horse or mule startles, its response varies according to the stimulus and the animal’s personality.<\/p>\nStartle<\/em>\u00a0is a generic description for any aroused behavior.\u00a0Shy<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0spook<\/em>\u00a0are often used interchangeably with startle, but they are not exactly the same. An animal that shies moves swiftly away from the disturbance–sometimes quickly enough to unseat the rider.\u00a0Spook<\/em>\u00a0is a colloquial term for frighten. A\u00a0skittish<\/em>\u00a0horse is one that is nervous or easily alarmed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nHorses and mules have excellent vision, hearing, and tactile senses. They are even capable of feeling vibrations through their hoofs, which often alert them to others long before the rider becomes aware. Horses and mules need a comfortable operating space. When they can see something suspicious from afar, they can more easily evaluate the danger and react accordingly. There is a fine line between what is comfortable for horses and mules and what seems dangerous.<\/p>\n
In addition to confined spaces and predators, things that can startle a horse or mule include:<\/p>\n
\n- Loud or unexpected noises–Buzzing model airplanes, exploding firecrackers, batting practice, or a falling tree<\/li>\n
- Quick or unexpected movements–Fast-moving bicycles, inquisitive children, running animals, or birds rustling in the underbrush<\/li>\n
- Things in unusual combinations–Hikers with large backpacks or vehicles with strange loads<\/li>\n
- Highly contrasting or reflective surfaces–A light colored tread near dark soil, freshly cut logs, black or white rocks, or a manmade object in a natural setting<\/li>\n
- Unfamiliar situations–Activity at a golf driving range or a train nearby<\/li>\n
- Wild or unfamiliar domestic animals–Mountain lions, moose, emus, pigs, or llamas (figure 1-3<\/a>) Narrow or constricted spaces–Bridges, gates, or tight passages<\/li>\n
- Unexpected trail obstacles–Litter, fallen trees, or boulders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/a>![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.fhwa.dot.gov\/environment\/recreational_trails\/publications\/fs_publications\/07232816\/fig01_03.jpg\")
\nFigure 1-3–Anything that appears suddenly,\u00a0makes an unexpected noise, or is unfamiliar\u00a0engages a horse’s survival instincts. On the trail,
\nhorses and mules are particularly wary of\u00a0llamas, hikers with bulky backpacks, and bicycles.<\/p>\n\nTrail Talk \/\u00a0Equine View<\/strong><\/p>\nDesigning Shared-use Trails to Include Equestrians (O’Dell 2004) offers the following interpretations of scary things from a trail animal’s perspective:<\/p>\n
\n- Fishing rods look suspiciously like buggy whips.<\/li>\n
- The ticking of bicycle gears sounds like an electric fence charger.<\/li>\n
- Boisterous dogs look like wolves.<\/li>\n
- People carrying canoes overhead may be horse-eating monsters<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
So, what happens when horses and mules are startled? They have a range of responses, from remaining calm to becoming severely frightened. The more conditioned the animal is to uncomfortable situations, the more likely its response will be subdued. When something makes it nervous, an animal may dance around, inadvertently step on things, or balk. Horses or mules that are severely unnerved may run, jump, spin, or do a creative combination of all these things. When horses and mules feel the need to protect themselves, they may kick, bite, or strike. Experienced riders can hold a well-trained animal in check under most circumstances. There is a point, though, where a stimulus becomes so great that even the best conditioning will not override the animal’s innate fight-or-flight instincts.<\/p>\n
\nTrail Talk \/\u00a0Trail Manners<\/strong><\/p>\nTrail etiquette varies in different parts of the country and in different situations. According to IMBA, the International Mountain Bicycling Association (2007), “All animals are startled by unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses always use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found them, or as marked.”<\/p>\n
Horses and mules are often uncomfortable around moving bicycles and may startle if they spot a bicyclist nearby. It is a good idea for bicyclists to make sure the stock have seen them from a distance. Hiding is not a good strategy, as the animal will probably sense the presence of something unknown and become agitated.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Trail stock–especially mules–have highly developed memories for pleasure, pain, fear, people, and places. Many trail animals recognize a previously visited location or trail route (figure 1-4<\/a>). Once a horse or mule has had a particularly unpleasant or painful experience, the animal will try to avoid that location, condition, or object forever. Recreationists in many areas minimize potential conflicts by practicing trail etiquette that favors needs of horses and mules.\u00a0Chapter 12– Providing Signs and Public Information<\/a>\u00a0lists ways to communicate a trail animal’s needs to other trail users.<\/p>\n
Lingo Lasso \/\u00a0Horses and Their Kin<\/strong><\/p>\n What is the difference between a\u00a0horse<\/em>\u00a0and a\u00a0mule<\/em>\u00a0(figure 1-1<\/a>)? A mule is half horse and half donkey. When a female horse–a\u00a0mare<\/em>–mates with a male donkey–a\u00a0jack<\/em>–the resulting offspring is a mule. Mules are sterile and are generally unable to reproduce. Their adult size depends on the breeds of their parents. A rarely seen variation is a\u00a0hinny<\/em>–the offspring of a male horse and a female donkey.<\/p>\n What is the difference between a\u00a0donkey<\/em>\u00a0and a\u00a0burro<\/em>? Burro is Spanish for donkey. Many people in the Southwest use the term to refer to feral donkeys on public lands. Burros (figure 1-2<\/a>) are usually smaller than horses and mules. When this guide refers to horses, stock, or trail animals, it includes mules and donkeys as well.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/a> What frightens horses and mules is not always obvious. Anything that moves suddenly or makes an unexpected noise can rouse an animal’s survival instincts and prime it to bolt. This natural reaction–often referred to as a startle reflex–is the result of remarkably acute senses.<\/p>\n Lingo Lasso \/\u00a0Startling News<\/strong><\/p>\n A horse or mule can be said to\u00a0startle<\/em>, to\u00a0shy<\/em>, to\u00a0spook<\/em>, or to be\u00a0skittish<\/em>. The terms have similar meanings–a horse is instinctively on alert, assessing the situation for danger. Horses and mules have much faster reflexes than humans and other domesticated animals (Miller 1999). When a horse or mule startles, its response varies according to the stimulus and the animal’s personality.<\/p>\n Startle<\/em>\u00a0is a generic description for any aroused behavior.\u00a0Shy<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0spook<\/em>\u00a0are often used interchangeably with startle, but they are not exactly the same. An animal that shies moves swiftly away from the disturbance–sometimes quickly enough to unseat the rider.\u00a0Spook<\/em>\u00a0is a colloquial term for frighten. A\u00a0skittish<\/em>\u00a0horse is one that is nervous or easily alarmed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Horses and mules have excellent vision, hearing, and tactile senses. They are even capable of feeling vibrations through their hoofs, which often alert them to others long before the rider becomes aware. Horses and mules need a comfortable operating space. When they can see something suspicious from afar, they can more easily evaluate the danger and react accordingly. There is a fine line between what is comfortable for horses and mules and what seems dangerous.<\/p>\n In addition to confined spaces and predators, things that can startle a horse or mule include:<\/p>\n <\/a> Trail Talk \/\u00a0Equine View<\/strong><\/p>\n Designing Shared-use Trails to Include Equestrians (O’Dell 2004) offers the following interpretations of scary things from a trail animal’s perspective:<\/p>\n So, what happens when horses and mules are startled? They have a range of responses, from remaining calm to becoming severely frightened. The more conditioned the animal is to uncomfortable situations, the more likely its response will be subdued. When something makes it nervous, an animal may dance around, inadvertently step on things, or balk. Horses or mules that are severely unnerved may run, jump, spin, or do a creative combination of all these things. When horses and mules feel the need to protect themselves, they may kick, bite, or strike. Experienced riders can hold a well-trained animal in check under most circumstances. There is a point, though, where a stimulus becomes so great that even the best conditioning will not override the animal’s innate fight-or-flight instincts.<\/p>\n Trail Talk \/\u00a0Trail Manners<\/strong><\/p>\n Trail etiquette varies in different parts of the country and in different situations. According to IMBA, the International Mountain Bicycling Association (2007), “All animals are startled by unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses always use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found them, or as marked.”<\/p>\n Horses and mules are often uncomfortable around moving bicycles and may startle if they spot a bicyclist nearby. It is a good idea for bicyclists to make sure the stock have seen them from a distance. Hiding is not a good strategy, as the animal will probably sense the presence of something unknown and become agitated.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Trail stock–especially mules–have highly developed memories for pleasure, pain, fear, people, and places. Many trail animals recognize a previously visited location or trail route (figure 1-4<\/a>). Once a horse or mule has had a particularly unpleasant or painful experience, the animal will try to avoid that location, condition, or object forever. Recreationists in many areas minimize potential conflicts by practicing trail etiquette that favors needs of horses and mules.\u00a0Chapter 12– Providing Signs and Public Information<\/a>\u00a0lists ways to communicate a trail animal’s needs to other trail users.<\/p>\n
\nFigure 1-1–The mule on the left and the horse\u00a0on the right are closely related. The mule is a\u00a0unique animal with a blend of characteristics\u00a0inherited from its horse mother and donkey father.<\/p>\n
\nFigure 1-2–Burros–also called donkeys–generally\u00a0are smaller than horses and mules. These two are\u00a0hard-working members of a trail crew.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>The Startle Factor<\/h3>\n
\n
\nFigure 1-3–Anything that appears suddenly,\u00a0makes an unexpected noise, or is unfamiliar\u00a0engages a horse’s survival instincts. On the trail,
\nhorses and mules are particularly wary of\u00a0llamas, hikers with bulky backpacks, and bicycles.<\/p>\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.fhwa.dot.gov\/environment\/recreational_trails\/publications\/fs_publications\/07232816\/fig01_04.jpg\")