Novato Fire Crews Rescue Equestrians After Dog Spooks Horses

Toni Shroyer August 11, 2012 at 08:52 pm

As a horse owner and dog owner, a gentle reminder to dog owners: Please have your dogs on leash around horses and/or under voice control. Even under these circumstances accidents do happen. Horses are not motorcycles and do not have a "off button" but are thinking creatures and prey animals--- who do spook when feel threatened. I hope both the riders heal fast.

janna nikkola August 12, 2012 at 12:16 am

Just another reason to keep dogs on a leash and that means: when you're on a hiking trail used by both humans and dog walkers; when you're walking your dog in a park where there's a playground for children (like Pioneer Park); when you're walking your dog on a city street where you may encounter horses and riders and even walkers where dogs are threatened by horses and by people they don't know; when you take your dog to a Golden Gate National Recreational area where dogs get into packs when they're offleash and become like wild dogs. In other words, keep your dog on a leash whenever you take him out walking in public -- unless it's at Dogbone Park in Novato.

Rosanna Banana August 13, 2012 at 07:11 pm

Janna - I'd suggest you keep you mouth, and your kids on leashes. Also, keep them out of the creek and off of private property. And, pick up your garbage and put it in the trash cans. You can go walk in circles at the dog park while the rest of us responsible dog owners hike and let our dogs get some running in.

Rosanna Banana August 13, 2012 at 07:11 pm

While no one wants a rider, a hiker, or a dog to get hurt, I'd suggest some of you keep you mouths, and your kids on leashes. Also, keep an eye on your kids and keep them out of the creek and off of private property (Pioneer Park). While you're at it, pick up your garbage and put it in the trash cans. Those of you who don't like dogs, can go walk in circles in a fenced in area or go to Stafford Lake or other parks where dogs are not allowed, while the rest of us responsible dog owners hike and let our dogs get some running and exercise. For those with horses, I'd suggest making sure your horse is trail worthy before attempting the narrow, single track trails that are for sharing with other open space users. I have encountered a couple rude riders on the Indian Trees Trail who somehow expected us to clear the way when there was no room to step aside. Riders need to be able to stop or slow their horse when necessary, allowing time for fellow trail users to find space for you to pass, or feel free to go off trail to get out of our way.

Mark L. Geddings August 13, 2012 at 10:17 pm

Name calling and holier than thou attitudes will do nothing to solve the
problem brought to light in this incident, both sides must sit down together and find a proper solution that will help ensure human safety.

Rick Voorhees August 15, 2012 at 02:30 pm

That trail has been used by both people and their Dogs and Horses...It is true that owners should have their dogs under control. It's also true Horse owners need to be able to control their horse as well...If you have a Horse that is skittish around animals in general then you should not be riding it where you will encounter them.. I do feel sorry for what happen, but I do see both sides here..

kathie rothkop August 16, 2012 at 11:00 am

I live in Novato and ride the wonderful trails that we have available as much as possible. My horse is accustomed to bikes, baby strollers, runners and dogs. As an equestrian it is my responsiblity to desensitize my horse for the safety of myself and other park users. We all deserve the right to experience nature. I have had two encounters with dogs in the last 3 weeks that were dangerous. The first was on Mt. Burdell. I was riding a fireroad when a woman was coming towards me with a her dog on a leash. She walked off the road about 100 ft. and sat down on the hill with the dog. As I got perpendicular to them the dog became extremely agitated, and was lounging at me growling and barking. The woman couldn't hold onto him so she literally flung herself onto the dog to keep him from chasing me. She yelled, "Please don't run! Please get away!" as the dog was stuggling to break free. The next was at Rush Creek. The dog was barking and growling with it's teeth exposed threatening to bite. There was no where to step off the trail to get away from this dog. We finally got around him with his owner literally sitting on the dog to keep him contained. If you know your dog is a threat why take it on the trail? The Marin Humane Society offers training classes and they also have animal behaviorlists that can help an owner with issues. Please let us be responsible pet owners whether it is a horse or dog to make the trail experience an enjoyable safe time for all!

Ruth Powning August 19, 2012 at 12:17 am

Horses are prey animals and dogs are predators. I have both. I never allow my dog to approach horses, both for his safety and the horses'. Even a desensitized horse cannot control his/her natural prey reaction when a predator approaches aggressively. We have rules for a reason and they should be followed. I hope both riders are on their way to a speedy recovery and I hope the dog owner now has a better understanding of the possible interaction between prey and predator.