Spring is just around the corner. So, for the owners of the 2,500 or so horses on Vashon, it is time once again to dust off the saddle, get out the shedding blade and prepare for another season of horse fun.
Those among us who are not “horse nuts” may be unaware that Vashon carries the distinction of being one of only two communities in King County that are designated “equestrian communities.”
Our Island has a very active equestrian culture, and horse riding could very well boast being the sport with the greatest number of participants on Vashon.
Vashon equestrians participate in a wide variety of activities with their mounts: trail riding, dressage, jumping, eventing, rodeo, driving, endurance, pony club and 4-H, to name a few. Consequently, you are sure to encounter some of us as you drive on roadways or hike on the Island’s unique trail system.
As equestrians make ready for yet another riding season, it is a grand time to remind us all of basic etiquette for horse encounters.
Legally, horses always have the right of way. This is because they are not mindless, easily controlled exercise equipment, but very large, flight-oriented creatures with their own unique and sometimes mysterious moods and agendas.
The appropriate response when approaching a horse and rider in a vehicle is to slow down considerably and move way over to pass by slowly (or stop if said horse is spinning, dancing, jumping around, etc.).
Under no circumstances should you honk, gun the engine or race by. In so doing, you are jeopardizing your safety and that of the horse and rider.
By the same token, walkers, runners, bicyclists, people walking dogs or strollers, etc., should call out as they approach to make sure the horse and rider see you and are not startled by your sudden presence.
Riders: To help make sure each of us arrives home safely, please wear light, reflective clothing. You have no idea how many times a non-rider has expressed to me that they thought they were passing a tree at dusk, only to discover that they were zooming by a dark horse with a rider clad in equally dark clothing.
Please do all come out to enjoy Vashon’s own “Shaggy Horse Show” on May 14. It is a great way to spend a Saturday for horse folks and non-horse folks alike.
As it is my personal goal to make sure that we all arrive home safely, I am putting together an order for reflective vests for equestrians with “Please pass & slowly” on the back. If any riders are interested in being included in the order, please contact me directly at
Ljk.pindoc@gmail.com. The bigger the order, the better deal I can get us.
—Lori King is the equine health and welfare representative to the Vashon Horse Association.
Horse training class:
This spring Islander Beth Kellner will lead two four-week courses on bravery, obstacle and hazard skills for horses and riders. Space is limited. For more information, contact Lori King at Ljk.pindoc@gmail.com or 550-0739.
