Wild Cats

Question
I am a 10 year old rider.I ride English.I own a Dutch Warmblood geilding, who is very laid back. I live In California. Where I ride I have seen 1 Mountain Lion and 1 Bobcat. I was riding when I saw the cats. I get off and make noise and go back to the pens. I was 5 feet away from the Moutain Lion. The Bobcat my friend warned me that it was on the hill coming toward where I was riding so I don't know how far away the bobcat was. There has been many other sightings as well. This has been making me scared to ride. I am afraid that the cat will hurt us or that my horse will bolt. This is damaging my confidence. Due to my fear my horse isn't getting as much exercise as he used to. I feel bad because my horse loves to be ridden but he dosen't get to as much because I am scared. Please Help Boost My Confidence! Thanks!

Answer

Riding out in the Rain Hi Annie!

YIKES!  I ride out with a bell on my saddle and pepper spray.  Cougars are a real danger when riding in the woods.  I live in the coast range of Oregon and we live right in the middle of Cougar (Mountain Lion) habitat.  My farm also as a very well used stream running along the entire western side of the property.  We have seen the same cat going to the stream for water and also hunting deer.  I am very wary.  These big cats are nothing to fool around with.  

I think the best way to build confidence is to build awareness, preparation, and skill.  NEVER, EVER get off your horse!!!  You are safe when you are on him.  Off of your horse in not good Annie, so please stay mounted.  You can also carry a pocket full of rocks and get good at aiming!  Most experts say that you are not to run away from these cats, but to make noise and drive them away.  Most of the big cats here in Oregon really want to stay away from humans and they will leave before we ever get a good look at them.  I also ride out with my German Shepherd dog.  Riding with a good dog will help.  Cougars just don't like dogs and will leave when they are around.  If everything falls apart and you are in contact with a very aggressive cat that will not leave, YOU leave, as fast as you can.  I wish I could paint a better picture, but fear works for us in many ways.  Trust your instincts.  If your gut is telling you to run home...run home!

I don't want you to give up riding out.  Report all sightings of Cougars to your local game department.  Go out in a group or with a friend.  Take a dog, pepper spray, a bell,  rocks and DON'T get off your horse.  I also always carry a knife with me.  It stays in my front pocket.  When you are out trail riding, always get into the habit of carrying a good, sharp knife in a holder on the belt of your breeches.  Make sure it folds, goes into a case that will hang from your belt.  This is something that is just good safety and a knife can really save you in so many different ways.  

Being prepared is very empowering.  Talk to the local fish and wildlife department and see what they recommend for your area.  And most important Annie, don't let the fear get the better of you.  You can't stop living your life because something bad MIGHT happen.  You could also get hit by a bus while leaving the library, so ride your horse, educate yourself on exactly what to do and how to do it, prepare and have fun!  Don't allow the fear of the unknown steal your joy.  

I'm not worried about Bobcats. They are small and they only hunt small game and are not a threat to the human or horses.  Get going with a buddy and ride!  Keep me posted.  

Smiles!  Denise