We have lots of black bears here in Southern Oregon. The horses have sort of a non-reaction to them. We worry more about the cougars. They really do seem to scare the horses and Hunter is very afraid of the occassional elk.
Abby and I were out on a ride in the Spring and came across a very large sleepy looking cinnamon-colored bear . Usually they amble off the trail and disappear. Thinking back, I suspect we could have ridden past this particular bear, but we got off our horses and waved out arms and shouted. It finally moved slowly away. These bears are pretty harmless. Nancy
