This means that you should stop and move your bike to the side of the trail or off the trail, if necessary, before hikers and equestrians feel compelled to do so. Horses feel more comfortable when you are below them rather than above them. Talk to the horses as they approach. If you approach hikers and equestrians from behind, let them know that you are approaching before you get so close that you frighten them. You may have to wait until equestrians have found a wide place, have moved their horses off the trail, and have turned the horses around so that they may see you.
Horses vary a lot in their responses to mountain bikers.
More experienced horses may pay no attention to you. Less experienced horses may panic easily. Follow the instructions of the rider. This will decrease fear. It is interesting to note that bicyclists are not afraid of other bicyclists, and that hikers are not afraid of other hikers, and that equestrians are not afraid of other equestrians.