Environment and roads

Horse sense

Motorists and riders both have a right to safe and enjoyable travel. They share a responsibility to understand each other's needs.

Riders would prefer not to use the roads – but it is often necessary to reach bridleways and other off road facilities. It may not always be obvious to drivers why horses and riders are doing what they are doing, but there is usually a good reason.

Did you know?

• There are three million riders in Britain
• There are 25 million licensed vehicles on the road
• Over half of all road accidents involving horses happen
  on minor roads

It may not seem obvious at first, but there are usually good reasons for riding in double file.

• The horse on the inside may be young and nervous and needing the security of a steadier horse between it and the traffic
• The inside rider may be a child or a novice who needs escorting

Riders are advised to ride in single file where the road narrows and when approaching bends.

Riders are always advised to keep to the left of the road even when turning right – it is unsafe to position a horse between lines of traffic where they can panic, sandwiched with no escape route.

Horses are powerful animals but they are vulnerable and easily frightened. They can panic around fast moving cars.

When you see horses on the road PLEASE SLOW DOWN!

Manoeuvres

Riders should not be expected to signal right when approaching a roundabout. When on a roundabout, riders will normally signal right only when approaching exits they DO NOT intend to use. Riders will keep to the left within the roundabout until reaching their exit, when they should signal left.

Riders are often able to see and hear further ahead and may request a motorist to slow down or stop when they are aware of a potential danger, if they sense an impending danger or if they sense an action or reaction from their horse.

Tips for safer motoring around horses

• Watch out for horses being led or ridden on the road, taking extra care at left-hand bends and on narrow country roads
• Drive slowly past horses
• Give them plenty or room and be ready to stop
• Do not scare animals by sounding your horn or revving your engine
• Look out for horse riders’ signals and be aware that they may not move to the centre of the road prior to turning right
• Treat horses as a potential hazard and expect the unexpected

Mutual courtesy and care between motorists and riders is important to prevent intolerance and improve safety.

To help riders improve their road safety skills, the British Horse Society runs national Riding and Road Safety training and testing and a free leaflet 'How to be a safer rider' is available from their Safety Department:

British Horse Society,
British Equestrian Centre,
Stoneleigh Park,
Kenilworth,
Warwickshire
CV8 2LR.