Horses on the road - advice for drivers and riders
Horse sense for drivers
Slow down when you see a horse, and drive slowly past them
Give them plenty of 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
Riders of horses and ponies are often children - so please take extra care
Treat horses as a potential hazard and expect the unexpected.
Road awareness for horse riders
Riders should know the Highway Code and avoid main or busy roads if possible.
The rider should always remain in control of the horse keeping rein contact. Horses are unpredictable and riding with a loose rein can result in an accident if the horse is startled.
Always look behind regularly to be aware of traffic behind and continually look and listen for hazards which may alarm the horse. hazards should be avoided, taking a detour if possible so as not to alarm the horse.
The average speed of vehicles on the minor roads is 40-45mph. For a car travelling at 40mph it will take him/her almost the full length of a dressage arena (36 metres) to stop.
Riders should wear high visibility clothing. Fluorescent and reflective ankle bands and stirrup lights are particularly effective.
Try not to use busy roads when exercising horses, unless you have no alternative quieter or “off road” route.
Give drivers consideration and courtesy, anticipating that most drivers do not ride and may not understand a horse rider’s perspective on road use.
Take the British Horse Society’s road proficiency test before using roads and make sure that you (and your horse if possible) wear items which are fluorescent, reflective and easily seen by drivers.
Never ride more than two abreast on road, and ride in single file where the road narrows or near bends.