Riding On the Roads

 

Whether we want to or not, the fact remains that the vast majority of riders do have to venture out onto the roads, at least some, if not all of the time.

With approximately 26 million licensed vehicles on the roads today, this places riders very much in the minority. The statistics are frightening:- approximately 8 horse related accidents happen every day, and even worse 50% of all horse related accidents happen on minor roads, the very roads most of us venture out on.

 

 

The situation could be better. As riders we have a responsibility not only for our horses and ourselves, but also to other road users to make sure that they have the best possible chance to see us and give us the respect we deserve.

 

 
On a subconscious level, fluorescent equipment sends a warning to drivers of a hazard ahead; at a distance they may not be able to ascertain whether that hazard is a workman, a horse and rider or a policeman and will hopefully begin to slow down as a precaution, allowing for more time to react if needed.

 

The following is not intended to be the complete guide to riding safely on the roads, but will hopefully give some useful tips to ensure that we share our roads safely so that we all may enjoy them.

 

 

STAY SAFE, BE SEEN

Always wear fluorescent/reflective accessories, in both the winter or summer seasons. (make them an indispensable item of your riding wardrobe.)

 

 

Ride on the left hand side of the road.

 
Give clear and accurate hand signals - familiarise yourself with them, these are shown in the Highway Code.

 

Always wear a correctly fitted riding hat to the current standard and check all tack is safe and fitted correctly.

 
Always thank motorists who are courteous to you - a nod of the head can be enough if you can't take your hands from the reins, or even a smile.

 
THINK ahead - if you can see cars approaching from the front and hear vehicles approaching from behind be ready with the appropriate hand signal to slow or stop the traffic behind you.

 

Don't ride out in fog or after dark.

 

And finally, if you encounter an act of driving that places you and your horse at risk take the vehicle licence number and report the incident to the Police.

 

Dealing with Obstacles

 

 

1.Walk on the left of the road until you are a short distance away from the obstacle.

 

 

2. Check over your shoulder for potential traffic approaching from behind and check for traffic ahead.

 

 

3. Signal your intentions to move around the obstacle.

 
4. Take a firm contact of the reins and move around the obstacle. 5. Keep plenty of distance between you and the obstacle, to avoid the horse from becoming frightened. 6. Return to the left hand side of the road. Remember to Thank any road users that have been patiently waiting for you to finish moving around the obstacle.

 

Useful tips

 
If it is necessary for you to dismount your horse and lead them, then do so, but put yourself between the horse and the traffic by walking on the off-side (right) of the horse.
Let your horse or pony know that there is a car or cyclist coming up behind them, by turning their head slighty to the inside. This should prevent the horse from becoming frightened.
 

 

Footpaths are out of bounds to horses. (See the Highway Code Section 40.)

 

  
You can ride on the grass verges, unless it is somebodies garden. Stay at a walking pace. Riding on roads is recommended rather than verges, as drivers might see you on the verge and think it is safe to pass you at speed.
Finally take your ride and road safety test through the BHS. Dates are listed in the 'Ride and Road Safety Test' section within this website or visit the BHS website www.bhs.org.uk

 

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