As the weather is improving we are seeing an increase in horses being ridden along roads and country lanes and it will only increase. we have recently received a few concerns over the safety of these horses and riders, so have decided to send out the below information to remind people to be cautious. There are Thousands of regular riders, so there’s a fair chance you’ll come across horses and riders on the road at some point. Responsible riders will try to avoid busy or fast roads and will wear high-visibility clothing, but driving carefully, particularly around bends on narrow roads, will help you spot horses and riders in time and react safely. If you do spot a horse: Slow right down and be ready to stopGive them a wide berth – at least a car’s width where possible – and pass slowlyAvoid any actions likely to spook the horse such as splashing them with puddles, sounding your horn or revving your engineWatch out for signals from the rider to slow down or stopDon’t expect all riders to raise their hand in thanks when you drive considerately – if it’s not possible to take a hand off the reins and maintain control, most will smile or nod their thanks insteadAccelerate gently once you've passed the horse Sharing the roads: Please Bear in mind Rider and horse may both be inexperienced and nervous in trafficA horse and rider intending to turn right will stay on the left until they reach the turn – unlike a cyclist or motorcyclist who will pull across to the centre of the road well beforeRiders generally try to avoid difficult junctions like roundabouts. If they do use them expect riders to keep left and signal right across exits to show that they’re not leaving. Slow down and allow them plenty of roomHorses are 'flight' animals which makes them unpredictable and easily scaredIf something like a speeding car or a barking dog frightens a horse, its natural reaction will be to get away from whatever scared it.This will be sudden and could take them straight into the road and the path of your carEven an experienced rider on a well-behaved horse will struggle to control a horse in this situationCountry lanes are the most common place you’ll encounter horses Advice for riders: The Highway Code gives detailed advice to riders: Wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing in daylight and reflective clothing at night or in poor visibilityIt’s safer not to ride on the road at night or in poor visibilityRide with other, less nervous horses if you think that your horse will be nervous of trafficKeep to the left on the roadMove in the direction of the traffic flow in a one-way streetNever ride more than two abreastRide in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bendsAvoid roundabouts wherever possible.Also please refrain from using a mobile phone whilst riding a horse, your full attention should be on the horse and the surroundings. Horse-drawn vehicles: If you come across a horse-drawn carriage on the road bear in mind that: With a horse in front, a cart is likely to be longer than a car; don't cut in too sharply after passingCarriage drivers will use hand signals and position themselves in the road as a car would |