Need real expertise & real understanding Call our experienced team today
Horse safety on the roads
Credit – Humberside Police
12.02.2016
There seems to be a growing number of injuries and fatalities involving horses and riders. With the increase in traffic on the roads and lack of awareness of the risks (this sometimes includes riders as well as other road users) it is not surprising that there are more news stories of horses being killed or riders receiving serious injuries. Horse safety campaigns are on the increase but do we need to see more on mainstream TV and social media?
Minimise the risks when riding:
There are plenty of websites offering guidance for riding on the roads. In particular the British Horse Society continues to run safety campaigns and lobby the Government in order to ensure greater awareness of issues and try to minimise future accidents.
If you are involved in a horse related accident then you can report this to the BHS which in turn helps them to track the number of incidents across the UK.
If you are taking your horse or pony on the road then:
Wear fluorescent clothing so that other road users can see you as early as possible.
Fluorescent leg wraps and work sheets on your horse or pony help with visibility on the roads too.
Wear appropriate riding clothes/equipment i.e. hat & boots
Make eye contact with the driver (cyclist etc.) as early as possible so they know you have seen them.
Use appropriate hand signals.
Ride responsibly for the conditions i.e. avoid riding at dusk if possible.
Avoid riding two abreast. If you do then move over to allow traffic to pass when it is safe to do so.
Minimise distractions e.g. playing music or taking telephone calls.
Take a mobile phone in case of emergency only.
If you have a hatcam then footage may prove valuable should an incident occur. Always remember though that your own actions, behaviour and language will be recorded too.
Use common sense and courtesy. A thank you to considerate road users goes a long way!
