Due to the shrinking bridleway network, most horse riders will inevitably need to ride on the road at some point. It could be to reach an off-road route or even to connect one bridleway to another.
Either way, it is important for all road users to work collaboratively together to ensure horses, equestrians and drivers remains safe.
With the number of equine related incidents continuing to rise, this has never been more critical. Since 2010, over 12,000 incidents have been logged via equine charity, The British Horse Society’s (BHS) Horse i app. Of these, 44 caused rider deaths and 570 resulted in a horse dying from their injuries.
The Highway Code changes, which includes a reduction in the advisory passing speed from 15mph to 10mph and a repositioning of horses alongside cyclists in the Hierarchy of Road Users, offers clear guidance to road users including drivers.
Other key changes include:
- Vehicles should allow at least 2 metres of space when passing horses.
- The BHS’s Dead Slow messaging is now incorporated.
- Feral and semi-feral horses on Exmoor, Dartmoor and the New Forest are now included.
There are steps that equestrians can take too, in order to maximise the safety of their horse. The British Horse Society have outlined some helpful tips and advice for horse riders and carriage drivers when heading out:
Make eye contact with drivers and thank those who make an effort to accommodate you. Treat others as you wish to be treated yourself.
Always kit yourself and your horse out in hi-vis, reflective clothing and equipment, regardless of whether you ride on or off the road, the time of day, season or weather conditions.
The BHS recommend a minimum of a tabard or jacket for a rider, and leg bands for the horse. Wearing hi-vis when you’re using the road can give other road users extra time to react, which could save the life of both you and your horse.
Using signals when riding on the road helps to make sure other road users know what you intend to do. This is especially important when approaching junctions, passing a hazard or turning off the road.
Always let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to be back, so they can raise the alarm should you fail to return within a reasonable time. You can also ‘Share My Location’ if you have a smartphone for extra security.
This will enable you to call for help should the need arise, as well as providing access to maps. The app “what3words” can help pinpoint your location in the case of an emergency.
And don’t forget, although tempting to check your phone for calls and messages, using your mobile phone whilst riding is illegal and very dangerous.
This includes any dangerous or irresponsible driving. Reporting incidents to the police, and logging them via the BHS’s Horse i app, will help to form a better understanding of the rate of equine-related incidents. It’ll also help the equine charity lobby for change in safety laws.
The BHS’s Ride Safe Award will give equestrians the confidence to ride in the environments they are most often faced with, including on the road, keeping themselves and their horse safe. It is also recognised in the Highway Code and recommended as best practice.
Equine charity, The British Horse Society is dedicated to making the world safer for all horses, and those who love them. Their Dead Slow campaign continues to gain momentum across the UK, all with an aim of reducing the number of incidents, and fatalities, involving horses and riders on the road.
To learn more about the BHS and the work they do to support equine road safety, visit: bhs.org.uk/safety
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