It is a fact that horse riders are forced out on the roads more and more frequently, as the countryside becomes more built up and crowded. Often this is not by choice. Either there is no off-road hacking to enjoy, or we are forced to negotiate major roads to get to some decent hacking ground. The salient point here is that horse riders do not go on the roads as a deliberate act to annoy and inconvenience car drivers. Honest. Horses can do considerable damage to cars in the event of an altercation but the horse *always* comes off worse.
The majority of riders seek to ensure that their horses are as traffic-proof as possible, but horses will always be horses and have a tendency to spook at things your average non-horsey person would consider silly. Horses are prey animals, first and foremost. Instinct tells them to get the hell out and ask questions later. And who can blame them; this instinct has kept them alive since time immemorial. In many instances, a pile of refuse bags stacked on the side of the road can present a horse with as much consternation as a large lorry coming past releasing its air brakes at an inopportune moment.
In order to make the experience of horses on roads as safe as possible for all concerned, there are clearly responsibilities on the part of both the motorist and the horse owner.

The Horse Owner

(1) Ensure your horse is well schooled and obedient (!)
(2) As a rider you should be fully aware of the Highway Code and how it relates to horses on the highway.
(3) ALWAYS wear reflective clothing, both for you and your horse. You may think you are very obviously visible but all it takes is a bright day and for you to be riding in the shade; under these circumstances it is *very* difficult for drivers to see you until it's too late. Should the worst happen and you are involved in an accident, if you are wearing reflective gear then at least you can point out that you took every precaution to warn other road users of your presence. In the same spirit, it is a good idea to wear a reflective tabard bearing the legend "Please pass wide and slow". It may be obvious to you, but it's best not to make assumptions about other road users, particularly where your safety, and that of your horse, is concerned.
(4) Carry a mobile phone (switched off). Handy in any number of situations, it could be the difference between life and death. Also handy for storing the registration numbers of motorists who don't show you consideration on the roads. It's always worth following these things up with the police, because the next rider they come across may not be so lucky.
(5) SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION TO CONSIDERATE DRIVERS. This fact cannot be emphasised too strongly. A lot of people still think horse riders are rich and snooty and have no business on the roads, which is a great way of building up resentment. Every time you let a driver past without thanking him/her for their consideration, you increase the chances that they may not be as considerate next time. It's not enough that most riders are appreciative - just one arrogant rider can be enough to make the difference for the next rider that an irate motorist comes across. If you can't take a hand from the reins, smile and nod, but acknowledge them somehow. I ride and drive on the roads and it really annoys me to slow right down for a horse, only to be completely ignored by the rider. Even as a rider myself, my first thought is "well bollocks then".

The Motorist

(1) Appreciate that horses are unpredictable even with the most experienced rider. Their field of vision extends almost 180 degrees on either side, so their chances of spotting a spooky item is really rather impressive. Therefore it is very important to SLOW DOWN and give the horse(s) a wide berth. If driving a vehicle with squeaky brakes, or air brakes for that matter, please try not to let them squeal or hiss - such noises are likely to promote a burst of the finest equine version of the Riverdance you are ever likely to see. While some people may find this entertaining, I'm sure most of us would like to avoid having a horse tap-dancing on our bonnet where possible.
(2) Be aware of the Highway Code and how it relates to horses. The majority of riders are considerate road users and will move in to allow traffic to pass where possible, and indicate that it is safe to overtake them when appropriate. However, common sense must prevail and if a rider indicates to you as a motorist that it is safe to overtake them on a blind bend - hang back! Riders may also indicate to drivers to slow down, usually with very good reason - please listen to them if they do so. More rants Back to the Main Page
Copyright Rachael Arse Johnson 2000