Motorists and riders both have a right to use Britain's roads - a right to safe and enjoyable travel. Both share a responsibility to understand each other's needs.
Riders would prefer not to use the roads - but it is often necessary to reach bridleways and other facilities off the road. It may not always be obvious to vehicle drivers why horses and riders are doing what they are doing, but there is usually a good reason.
This information aims to help motorists understand the needs of riders and their horses, to counter the intolerance that can sometimes develop - improving safety for all.
Did you know?
There are three million riders in Britain
There are 25 million licensed vehicles on the road
Over half of all road accidents involving horses happen on minor roads
It may not seem obvious at first, but there are usually good reasons for riding in double file
the horse on the inside may be young and nervous and needing the security of a steadier horse between them and the traffic
the rider inside may be a child or a novice who needs escorting
Riders are advised to ride in single file where the road narrows and when approaching bends
Riders are always advised to keep to the left of the road even when turning right - it is unsafe to position a horse between lines of traffic where they can panic, sandwiched with no escape route
Drivers- Horses are powerful animals but they are vunerable, easily frightened and can panic around fast-moving cars, so when you see horses on the road PLEASE SLOW DOWN
Manoeuvres
Turning right
When turning right a rider should make the following manoeuvres:
taking the shortest route across the road at point B
At roundabouts
Riders should not be expected to signal right when approaching a roundabout. When on a roundabout, riders will normally signal right only when approaching exits they DO NOT intend to use. Riders will keep to the left within the roundabout until reaching their exit, when they should signal left.
Signalling
I am turning right
I am turning left
Please slow down
Please stop
Riders are often able to see and hear further ahead and may request a motorist to slow down or stop when they are aware of a potential danger or they sense an impending action or reaction from their horse.
Tips for safer motoring around horses
Watch out for horses being led or ridden on the road, taking extra care at left-hand bends and on narrow country roads
Drive slowly past horses
Give them plenty of room and be ready to stop
Do not scare animals by sounding your horn or revving your engine
Look out for horse riders' signals and be aware that they may not move to the centre of the road prior to turning right
Riders of horses and ponies are often children - so take extra care
Treat horses as a potential hazard and expect the unexpected!
Mutual courtesy and care between motorists and riders is important to prevent intolerance and improve safety - always acknowledging a courtesy does make a difference even if for a rider a wave of acknowledgement is not always possible when sometimes two hands are needed to keep control.
To help riders improve their road safety skills, the British Horse Society runs national Riding and Road Safety training and testing and a free leaflet 'How to be a safe rider' is available from their Safety Department at the following address:
British Horse Society
British Equestrian Centre
Stonleigh Park
Kenilworth
Warwickshire CV8 2LR
