Horse Awareness when Driving

A Tattenhaller recently alerted us to an incident of a car driving too fast near to a horse and rider. We thought it worthwhile to print advice from the British Horse Society.

In 2016, The British Horse Society launched its 'Dead? Or Dead Slow?' campaign to encourage drivers to pass horses safely.

With an increasing number of reported incidents involving riders and cars, they are building on a solid foundation of road safety education and campaigning to make drivers aware of what to do when they encounter horses on the road.

They have seen over 400 incidents reported from March 2017 to March 2018, as well over a quarter of riders reporting that they were subject to road rage or abuse.

FOUR SIMPLE STEPS

British Horse Society recommend these steps when passing horses:

• Slow down to 15mph
• Be patient, don't sound your horn or rev your engine
• Pass wide (at least a car's width)
• Drive slowly away.

ADVICE FOR RIDERS

There are many things they recommend riders can do to reduce the risk of becoming another statistic.

• Always wear hi-viz clothing and put hi-viz equipment on your horse – even on bright days, it is surprising how well a horse can be camouflaged against a hedge.
• Unless absolutely necessary, it is highly recommend you avoid riding in failing light, fog or darkness or when it is snowing or icy
• Show courtesy to drivers – if you show drivers appreciation of their efforts, then drivers should return the favour
• If you are riding a horse that is not used to roads, make sure you are accompanied by an experienced rider and horse
• Concentrate all the time
• Make sure you have told someone where you are going and what time you are expected back.

We urge local drivers to be horse-aware on these summer days.