Equestrian

Due to North Yorkshire’s rural nature it’s not unusual to spot horse riders out on the roads.  

With around 149 accidents involving horses on our roads every year, and over 50 percent of these happening on minor rural roads, both riders and motorists need to be aware of their responsibilities on the roads.
 
 
 To stay safe when riding on the roads follow the simple checklist below:
 
Do

• Read and know the appropriate sections of the Highway Code
• Wear protective headgear to the current approved standard; BS EN1384, PAS015 or ASTM F1163. Make sure that it is correctly fitted and secured at all times
• Check your tack before you set off
• Make sure that you can be seen by motorists at all times. Wear fluorescent or reflective clothing. Use leg bands on your horse and a tabard or jacket for yourself
• Thank motorists who are courteous to you and return courtesy; a smile and a nod are enough if your hands are full
• Keep away from busy main roads wherever possible
• Ride on the left hand side of the road
• Give clear and accurate signals
• Lead on the left of the road; with the horse on your left whether mounted or dismounted. Keep yourself between the led horse and the traffic
• Take the Pony Club or British Horse Society Riding and Road Safety training
 
Don’t

• Ride in the dark
• Ride on roads known to be dangerous for horses
• Attempt to accustom a green horse to roads and traffic without a more experienced, reliable horse present
• Take a mounted group of more than eight horses on the road
• Ride more than two abreast on the road
• Panic if your horse slips and falls. Stay calm and let him find his feet. Check he is uninjured and remount once you are on non slippery ground
• Ride on the road in foggy conditions
• Trot on slippery surfaces
• Trickle over a major road crossing; always cross in a group
 
For more information visit the British Horse Society website or contact us with your questions
 
 
 
Further information also available from the Pony Club