Safe, sound and seen

A highway is not a horse’s natural habitat, and many drivers are unfamiliar with equines, but you can reduce the risk of riding on the roads. Briony Reed finds out how

- Briony Reed

Myths and misconceptions

HIGH-VIS MESSAGES

ALAN HISCOX says: “Caution messages on high-vis jackets do not influence or impact liability claims. Liability in any accident will depend on the circumstances, but use of conspicuous clothing will maximise the likelihood that other road users will detect horses and riders. There is a little-to-no direct evidence that warnings on high-vis clothing increase its effectiveness, and the BHS recommends keeping messages to a minimum to ensure the effectiveness of the jacket is not compromised.”

SIGNALLING TRAFFIC

RIDERS should not signal traffic to pass them, even if the road ahead is clear. It is the driver’s responsibility to assess the risk of passing a horse and rider, and they should do so only if they are certain that there is space and time for them to pass.

ROAD riding is no one’s first choice, but is often a necessary evil. Keeping yourself and your horse safe is crucial, and as our roads get ever busier it makes sense to ramp up your precautions to the maximum.

Prepare yourself and your horse before you even set hoof on the tarmac. Alan Hiscox, director of safety at the British Horse Society (BHS), says: “It is important to familiarise yourself with the Highway Code and follow its guidance on how you should behave on the road and interact with other road users. Make sure you can control your horse and, if your horse is nervous, ride with horses who are confident on the roads.