Advice regarding horse road safety
Most collisions on the road involving horses happen when the horse is struck from behind.
Horses and their riders are extremely vulnerable in a collision and can be seriously – sometimes fatally – injured.
You must always be careful when passing horses and riders on the road. A horse may startle. The rider may be a child or an adult in training. Never pass unless it is safe to do so. be alert when approaching riding schools or places where horses are likely to appear; take special care when overtaking horses, especially loose horses or horse-drawn vehicles. This is particularly relevant at junctions where motorists are advised to keep a safe distance from horses and riders; slow down when approaching a horse and rider. Be prepared to stop and let them pass; obey a signal to slow down or stop from someone in charge of a horse.
They may know about a potential hazard which you cannot see or hear. pass by slowly, driving wide of the horse and rider; don’t use your horn or lights in a way that might startle or blind a horse.
This could cause the rider to lose control of the animal; if you are carrying a roof load or towing a trailer, take special care when passing horses; if you drive a heavy goods vehicle, know the dimensions of your load. Be aware that the sound of airbrakes might startle the horse; and show courtesy to riders and their horses, and take steps to minimise engine and other noise when passing safely.
Always drive at a speed that allows you to stop: safely in a controlled way; on the correct side of the road; within the distance you can see to be clear; and without risk to you, your passengers or other road users.