Horse Riders
Riders
Warwickshire is known throughout the country for horse riding, with the Riding for the Disabled Association opening their first training centre in the south of the county in 2019. While many riders enjoy riding on our bridleways, on occasion riders have to use the roads. In Warwickshire we have seen an increase in reports of near miss incidents involving horses.
The Highway Code was updated on 29 January 2022. The key changes relating to Horse riders are:
- Vehicles should now pass horses at no more than 10mph and must allow at least 2 metres of space when passing
- Hierarchy of road users – pedestrians are listed as the most vulnerable road user, followed by horses and cyclists. This new rule highlights that, irrespective of method of transport, those who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others.
Riders can also protect themselves and their horses by ensuring they are wearing high visibility items at all times of day throughout the year to make you as visible as possible to other road users.
Working together with the British Horse Society the partnership have developed and purchased a stock of ‘Dead Slow’ campaign boards for distribution to livery yards, farms and stables across Warwickshire to raise awareness of the new Highway Code changes and illustrating how to pass horses safely. If you are interested in displaying a board for us please email sharonhilton@warwickshire.gov.uk
Drivers
Horses are flight animals and can be easily startled. Riders are often children or young people. The partnership encourages other road users to pass horses and riders carefully on the roads.
- Slow down to a maximum of 10mph.
- Be patient, don’t sound your horn or rev your engine
- Pass the horse wide and slow, (if safe to do so) at least 2 meters.
- Drive slowly away.
An interactive video called ‘Whats on Your Horizon’ was funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner in collaboration with the British Horse Society.
