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.

Here are some tips to stay safe when riding on our roads.

• Make sure you and your horse are wearing high visibility and bright clothing so other road users will be able to see you more clearly.
• You should ride on the left-hand side of the road, near the kerb.
• When overtaking hazards such as parked cars give yourself lots of room.
• Always carry a mobile phone with you in case of an emergency but do not use your phone while riding.

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.

The partnership works with the British Horse Society to raise awareness of their ‘Dead? Or Dead Slow?’ Campaign with signs being placed across our county’s roads to remind drivers. 

An interactive video  called ‘Whats on Your Horizon’ was funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner in collaboration with the British Horse Society.