THE winter months are probably the most common time for horse owners to want to hack their horses on the road. For many this is their only option as their field may be too wet and boggy to ride on and they may not have access to an arena.

Riding on the road has many benefits for horse and rider. For fit competition horses it is a nice way to warm up or cool down after a hard ride. It can allow the horse to switch off and the change of scenery can often do them the world of good.

However, alarming statistics from the British Horse Society (BHS) revealed nearly two horses a week are being killed on British roads, with 845 incidents involving horses and drivers reported to the BHS in 2018.

The BHS collates statistics each year to understand the rate of incidents involving horses and riders on British roads. In 2018, 87 horses and four people were tragically killed while riding on the roads and 73% of incidents reported occurred due to vehicles passing by too closely.

They are calling on drivers to slow down to a maximum of 20km/h when they see a horse on the road and to be patient should they meet a horse on the road – do not sound your horn or rev the engine. Pass wide and slow (if safe to do so) at least a car’s width if possible. Drive away slowly.

The importance of wearing high-visibility clothing when riding on the road must not be underestimated. No matter what the weather is like or how clear of a day it may be. It is definitely worth investing in proper high-vis gear, especially if you ride on the road often.

A high-visibility quarter sheet for your horse will greatly improve the driver’s ability to see you on the road and is especially important should you fall off while hacking and your horse bolts. TRI stock high-quality lightweight high-visibility exercise sheets for €69.95.

I find this particularly handy for my cob who only does light hacking now.

Lightweight

He no longer gets clipped during the winter so the lightweight breathable fabric means he doesn’t get too warm while hacking on the road.

I am lucky in that the road I hack on is straight the entire way with no dangerous bends. The only downside is that the speed limit is 80km/h.

I always wear a high-vis top myself but ever since I started putting the exercise sheet on my horse I have noticed more drivers slowing down.

Dangerous

I don’t know if this is because they have more respect for us on the road because we are dressed appropriately or if they see the sheet as a warning that the horse may do something dangerous. Regardless of the reason it is a positive outcome.

Ideally you always should have at least one piece of high-vis equipment on yourself and your horse to ensure safety while hacking on the roads.

Horse road safety at a glance

THE following guidelines from the Road Safety Authority on riding on the road are easy to follow and can make a huge difference:

  • Always tell someone where you intend to go and when you will return.
  • Always check that your tack is in good repair and fits your horse correctly.
  • Always check that your horse’s shoes are in a safe condition to go on the road.
  • Always plan to ride safe routes.
  • Keep away from busy roads if possible.
  • Always wear a riding helmet that meets current safety standards.
  • Always make sure that drivers can see you at all times regardless of weather conditions.
  • Always show courtesy to other road users. A smile and a nod are enough if it is safer to keep your hands on the reins.
  • Always give clear and accurate hand signals.
  • Always remain alert, attentive and observant. Remember the Life Saver Look at junctions – it could save your life.
  • Never ride in rush hour traffic.
  • Never ride in fading light or dangerous weather conditions.
  • Never ride on unsafe roads or roads prone to ice in cold weather.
  • Never use a mobile phone or music player that may distract your attention or affect your control of your horse.
  • Never bring a novice horse on the road unless it has the company of an experienced horse.
  • Never bring a child or novice rider on the road unless they are mounted on an experienced horse and in the company of an experienced rider.
  • Never take a large group of riders on the road without a safety plan. Divide into smaller groups. Each group should have an experienced leader at the front and back. Leave a space between groups for a vehicle to pass safely.
  • Never allow a horse to break away from the group.