Thought Dump Week 2

Riders Need To:

Wear hi-vis clothing and/or use hi-vis tack on their horse when riding on the roads'
Choose appropriate times for riding unless it can't be avoided (low sun at dusk can cause sunstrike for drivers, not riding in the fog or darkness etc)
Learn the hand signals to be able to communicate with drivers
Ride single file and keep to the left, using verges where safe/possible
Only ride two abreast when leading another horse or to create a barrier between motorists and a young horse or learner rider
Always use helmets and other appropriate clothing to help prevent injury
Always use appropriate tack so you are as in control of your horse as possible to help avoid accidents
Let someone know where and when you are going and when you expect to be back
When possible try to always road ride with other people
Be courteous to drivers and give them opportunities to pass you when you can safely move off the road
Be vigilant while riding to try and avoid spooking

Drivers Need To:

Start slowing down as soon as you see a horse and make sure you are going under 30km/h when passing a horse
Never pass too closely - try to alway give a horse and rider as much space as possible, preferably moving completely into the opposite lane
Wait patiently a safe distance behind a horse and rider for an opportunity to overtake, don't squeeze between a rider and an oncoming car
Don't rev your engine, toot your horn, or shout at the rider, loud noises can spook horses and may cause an accident
Watch for horse rider hand signals to gauge the riders intentions or incase they need to communicate to you
Don't get angry if riders are riding two abreast, this usually means the inside rider is a learner or is riding a young horse so be more considerate
Stop and allow a rider to calm their horse and regain control if a horse has spooked, don't try and push past as you may exacerbate the situation and cause an accident

Georgia's Major Project Workbook