Worksafe NZ
During my research I stumbled upon a PDF produced by Worksafe NZ about working with horses (presumably for farm work horses, sport horse stables or trekking businesses etc) but I found a section within it for riding horses on the road which contained information that might be useful in regards to my project.
Road accidents involving horses and motor vehicles happen every year. Horses are easily frightened by noisy, large vehicles and other things they don’t normally meet in a stable or paddock.
Often motorists do not understand horse behaviour and drive too quickly and too closely to the horse.
Horses and motor vehicles should be kept apart. However, sometimes horses have to go onto the roads to access trails, or when training either horse or rider.
MANAGING THE HAZARD:
To reduce the risk:
- Avoid busy main roads as much as possible.
- Give clear and accurate signals, and remember other road users.
- Avoid riding in failing light or darkness. If you have to, wear reflective gear and fit leg bands above the horse’s fetlock joints.
- When teaching a horse to ride safely on the road, position a steady horse between the horse undergoing training and the road.
- Never ride more than two horses abreast on the road.
- Don’t ride on the road in foggy conditions.
- If there is more than one rider, cross in a group. If necessary, get a senior rider to dismount and control the road traffic while others cross.
- Most road surfaces are slippery, so conduct the ride at a walking pace. Don’t canter on grass verges.
- Riders must be clearly visible to motorists. Wear fluorescent and reflective vests and armbands and provide horses with leg bands.
- Ensure workers have enough information, instruction and training to ride safely on roads without putting themselves or others at risk.
- Acknowledge and return courtesy - a smile and a nod helps keep a good relationship between riders and other road users."