Road safety
Courtesy and staying safe • In the event of an accident
QI’ve been riding for only 18 months and bought my first horse six months ago. Recently I moved yards and the new hacking is fantastic, but it takes 10 minutes on the roads to reach it. I’m apprehensive about this. How can we stay safe? Caroline Anderson, Morpeth
Zoe says... First and foremost, only take your horse on the road when both you and he are in a suitable frame of mind. We’ve all been there when we’ve had a real stinker of a day at work, and probably ought to avoid activities like riding in traffic that demand total concentration. Recognise when it’s not a good idea to take out half a ton of snorting muscle, and stay off the roads.
Courtesy counts
Thank all drivers, including those who could have done more — but not those who are driving dangerously, of course. My mission as a police officer and equestrian is to build tolerance and understanding between car drivers and horse riders. Most of us fall into both camps, but when we’re on the road with our much-loved hay burner, we tend to see everything from just the rider’s perspective. If we, as horse riders, sometimes feel aggrieved when we’re driving, imagine how folk with no affinity for our mobile mowers feel. It doesn’t take much to give a negative opinion, so, for the sake of all our safety, thank all drivers to encourage desired
behaviour. Put your hand up (if you feel secure enough), smile and give a big nod.
Be seen, be safe
Wear hi-vis. Nowadays there are many lightweight items in a variety of retinaassaulting colours to suit every budget and occasion! It’s easy to increase your visibility and improve the safety of both you and your horse. Ideally opt for gear that can be seen all the way round and that moves, as moving items catch folks’ attention. Don’t keep it for winter either — summer days can have shadows and hidden dark spots too.