Horseback Riding Safety While Road Riding

Horseback riding safety presents its own set of challenges when riding on the road. Instead of having to be concerned with just your horse and yourself, there are a variety of unknown and uncontrolled variables. In today’s world, drivers are increasingly distracted by cell phones, texting, hectic lifestyles and more drivers on the roadways. When paired with the fact that most drivers are not educated when it comes to horses, which puts horse and rider more at risk. As a result, horseback riding safety techniques are an integral part of horse and rider training.

As a mounted police officer, Mary Hamilton has had drivers blow their horse, release their air brakes and shoot her horse with a slingshot. Obviously, these drivers had no awareness of the dangerous situation that they were creating for horse and rider. And while you cannot control the motorists that you encounter while road riding, you can take control of how you handle the situation. When teaching riders horseback riding safety road rules, Rider’s Elite utilizes three horseback riding safety techniques: “Be Seen,” “Be Safe,” “Be Aware.”

Horseback Riding Safety Tip #1: Be Seen

Horseback riding safety tip #1 has to do with being seen. Reflective clothing for horse and rider are a must when road riding. These should include a reflective vest for the rider. For horses, reflective leg wraps, brow bands, breast collars and stirrup bars make your horse visible from all four sides. Additionally, an LED safety light can be attached to your saddle or person to increase visibility. The intermittent flashing attracts driver’s attention making your more visible to drivers. These are generally the inexpensive blinking red lights seen on bicyclists and can be purchased anywhere you can purchase biking equipment.

Horseback Riding Safety Tip #2: Be Safe

Horseback riding safety tip #2 requires a bit of soul searching. It is necessary for you to address your own abilities and challenges and to be honest with yourself. Ask yourself, “Am I ready?” This does not just mean are you mentally ready to handle road riding. It also addresses whether you are capable of handling the challenges that you “might” encounter on your ride.

You must also be honest with yourself about your horse’s ability. Is he reliable and road ready? Throughout your horsemanship training, you have exposed him to a variety of things, but have you included desensitization to the noise and movement of traffic? If not, invest in his education. Find the time, a trainer or a clinic to help prepare you both for road readiness.

Horseback Riding Safety Tip # 3: Be Aware

Horseback riding safety tip #3 is awareness. Being aware of your surroundings and the laws pertaining to road riding are important aspects of horseback riding safety. Your state motor vehicle office is an excellent source for rules regulating where and how to ride. When possible, we recommend riding against the flow of traffic to gain a better perspective of oncoming traffic. This can also help your horse gain confidence because he will be able to see the traffic as it approaches – rather than having cars appear suddenly behind him.

When crossing roadways, use your basic road crossing rules: Stop, Look and Listen. Most of us learned this very early on. Not it is time to put it to good use to keep yourself and your horse safe. Choose an area to cross where approaching cars are easily seen and heard. Remember, every bend in the road, intersection, crest of a hill or construction zone as a hazard. 

            Stop… before crossing the road. Use all your senses to get yourself tuned into your environment and everything going on around you. Horses have a natural herd instinct so be sure everyone in your group is ready to cross. Then cross in a single file line while walking. Never try to stop traffic to cross. Finally, before crossing make sure you have your horse’s full focus and attention before asking him to cross.     

Look… always. Check both directions for oncoming traffic. In addition, check ahead and behind you for any potential hazards. Mailboxes, flags or garbage tossed in ditches are perfect spooking material. Look at the road surface to assess its footing. Be aware of road surface dangers. Asphalt roads can be very slippery especially when wet.  Gravel roads with large stones can cause “stone bruises”, tender footedness or your horse to stumble. Evaluate what you see to determine whether this is a good location for you to cross.

            Listen… for approaching cars. Engine sounds give you clues on the speed and type of vehicle that is approaching. Pay attention to where your horse is listening. Your horse’s ears are his radar and can generally hear sounds before we do. They will point their ears in the direction of the sound, which tells you where to look.

Finally, be aware of your own tension and nervousness. These emotions are transmitted to your horse. When riding on the road, it is imperative that you stay relaxed, cool, calm and centered for your horse’s benefit. If you anticipate a problem and tense up every time a vehicle approaches, your horse will too. He looks to you for confidence and leadership.

Horseback Riding Safety is Paramount on Roadways

Horseback riding safety is of the utmost importance when you choose to ride on roadways. Select road with minimal traffic, lower speed limits, good solid footing and a wide shoulder. This gives you maximum response time and room to maneuver when you need to. Remember to “be seen”, “be safe” and “be aware.” Contact Rider’s Elite for a Horsemanship Training Clinic to help develop horseback riding safety. Written by: Mary Hamilton Mounted Police Instructor