PASSING A HORSE SAFELY

Unfortunately, the British Horse Society has reported that nearly two horses are killed each week on UK roads. With that in mind, here are some tips from Richard Gladman, Head of Driving and Riding Standards at IAM RoadSmart, on how best to pass a horse safely.

If you're approaching a horse from behind:

1. Slow down and hold back. Make sure it's safe to approach and overtake. Stay at least three car lengths behind and be careful to not move into this space. Be prepared to slow down further or even stop to protect yourself and the horse and rider. Avoid any sudden movements and loud noises such as revving the engine and playing your music loudly. Most riders, and occasionally their horses will be in hi-vis so you should see them and able to slow down in good time. Remember in the countryside they could be around any corner.

2. When passing the horse and rider make sure you give plenty of space. We recommend at least a car's width and ensure it's done slowly. Remember to always pass "wide and slow" and to stick to 15mph or under. Take a look at this video explaining it from the British Horse Society: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJfZM41oUOE

3. If you're on a country road and there's not much room to manoeuvre around the horse, the rider may decide to trot towards the nearest lay by or grass verge. Do not speed up to match their trot, stay back and allow the rider to get to safety before over taking.
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